UK project professionals are increasingly optimistic about the nation’s ability to achieve its net zero emissions target by 2050, according to a recent survey from the Association for Project Management (APM).
The association’s findings show a notable rise in confidence compared to previous years, amid ongoing debate over government policy and industry action.
The survey was conducted by research consultants Censuswide and involved 1,000 project professionals. It found that 52% are now very confident the UK will meet its 2050 net zero goals. This marks a significant increase from just 31% in 2023.
Confidence is especially strong among professionals working in key industries that are driving the net zero transition. In the automotive and construction sectors, 55% of respondents are very confident.
In transport and logistics, 57% of project professionals are very confident about the UK meeting its net zero targets by 2050.
Project professionals attribute this optimism to several factors. Fifty one per cent of respondents cited action being taken by their own company as a reason for their confidence. Some 49% pointed to action taken by their industry sector and an equal proportion highlighted international measures being taken to address climate change.
A minority – 4% – remain unconfident about the UK’s ability to reach net zero by 2050. Among those who are unconfident, 47% cite insufficient action being taken by their industry sector, while 37% believe the 2050 target has always been unrealistic. The survey also highlights changing perceptions of corporate effort. In 2025, 45% of project professionals believe their company is doing too much to support net zero ambitions, compared with 36% who think their company is doing too little.
Professor Adam Boddison OBE, chief executive of APM, said, “It is positive to see an increased confidence within the profession in the UK meeting its net zero ambitions. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, there has been a marked global shift towards the net zero transition, prioritising national plans for the reduction of carbon emissions. The project profession stands at the crossroads of this transition, ensuring complex environmental targets are translated into actionable, efficient, and achievable strategies.”