The transition to a sustainable future is no longer a distant goal. It is an urgent necessity. Across the United Kingdom, several leading companies are not only setting ambitious net zero targets but also making significant progress toward achieving them. AstraZeneca, BT Group, Sainsbury’s, Unilever, and Aviva are among those leading the way, proving that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with long-term business success.

AstraZeneca: Pioneering Sustainable Healthcare

AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical leader, is taking bold steps toward environmental sustainability. The company has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 2045 through its Ambition Zero Carbon programme. A central feature of this initiative includes a near-term goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 98 percent by 2026, using 2015 as a baseline year. These emissions primarily come from sources the company directly controls, such as its facilities and vehicles.

To reach these ambitious targets, AstraZeneca is taking a multi-pronged approach. The company is transitioning all its global operations to run on 100 percent renewable energy. It is also working to electrify its global fleet of vehicles, thereby eliminating emissions from company transport. Furthermore, significant investments are being made in improving energy efficiency in all facilities through upgraded systems, better insulation, and real-time energy monitoring.

AstraZeneca has identified that Scope 3 emissions, those originating from its supply chain and other indirect sources make up over 95 percent of its total carbon footprint. The company is aiming to reduce these emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and by 90 percent by 2045. Achieving these targets involves working closely with suppliers to encourage them to set science-based emissions reduction goals. AstraZeneca is also exploring nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and wetland restoration, to help offset unavoidable emissions.

In addition to energy and emissions initiatives, the company is redesigning its products for sustainability, such as developing a new version of its Breztri inhaler that uses a propellant with 99.9 percent lower global warming potential.

BT Group: Connecting a Greener Future

BT Group, one of the UK's leading telecommunications providers, has been a pioneer in environmental sustainability for more than thirty years. It was one of the first major UK companies to set carbon reduction targets, and it continues to lead by example. BT has committed to becoming a net zero carbon emissions business across its own operations by the end of March 2031, and to achieve net zero status across its entire value chain, including supply chain and customer emissions, by March 2041.

BT is implementing a number of initiatives to reach these targets. The company purchases 100 percent renewable electricity for all of its UK operations. This is part of a broader decarbonisation strategy that includes upgrading its network infrastructure to be more energy efficient, optimising heating and cooling systems in buildings, and improving digital tools for monitoring and managing energy usage.

In addition to reducing its own emissions, BT is working toward becoming a fully circular business by March 2030. This means all of its products and materials are either reused, refurbished, or recycled at the end of their life. Millions of routers and set-top boxes are now returned by customers and reconditioned for reuse. The company is also designing devices with sustainability in mind, using fewer materials and components that are easier to recycle.

BT is also in the process of transitioning its entire fleet of over 33,000 vehicles to electric or zero-emission alternatives by 2030. This shift is expected to significantly reduce operational emissions and support the broader transition to clean transportation in the UK.

Sainsbury’s: Greening the Grocery Aisle

Sainsbury’s, one of the UK's largest and most recognisable supermarket chains, has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2035 and across its entire value chain by 2040. To support this goal, the company has pledged to invest £1 billion over two decades in various environmental initiatives.

The company’s approach is wide-ranging. It includes energy-saving measures such as converting all stores to LED lighting, improving refrigeration efficiency, and adopting smart energy management systems. In some locations, Sainsbury’s is also installing solar panels and using low-carbon heating and cooling technologies.

A significant portion of the company’s carbon footprint comes from transportation. To address this, Sainsbury’s is piloting low-carbon fuels for its delivery fleet, including biomethane and electric trucks. It is also improving route efficiency to reduce fuel usage and emissions.

Sainsbury’s has made strong commitments to reduce plastic waste. It plans to halve its use of plastic packaging by 2025 by switching to recyclable and reusable alternatives. The company is also aiming to reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2030, and any surplus food is redirected to charities and community organisations.

Water conservation is another key focus area. The company is investing in rainwater harvesting systems and recycling water for use in store operations. Additionally, Sainsbury’s is working with suppliers to improve water efficiency in agricultural practices.

The supermarket is also committed to supporting biodiversity. It promotes sustainable farming practices, supports pollinator-friendly initiatives, and is working to protect natural habitats that support the UK’s ecosystems.

Unilever: Sustainable Living Everyday

Unilever, a major global player in consumer goods, has long been known for its progressive stance on sustainability. The company is working toward achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by 2039. This includes its operations, logistics, suppliers, and product usage by consumers.

Since 2020, Unilever has powered its operations worldwide with 100 percent renewable grid electricity. The company is also increasing the use of on-site renewable energy sources such as solar and wind installations at its manufacturing facilities. Energy efficiency measures, including LED lighting, heat recovery systems, and smart controls, are being widely implemented.

Unilever has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from logistics. It is investing in electric and hybrid delivery vehicles, using alternative fuels like bioethanol, and optimising delivery routes. These efforts are complemented by the use of digital tools to monitor emissions and identify further areas for improvement.

In collaboration with suppliers, Unilever’s Supplier Climate Programme helps partners set their own science-based targets. The company is also focused on tracking and disclosing emissions at the product level, giving it deeper insights into where emissions occur and how to reduce them.

Unilever is addressing packaging waste by committing to make all plastic packaging fully reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. It also plans to halve its use of virgin plastic by then. Several brands under Unilever’s umbrella are already offering refillable and concentrated products that reduce packaging and emissions.

Aviva: Insuring a Low Carbon Future

Aviva is a leading UK-based insurance and asset management company, and it was the first major insurer globally to set a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. The company aims to achieve this across all of its operations, supply chain, and investments.

Aviva has already achieved net zero carbon emissions in its own operations. All of its offices are powered by renewable electricity, and it is transitioning to an entirely electric or hybrid vehicle fleet by 2025. The company is also reducing travel-related emissions by promoting remote work and virtual collaboration.

A major focus for Aviva is green finance. Since 2019, the company has invested over £8.7 billion in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects. These include wind farms, solar arrays, and sustainable transport systems such as electric bus fleets and public EV charging stations.

Aviva integrates climate risk into its investment decisions, ensuring that the companies in which it invests are on a path to net zero. The company is actively engaging with its suppliers to set emissions targets. As of 2024, over half of its supplier base by spend has adopted science-based climate targets, and the company is working to increase that proportion.

The company also offers green insurance products, including discounts for customers who drive electric vehicles or invest in energy-efficient homes. These initiatives not only promote sustainable choices but also align with Aviva’s mission of building a low-carbon economy.

These UK companies demonstrate that setting ambitious climate goals is not just a matter of corporate responsibility, it is a powerful business strategy. By investing in cleaner technologies, rethinking supply chains, and innovating sustainable products, these companies are leading the way toward a net zero economy. As public expectations rise and environmental regulations tighten, businesses that prioritise sustainability will be better positioned for long-term success. The leadership of AstraZeneca, BT Group, Sainsbury’s, Unilever, and Aviva proves that economic performance and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive.

By sharing their progress and encouraging accountability, these companies are setting an example for others to follow. Their efforts highlight the critical role that the private sector must play in addressing climate change and securing a livable future for generations to come.