Nearly Half of Businesses Boost Sustainability Investment Amid Economic Uncertainty

New research presented at this year’s Congress of Business (COB) reveals that 49% of business leaders are increasing their investment in sustainability compared to last year. The findings were shared during COB, held as part of Glasgow Climate Week, which convened business and sustainability experts to explore how climate initiatives can foster long-term resilience and growth.

Since its launch in 2023, the Congress of Business has engaged over 1,660 participants and featured 35 prominent speakers, driving momentum for business-led climate action. The latest survey, involving nearly 330 business leaders, also found that confidence in meeting climate goals remains strong despite economic challenges, with 93% feeling as confident or more confident than the previous year.

COB, established as a legacy project of COP26, highlighted Glasgow’s ongoing commitment to climate action through the release of the report Glasgow’s COP26 Legacy: A Business Perspective. The document details progress made by the city’s business community since hosting COP26 in 2021, emphasising that sustained ambition, collaboration, and practical support are essential to building economic resilience.

The report underscores Glasgow’s engagement with younger generations, noting that the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has supported future skills and career pathways by working with 150 businesses and facilitating over 4,800 interactions with young people. Initiatives like Circular Glasgow and Step Up to Net Zero continue to assist organisations in integrating sustainable practices into everyday operations, reinforcing the city’s leadership in the circular economy.

Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, commented: “These results show a more positive outlook from the business community than is often portrayed nationally. Glasgow’s track record on sustainability is already opening doors, attracting new partnerships and demonstrating the long-term economic case for climate action.” She added, “At a time of continued economic pressure, it is encouraging to see businesses of all sizes keeping sustainability firmly on the agenda and recognising the long-term economic opportunities it can deliver.”

McRae also highlighted examples from the Glasgow’s COP26 Legacy: A Business Perspective report, illustrating how businesses have advanced over the past five years—from embedding sustainable practices into daily operations to collaborating across sectors to achieve large-scale impact.