Consumers want businesses to act on climate change

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06 November 2006
66 per cent are more likely to buy products and services with a low carbon footprint

Climate change concerns are presenting exciting new opportunities for business, as new research reveals the emergence of the low carbon consumer. Released today, a new Carbon Trust study shows that nearly two thirds of UK consumers are more likely to buy from a business they think is taking action to tackle climate change. Nearly three quarters of UK consumers are concerned about climate change and their own carbon footprint and two thirds want to know the carbon footprint of the products and services they buy.

These findings support the launch of a new Carbon Trust campaign that aims to help businesses understand the opportunities presented by a low carbon economy. Many companies are already taking action to cut carbon emissions, owing to increased regulation and rising energy costs, but the Carbon Trust survey reveals another driver for business action - significant consumer demand for low carbon products and services.

Other themes emerging from the research that underline the potential business opportunity of the low carbon economy were:

  • Two thirds of UK consumers are more likely to buy products with a low carbon footprint
  • Environmental concerns are factored by consumers into more than 50 per cent of buying decisions when purchasing cars, electronic goods, fast moving consumer goods and food and drink products

Michael Rea, Strategy Director of the Carbon Trust, commented: “The fight against climate change has shifted into a new gear following last week’s Stern Report. Our research shows that consumers want to know the carbon footprint of the products they buy. The demands of the low carbon consumer present an exciting prospect for businesses and through our campaign we want to help businesses capitalise on this opportunity.

“The Stern Review showed that climate change is perhaps this century's biggest threat, it can be tackled and in doing so will open new opportunities for business. Now is the time to take action and Governments, businesses and consumers all need to work together to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change. We believe that the businesses that embrace the challenge will succeed. Inaction is no longer an option.”

Rt Hon. David Miliband, MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, commented: "I am very encouraged that this Carbon Trust study shows how important climate change is to consumers and that they are helping to drive business to consider more broadly the impact of their products and services on carbon emissions.”

The Carbon Trust is already working with thousands of businesses, offering practical help and advice on cutting carbon emissions. Last year alone the Carbon Trust helped organisations of all sizes identify some 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide savings and identified annual savings of £390 million.

For more information on how the Carbon Trust can help businesses call the helpline on 0800 085 2005.


 
 
Footnotes
 

Notes to Editors
To request an interview please contact the Carbon Trust Press Office on 020 7544 3100.

The survey was conducted amongst 1159 consumers from across the UK by GfK NOP in October 20-22 and 27-29th 2006. Figures were weighted in order to be nationally representative. Results from the survey are summarised below.

  • 74 per cent of people think climate change is a serious problem that we need to tackle now
  • 54 per cent believe issues surrounding the need to cut carbon emissions have become more important over the past 12 months
  • Environmental concerns influence about 50 per cent of buying decisions. Breakdown:
  • 54 per cent (Food & Drink)
  • 50 per cent (Electronic goods)
  • 32per cent (Banking/Financial)
  • 56per cent (Fast moving consumer goods)
  • 58 per cent (Cars)
  • 74 per cent people think businesses are not doing enough to cut their carbon emissions and tackle climate change
  • 64 per cent of people say that their carbon footprint is important
  • 66 per cent want to know the carbon footprint of the products they buy
  • 67 per cent are more likely to buy a product with a low carbon footprint
  • 64 per cent are more likely to use a business that claims to have a low carbon footprint

The Carbon Trust

  • The Carbon Trust works with UK business and the public sector to cut carbon emissions and develop commercial low carbon technologies. An independent company set up by Government to help the UK meet its climate change obligations, the Carbon Trust creates practical business-focused solutions to carbon emission reduction on energy efficiency, carbon management, and investment.
  • The Carbon Trust's annual funding is in excess of £105m in grants from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government and Invest NI.

  • For more information call the Carbon Trust on 0800 085 2005.