Almost three-quarters of UK consumers (73%) would choose products from companies that use renewable energy over those that don’t, according to a new survey.
The consumer attitudes survey – conducted on behalf of global offshore wind and business energy retailer, Ørsted – explores attitudes towards the purchase of goods from supermarkets, as well as food and beverages, clothing, electronics and beauty products.
The survey indicates there is strong commercial benefit to pursuing a cleaner, greener business strategy with consumers consciously preferring businesses that use renewable energy sources.
The survey demonstrates a clear benefit for businesses taking a more environmentally conscious approach to retail and production processes. Many consumers also said they would be willing to pay more for products made using 100% renewable energy.
Key insights include:
- 73% of consumers would choose a retailer that uses renewable energy, over one that doesn’t
- 86% of consumers believe it’s worth buying products made using 100% renewable energy
- 60% of consumers showed a preference for logos displaying a green message
Ørsted is reportedly taking tangible action to create a world that runs entirely on green energy and in addition to offering its business customers renewable energy at no extra cost, the company is on track become completely coal-free by 2023.
Jeff Whittingham, managing director of Ørsted Sales UK, said: “We know that a move to green energy makes sense for the environment, but these latest statistics show that it is also good for business, making renewable energy a commercial choice as well as an ethical one.
“At Ørsted, we can help companies make the transition towards renewable energy without commercial disadvantage. We’ve been providing businesses with 100% renewable electricity without any cost premium since 2016. We also support businesses in cutting carbon emissions and energy costs via our range of smart, green energy solutions, helping them to raise their CSR profile.”
Ørsted already has 11 operational offshore wind farms in the UK with a further two under construction and two in development. Ørsted has also built a new waste-to-energy plant in Cheshire and recently announced its first steps into commercial battery storage in the UK.
