Emissions Reporting: The Biggest Challenge Facing Fleet Decision-Makers in 2025
Introduction
The reporting of vehicle fleet emissions – as well as those from other sources – is already part of the regulatory framework for many larger UK businesses.
Compliance with the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) legislation means that, as of today, all UK publicly quoted companies are required to report their global energy use, along with their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in their annual Directors’ Report. There are also requirements for large unquoted companies and limited liability partnerships to disclose their annual energy use and GHG emissions, plus related information.
These are highly complex and often time-consuming undertakings. They require specialist knowledge and the right tools, but also the right commercial culture; one in which reporting fleet emissions is viewed as a valuable task, rather than an onerous chore, in the move towards net zero.
In May 2024, the UK Government’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) framework was published to provide affected businesses with clear information, timeframes and milestones for each of its core elements.
The summary said it was ‘building on global best practice and leading standards’, and that it provided ‘a framework to facilitate and streamline the flow of robust, decision-useful information between corporates, consumers and investors, and capital markets’.
Now, in July 2025, just over a year later, how far has that ‘clear information’ spread across the UK’s network of fleet managers, or those who have responsibility for fleet operations? This White Paper from Alphabet (GB) aims to answer that question by providing a snapshot of the current state of progress. Are the right people equipped with the right tools for calculating, recording and reporting vehicle emissions effectively? Do they know the potential financial penalties for getting it wrong? Do they think it will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions from the automotive sector?
The current reporting framework is limited to the UK’s larger businesses, but it seems likely it will trickle down to small and medium-sized businesses in the near future. It also seems likely that it will spread to become part of the supply chain compliance process too. This White Paper provides a temperature check regarding fleet managers’ knowledge of the emission scopes and where they are on their digital journey.
*The findings in this White Paper are the result of an independent study conducted by a professional research agency. We would like to thank everyone who participated.
Are UK businesses ready to calculate, record and report emissions from their fleet vehicles?
- Alphabet (GB) research shows many businesses still use spreadsheets and paper-based processes to monitor their fleet emissions
- Some fleet managers admit they don’t have the tools they need, while others say their business doesn’t plan to invest
- Alphabet calls the study “a wake-up call” for the whole fleet sector
Businesses in the UK are not equipped to calculate, capture, and report their fleet emissions, a new study from business mobility provider Alphabet (GB) has found.
More than a third (38%) of fleet managers said they still use simple spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel, or even paper, to record the emissions of their fleet. A further 8% admitted that they don’t calculate emissions at all.
Crucially, less than a fifth (18%) believe their business has the tools it needs to help calculate and report its fleet emission, while one in eight (12%) said they have no plans to invest in new technology or software to help.
Alphabet’s research also uncovered significant disparities in fleet managers’ knowledge and use of the latest emissions reporting tools across UK industry sectors. For example, more than 40% of logistics companies – which often have substantial vehicle fleets – still use spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel to record emissions. Furthermore, some delivery services and retailers are still using an antiquated paper process.
8%
said they don’t calculate emissions at all
18%
said their business has the tools it needs to help calculate and report its fleet emissions
38%
of fleet managers questioned said they still use simple spreadsheets such as Excel or even paper to record their fleet emissions
12%
said their business had no plans to invest in new technology or software to aid the calculation, recording and reporting of fleet emissions
Ian Turner, Chief Sales Officer, Alphabet (GB), said:
“Our study reveals that a large number of UK businesses are either ill-prepared or ill-equipped when it comes to calculating, recording and reporting their vehicle emissions. A significant number have acknowledged their uncertainty about what actions they need to take, and when, and what carbon management tools are available to ensure they remain compliant with new legislation.
“The UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework already mandates large companies to report on their annual energy use, carbon emissions and energy efficiency actions within their directors' report. However, fleet managers of smaller organisations cannot rest on their laurels, as the reporting requirement will almost certainly be extended to include most SMEs [small to medium enterprises] in the future.
“Our study is ‘a wake-up call’ for the whole fleet sector, so businesses should start planning now to identify what tools and processes they need.”
Do UK fleet managers have adequate knowledge to accurately report their vehicle emissions data?
- Alphabet (GB) research shows that more than a quarter (26%) of UK fleet managers do not know the difference between scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
- Nearly a quarter (23%) do not know the potential financial penalties for failing to report their vehicle emissions
- Respondents in the public sector were found to be the least familiar around the three scopes of emissions, with only 60% confirming they know the difference
Alphabet (GB)’s research has found that fleet managers across the country lack the crucial knowledge to accurately report their vehicle emissions data.
More than a quarter (26%) of those questioned admit they do not know the difference between Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. In addition, 11% say they’re confused or not confident in being able to report their fleet emissions, and a similar number (12%) see all reporting of vehicle emissions as merely ‘a tick-box exercise’.
Equally alarming is that nearly a quarter (23%) do not know the potential financial penalties for failing to report their emissions. Notably, one in 10 large companies (i.e., 250+ employees) was uncertain about their potential liability regarding failure to report their emissions.
Alphabet has called on the UK Government to do more to support fleet managers to improve their understanding of calculating, recording, and reporting emissions.
Across different industry sectors, the study highlights a great disparity in knowledge. Among respondents working in logistics; a sector which often has substantial vehicle fleets, 92% of respondents were able to differentiate between the three emission scopes. The result was similar in construction (85%). However, those working in the public sector were least knowledgeable, at only 60%.
Also, it is concerning that 15% of large UK companies (i.e., those with more than 250 employees) are either not confident, confused, or think reporting emissions is ‘a tick-box exercise’. And some of those companies will have been subject to mandatory emissions reporting since 2022.
Caroline Sandall-Mansergh, Consultancy and Channel Development Manager, Alphabet (GB), said:
“Our study shows that there is a significant knowledge gap when it comes to fleet emissions reporting. Fleet managers and business owners need to take the support available to better understand the complexities of emissions calculating, recording and reporting to ensure compliance and avoid the risk of costly penalties.
“By prioritising education and creating accessible resources, we help fleet managers to meet their obligations, while contributing to the UK’s broader sustainability goals.”
Categorising commercial emissions
What is the state of play regarding EV adoption within the UK fleet sector?
- Alphabet (GB) research shows that nearly a third of UK fleets are currently operating with 25% or less of electric vehicles (EVs), and one in 10 have no EVs at all
- Almost a third of UK fleet managers believe it will take up to a decade for mandatory fleet emissions reporting to lead to a reduction in carbon emissions
- Significant undertaking required for widespread EV adoption on the eve of Net Zero Week
Alphabet (GB)’s research has revealed key insights into the state of electric vehicle adoption within UK fleets.
Nearly a third (30%) of UK fleets are currently operating with 25% or less of electric vehicles, with 11% confirming they have no EVs at all. While delivery services and retailers are leading the charge when it comes to having 25-50% and 50-75%, respectively, of their fleet that is electric, many other sectors continue to fall behind in EV adoption.
Notably, almost a third (30%) of UK fleet managers believe it will take up to 10 years for mandatory fleet emissions reporting to lead to a reduction in carbon emissions in the automotive sector.
The regional disparity is also clear; fleet managers across all sectors in London (72.9%) and the East Midlands (70%) are the most optimistic that tighter legislation will bring about the change(s) needed. But those in the southwest and southeast of England are the least optimistic, at 25% and 23.8% respectively.
Caroline Sandall-Mansergh, Consultancy and Channel Development Manager, Alphabet (GB), said:
“Our latest findings highlight the real challenges facing fleet managers today, as they navigate the transition to electrification. While some sectors are leading the way, there is still a huge amount of work needed to support other companies, and their drivers, to reduce their vehicle emissions.
“The need for clear, actionable strategies to transition to greener fleets must take priority if we are to reduce UK vehicle carbon emissions in a timely and effective manner.”
How Alphabet (GB) can help UK fleet managers calculate, record and report their emissions
The effective management and reporting of carbon emissions from vehicle fleets starts with reliable data. Alphabet’s Carbon Manager is a simple yet comprehensive digital tool, created to make tracking and controlling emissions as easy, efficient and effective as possible. It has been created alongside our partner, Plan A.
If you’re unsure how to navigate the world of sustainable mobility, Alphabet’s consulting services are designed to help you understand and manage your fleet’s carbon
footprint more easily. Alphabet’s highly experienced team will guide you through the process of measuring, reporting and reducing emissions, offering solutions that fit your fleet. You’ll also receive tailored support to help you smoothly transition to a sustainable fleet.
Consulting can help identify CO2 hotspots in your fleet, the evaluation of suitable CO2 limits for your fleet, plus guidance on how to generate a bespoke sustainability strategy. Our team also offers an assessment of the most suitable vehicles for your fleet, and how to communicate strategies and policies effectively to employees.
Key benefits:
Conclusion
In publishing the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) framework in May 2024, the UK Government has attempted provide businesses with clear information, timeframes and milestones to support the journey towards net zero. Our research has shown there is still a long way to go for those to be cascaded to where they are really needed – to fleet managers, or those with responsibility for fleet operations within a business.
- A large number of UK businesses are either ill-prepared or ill-equipped when it comes to calculating, recording and reporting their vehicle emissions
- A significant number have acknowledged their uncertainty about what actions they need to take, and when
- Many lack the knowledge about what carbon manager tools are available to ensure they remain compliant with new legislation
This study turns the spotlight on to the real challenges facing fleet managers today as they navigate the transition towards electrification. Support is available, and it’s the responsibility of all fleet managers and business owners to embrace it. The development and implementation of comprehensive strategies for transitioning to greener fleets is crucial if the UK is to reduce carbon emissions from its vehicle fleets. Information and easy-to-use digital tools exist to help fleet managers better understand the complexities of emissions calculating, recording and reporting to ensure compliance and avoid the risk of costly penalties.
Where is the knowledge gap?
The research reveals the knowledge gap on calculating, recording and reporting vehicle fleet emissions is largest in micro business (0-9 employees). This is perhaps not surprising; responsibility for the company’s vehicles will likely be one of many operational tasks carried out by a senior member of the team, rather than a dedicated fleet manager.
Of respondents working in a micro business:
- 44% said they don’t calculate fleet emissions
- 50% said they do not know what Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are, or the difference between them
- 78% were unaware of the potential financial penalties for failing to report fleet emissions
- 33% admitted to being confused about what to do to report fleet emissions
In summary, the bigger the business, the greater the awareness of the commitment required in reporting fleet emissions. Of those respondents working in large businesses (250+ employees:
- 86% said they were confident in reporting fleet emissions
- 88% said they were aware of potential financial penalties
- 66% said they used a dedicated digital tool to report emissions