Monday 11 September 2023 Sustainable behaviours continue to be a priority for Irish consumers with nearly half (49%) of consumers in Ireland reporting changing their personal behaviour to take positive action for the climate.
Furthermore, 64% of consumers purchase sustainable products sometimes or often, according to Deloitte’s Global Sustainability Survey.
The survey asked respondents to self-assess their income group which showed varying levels of purchasing power. 59% of those who assessed themselves as lower income earners say they purchase sustainable products sometimes or often, rising to 65% for middle-income earners.
High cost of sustainable goods is a deterrent for many
However, the cost of sustainable goods is a deterrent and impacts purchasing decisions. Two in five (41%) of those surveyed have not bought sustainable goods in the last four weeks due to the high cost. The analysis shows that this is exacerbated by income levels, more than half (53%) of those who self-identified as lower income say cost is the reason they haven’t purchased sustainable goods in the last four weeks, compared to 37% who self-identified as higher income earners.
1,000 Irish consumers were surveyed as part of the Global Sustainability Survey, which includes views from more than 20,000 consumers in more than 20 countries.
Glenn Gillard, Head of Sustainability at Deloitte commented:
Gillard added:
Travel is part of sustainable considerations for some
Sustainable considerations are also impacting choices made by consumers in relation to travel, with 16% stating that they always or whenever possible use lower emission transportation and avoid optional or leisure flights.
Gillard noted that while it was positive to see these trends continuing to increase, there is still more to do to incentivise the public to choose sustainable travel.
Workplace advocacy
Consumers are also looking at their employers’ response to climate action. 31% believe their employer is doing enough to address climate change. One in four of lower self-assessed income earners agreed they were, while this rose to 30% with middle income earners and 49% of higher income earners.
37% of higher-assessed income earners had considered switching to jobs to work for a more sustainable company or a company with less significant environmental impact, compared to 12% of self-assessed low and middle-income earners.
Gillard concluded:
Ends
Issued by Murray on behalf of Deloitte
For Further Information Please Contact
Nicola Cooke
Murray
087 780 6125
ncooke@murraygroup.ie
Georgina Francis
Deloitte
087 941 0067
gefrancis@deloitte.ie
About Deloitte’s Sustainability Tracker
Deloitte’s Global Sustainability Survey is part of Deloitte’s Global State of the Consumer Tracker which includes views from more than 20,000 consumers in more than 20 countries with perspectives from 1,000 Irish consumers.
About Deloitte
At Deloitte, we make an impact that matters for our clients, our people, our profession, and in the wider society by delivering the solutions and insights they need to address their most complex business challenges.
As the largest global professional services and consulting network, with approximately 457,000 professionals in more than 150 countries, we bring world-class capabilities and high-quality services to our clients.
In Ireland, Deloitte has approximately 3,000 people providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Our people have the leadership capabilities, experience and insight to collaborate with clients so they can move forward with confidence.
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte Ireland LLP. The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press. Deloitte Ireland LLP is the Ireland affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”). DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL and Deloitte NSE LLP do not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.
Media Contact(s):
Declan Jackson
Deloitte Ireland Communications
dejackson@deloitte.ie
+353 1417 3522
Georgina Francis
Deloitte Ireland Communications
gefrancis@deloitte.ie
+353 1584 5459