Survey: Millennials Most Likely to Support Green Businesses

TD Bank recently completed a poll of 1,510 consumers in major markets in its Maine to Florida footprint. The poll sought to discover consumers' knowledge of green or sustainable buildings in their area, and if they believe these structures have a positive impact on the environment and on the health of the buildings' inhabitants. What interested me most about the survey: Millennials, ages 18 to 34, are more likely to support green businesses than their older peers (49 percent versus 36 percent for 35 to 54-year-olds, and 27 percent for those at age 55 and above). Also according to the survey, there is a generation gap almost across the board on the topics of green buildings and the environment.

Millennials are more aware of green buildings in their communities than older generations (49 percent), including people between the ages 33 and 54 (32 percent), and those 55 years of age and older (25 percent). Why is that? Have millennials just been brought up to care more about the environment? What do you think? Those hotel developers building today should pay attention to the buying preferences of millennials; in the next five to 10 years their buying power will grow significantly.

TD bank found that nearly three quarters of respondents think green buildings have at least some positive impact on the environment, but only one-third of consumers have any knowledge of sustainable buildings in their local area. Eighty-two percent of respondents believe green businesses care more about the community and nearly three-quarters of consumers polled believe these businesses care more about their customers.

The poll also revealed that 88 percent of respondents feel responsibility to leave a better planet, but only 37 percent indicated they have actually chosen a business because of its environmental products, services, or policies. To access an article about the study, click here.