Why SECR Is More Than a Reporting Requirement
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) is best known as a standardised framework for reporting energy use and carbon emissions. For many organisations, it’s viewed as a compliance exercise—something to complete for regulatory purposes and then file away.
But SECR can be much more than that.
When used effectively, SECR provides a powerful foundation for Net Zero planning, helping organisations move beyond reporting and towards meaningful, long-term carbon reduction. In this blog, we explore how SECR can support your journey to Net Zero and why now is the right time to start planning.
Why Plan for Net Zero?
While Net Zero planning is not yet a regulatory requirement for all, there are compelling reasons for organisations to take action now. A well-thought-out Net Zero strategy can deliver value across your business—not just for the planet.
Key benefits include:
- Identifying cost savings – Carbon reduction and cost reduction often go hand in hand. For example, building-specific energy audits frequently uncover significant opportunities to reduce energy use and cut operational costs.
- Meeting investor expectations – Investors are increasingly factoring climate risk and carbon reduction plans into their decision-making. A credible Net Zero plan can strengthen access to finance and improve investor confidence.
- Responding to customer requirements – Many customers—particularly larger organisations and government bodies—now expect suppliers to have clear carbon reduction plans in place.
- Attracting and retaining talent – Sustainability matters to employees. More people want to work for organisations that demonstrate strong environmental credentials and a genuine commitment to climate action.
Using SECR as the Foundation of Your Net Zero Plan
Any credible Net Zero plan needs to start with a robust baseline. This is exactly what SECR provides.
SECR gives you a clear, standardised snapshot of your organisation’s current energy use and carbon emissions—your starting point. From there, the destination is clear: achieving Net Zero by 2050 at the latest.
With both a start point and an end point defined, you are in a strong position to map out your Net Zero strategy in a structured and evidence-based way.
How to Develop a Net Zero Strategy
There is no single, prescribed way to build a Net Zero plan, but there are several key considerations that can help guide your approach:
- Understand stakeholder expectations – Are there specific requirements from your customers, investors, or lenders that your plan needs to address?
- Look for win-wins – Focus on actions that reduce both carbon emissions and operating costs—such as energy efficiency measures or smarter asset management.
- Use trusted guidance – For UK organisations, the Climate Change Committee has developed sector-specific pathways to Net Zero. These are an excellent resource for understanding what a credible transition looks like in practice.
- Address barriers proactively – Where legislative, regulatory, or infrastructure barriers exist, consider how your organisation—or your sector—can engage with policymakers to help remove them.
Next Steps
Developing a robust SECR report and turning it into a practical Net Zero plan can be complex. Many organisations choose to work with professional environmental consultants to ensure their approach is credible, compliant, and aligned with best practice.
If you’d like support with your SECR reporting or Net Zero planning, we’d be happy to help. Get in touch here: https://shiftenvironment.co.uk/contact/