By Fathima Sumayya

In the race to become ‘net zero’, more and more companies are turning to carbon credits to offset their emissions. On paper, it sounds like a win: emit carbon here, pay someone to reduce it somewhere else and you’re off the hook.

But let’s pause for a reality check…

Behind many of these offset purchases is a different story- one that’s not shared in glossy sustainability reports or corporate websites. It’s a story where ambitious net-zero targets quietly become unachievable and instead of changing how business is done, companies reach for their wallets. No talk of reducing flights, switching to renewables or rethinking their supply chain. Just an expensive offset, likely bought as a last-minute fix.

So, where’s the problem?
When companies skip the hard work and buy their way to “net zero” they’re not solving the climate crisis- they’re outsourcing responsibility. It sends a dangerous message: that climate action can be bought not earned.

Let’s ask a few uncomfortable questions:
• Could everyone carry on polluting at the current rate and just offset?
• Could there ever be enough offsetting to go around?
• Could offsetting work in time to solve the climate crisis by 2050?

The answer, simply, is no.

Offsetting is limited- not just in scale, but in time. Trees, for instance, can take anywhere between 40 and 100 years to absorb the carbon we’re emitting today. We don’t have that long. The climate crisis is urgent, and the clock is ticking.

Even if we planted every available tree, there wouldn’t be enough land or time to balance out the current level of global emissions. In other words: offsetting is not a plan- it’s a stall.

The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) has been clear on this. In their ‘Balanced Pathway’ scenario for reaching net zero by 2050, the CCC found that the vast majority of emissions reductions must come from direct action- within sectors, within companies, within supply chains. The CCC sees carbon offsetting as a last resort for emissions that are impossible to eliminate, not as a replacement for real, sustained internal change

When credits are used as a shortcut instead of a supplement, it’s not climate leadership- it’s greenwashing.

Lets be clear here, what does net zero actually mean?
Real net zero means real change in how a company operates.
It means challenging questions: Can we travel less? Can we reduce waste or procedure goods with less embodied emissions? Can we use sustainable energy? Can we use sustainable energy?

And no, it does not mean continuing with business-as-usual and cutting a cheque to look clean on paper.

What should businesses aim for?
• Transparency: If you’re buying offsets, be clear about how much you’re reducing internally vs how much you’re offsetting.
• Priority to internal reduction: Don’t just rely on credits, demonstrate real change within your operations.
• Long-term vision: Sustainable business is not about quick wins. It’s about building a resilient, responsible organisation.

Let’s shift the focus from offsetting to owning emissions. That’s where real impact lies.

Think about it. Imagine a world without the burst of colours and flavours in our fruits, veggies, and nuts. From that essential morning coffee to those juicy apples in our pies and the crunchy almonds and sweet summer berries in our snacks, bees are the secret ingredient. They’re not just about that delicious honey; they’re the unsung heroes of our food supply and the health of our amazing planet.

Speaking of honey, as several London hotels and institutions have embraced urban beekeeping, with hives located on rooftops, we here at Survey and Test Ltd are buzzing with excitement to work with clients across the UK and Europe who are responsible in their commitment to creating suitable environments for bee colonies, sometimes choosing locations outside of dense urban areas to optimise the health and well-being of their hives

But here’s the buzzkill: bees are facing big challenges like habitat loss, those nasty pesticides, and our ever-changing climate are all causing bee populations to decline. And that’s not just a bee problem- it’s a people problem.

But yes, there are things we can do on our part to help these vital creatures thrive.

Plant bee-friendly flowers: A windowsill or balcony is all it takes! Go for native, open flowers – bees love blue and yellow!

Skip the chemicals: Pesticides and herbicides? Big nope for bees. Try natural pest control instead

Boost a Bee! Spot a bee on the ground? It might be tired, chilled or overheated. Gently lift it onto a nectar-rich flower – it could be just the boost it needs!

Back your beekeepers: Buy local honey – it’s tasty and supports the amazing people who care for bee colonies.

Spread the buzz! Share it with friends and family – the more people who understand how important bees are, the bigger the impact we can make!

And here’s a pro-tip, straight from the experts at Ark Wildlife: If you find a tired-looking bee, a simple sugar-water mix (50/50 white granulated sugar and water) can give it a quick energy boost. Just offer a drop or two on a spoon or upturned bottle cap. It could be a lifesaver!

Fun Bee Facts

• Bees are incredible navigators, using the sun like a compass! They can even see polarised light, which helps them find their way on cloudy days.
• They communicate through dance! When a forager bee finds a good source of food, she does a “waggle dance” to tell the other bees where to go.
• They have an amazing sense of smell, way more powerful than ours!

World Bee Day is a perfect moment to appreciate the incredible work of these tiny insects and to take action to protect them. Let’s all do our part to create a world where bees can continue to buzz and thrive, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant future for all. Happy World Bee Day!