The second reading of the Decarbonisation of the Polish Economy Index (abbreviated as IDPG) indicates a strong increase in pressure from the business environment to implement solutions to accelerate decarbonisation and environmental protection (51 per cent of the companies surveyed responded that this pressure had ‘increased’ and 14 per cent that it had ‘significantly increased’; the results of the previous reading were respectively: 37 per cent for the answer ‘increased’ and 24 per cent for the answer ‘significantly increased’). However, external pressure, even if felt by companies, does not always translate into them taking action on decarbonisation and environmental protection. Still, companies' stated commitment to decarbonisation and environmental protection continues to grow, with 40 per cent of respondents saying this commitment has “increased” (previously 35 per cent) and in 20 per cent. ‘increased significantly’ (previously 29 per cent).
In the surveyed first half of 2024, the increase in this commitment progressed even more intensively at the level of personnel inputs than at the level of strategic or investment inputs compared to 2023 as a whole. Polish businesses also perceive an increase in support from public institutions (e.g. government, offices, local authorities) for decarbonisation and environmental protection efforts (for 26 per cent of businesses this support has ‘increased’ and for 5 per cent it has even ‘significantly increased’).
- is the second reading of the Decarbonisation Index of the Polish Economy and the first opportunity to see how the sentiment of Polish business towards reducing CO2 emissions is changing. We learn from it that, while the overall importance of environmental factors in business activities is increasing, domestic entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in implementing sustainability measures at home. Our reading is also an indication that, so far, signals about the necessity of decarbonisation from the market and legislators, especially from the EU, are reaching Polish companies, but need to be strengthened, emphasises Michał Hetmanski, President of the Management Board of the Instrat Foundation.
Compared to the first reading, the profile of companies involved in decarbonisation remains unchanged - medium and large companies are still the most active in such activities.
- I am pleased to observe the growing involvement of Polish business in decarbonisation issues, as confirmed by the second reading of the Decarbonisation Index of the Polish Economy. More than twice as many entities participated in the second reading as in the first. We believe that the discussion on the prospects for decarbonisation and energy transition in Poland will only gain momentum. We will continue to make efforts to build a good climate for decarbonisation,’ says Kamil Sobolewski, chief economist at Employers of Poland.
Many Polish companies still do not calculate their carbon footprint. Of those that do count, most do so incompletely, and some have even reduced the scope of calculating their GHG emissions. Those surveyed also indicated that their willingness to implement solutions that contribute to reducing their carbon footprint is declining. Among other sustainability challenges, companies continue to perceive an increase in the problem of greenwashing (understood as the sham of climate action) in the immediate business environment (for 32 per cent, ‘increased’ and for 15 per cent, ‘significantly increased’ ).
- The results of the second reading of the Index show that, despite the challenges related to capital expenditures and the need to adjust regulations, Polish companies are becoming more and more actively involved in the global trend of reducing CO2 emissions. However, it is already apparent that Polish companies need the support of decision-makers, in two ways: both in financing and regulations to protect European industry during the energy transition. I am convinced that joint action and exchange of experience, which is facilitated, among others, by the Decarbonisation Index, will accelerate the energy transition of the Polish economy and strengthen its international competitiveness - says Piotr Szlagowski-Budacz, Strategy Director at Qemetica.
The Instrat Foundation (Senior Analyst Kamil Laskowski) is responsible for the substantive preparation of the Decarbonisation Index and the subsequent compilation of the survey results. The survey collecting data for the Decarbonisation Index of the Polish Economy was conducted from 3 September to 4 October 2024 and was addressed to member companies of Employers of Poland. The questionnaire was also made available to companies participating in the Economic Forum in Karpacz and Energy Days in Katowice, as well as to those affiliated with the Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry and companies operating within the Responsible Business Forum. The questionnaire was completed by 128 companies, but the results of the reading include 111 company responses (17 questionnaires were completed by micro-enterprises indifferent to the phenomenon of decarbonisation). The structure of the companies surveyed as to size and industry varies.
Details on the content of the survey of the Decarbonisation Index of the Polish Economy and the Index calculation methods can be found on the Employers of Poland website (results available in Polish language version).
Qemetica, formerly CIECH, is an international, chemical group with a strong position in global markets. It is the second largest producer of soda ash and baking soda in the European Union, the largest producer of brewed salt in Poland, the largest supplier of sodium silicate in Europe, the largest Polish producer of plant protection products and the leading producer of polyurethane foams in Poland. It has factories in Poland, Germany and Romania and employs more than 3,000 people throughout the EU. Qemetika is 100 per cent owned by KI Chemistry. As one of the largest Polish exporters, Qemetica ships its goods to almost all continents. They are used to create articles necessary in the daily lives of millions of people around the world, which is why the Group is an important part of many industries - construction, automotive, agriculture, chemical, food or pharmaceutical. The Chemical Group combines a modern approach to business with a focus on sustainability. Since 2020, it has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact - the world's largest initiative bringing together socially, environmentally and economically responsible companies.
The Instrat Foundation is a think tank with a mission to support debate and public policies with open data and research, working for a fair, green and digital economy.
Employers of Poland is the largest employers' organisation in Poland. It has been active since 1998. It represents manufacturers, entrepreneurs, employers, investors and innovators. It aims to create an employer-friendly state, but with respect for employee rights. It is actively involved in the Social Dialogue Council. As a representative organisation, it is in a position to influence the making of good laws in Poland.
Employers of Poland participate in the deliberations of the Polish Parliament committees and are active in decision-making and advisory bodies of the state and regional administration. The strength of the organisation lies in the rationale and arguments presented to political and economic decision-makers and the number and diversity of its members.
Translated by AI
