When it comes to climate change, the debate has moved on. The real question is no longer whether humankind is hurting the environment, but what should be done about it.
Should government or industry lead the charge?
Many people are turning to the governments of the world to set the benchmark, enacting policies and changing laws that will force us to alter our habits. But some industries and companies are going it alone, including in the financial sector where green home loans for instance are a growing trend.
In truth, companies who care about sustainability, the environment and our climate are simply ahead of the curve, because the latest swathe of research shows that they are only taking consumers where they already want to go.
Global consumers are seeking ‘green’ companies
It’s been found that an overwhelming majority of consumers say they want their purchasing choices to align with their acknowledgement that people are damaging the environment. These people say they are motivated to make their consumption better for themselves, their family, future generations, and the world.
Industries who are tapping into these thoughts in consumers’ minds are simply ahead of the curve.
Study results are overwhelming
A study (http://www.conecomm.com/research-blog/2015-cone-communications-ebiquity-global-csr-study) by Cone Communications found that an incredible 91% of consumers around the world now “expect” companies to be thinking not only about profits, but also to act “responsibly” when it comes to the environment. 84% said they would look out for these “responsible” companies, with 90% saying they would actively boycott a company found to be behaving irresponsibly.
Similarly, consumers handsomely reward responsible companies, the same research showed. Companies that had an obvious mind on ‘green’ issues converted to a more positive brand image across 93% of consumers.
Green companies invoke trust, loyalty
Not only that, companies that are environmentally aware, like green banks, invoke a greater sense of “trust” among 90% of global consumers. 88% of those in the study said they were more likely to be loyal to a green company, and 90% would switch from a less responsible company to a more responsible one.
The numbers are in, and industry must follow.