Two-Thirds Willing to Pay More for Emission-Reducing Products and Services Calgary; Oct. 17, 2007 – Nearly nine out of 10 consumers worldwide said they would switch to energy providers that offer products and services that help reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study on climate change released today by Accenture (NYSE: ACN). The study, based on a survey of more than 7,500 consumers in 17 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, found that 89 percent of all consumers surveyed would switch to energy providers that offer emission-reducing products and services. Equally important, 90 percent of respondents said they would have a negative perception of any energy provider that is not taking concrete action to address climate change, and more than half (54 percent) said they would switch to a competitor as a result. In addition, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of respondents said they would be willing to pay a higher price—a premium of 11 percent, on average—for products and services that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Accenture's research suggests that while the initial impact in business terms may be most evident on energy providers, it seems likely that this impact will increasingly spread to other resources companies either directly or as the impacts trickle through the supply chain from consumer-facing businesses," said Sander van 't Noordende, group chief executive of Accenture's Resources operating group. "From oil and gas companies to retailers to financial services companies to governments, no provider of products or services will be immune from consumers' scrutiny and action." The study found that individuals are taking the lead on climate change in response to deep concern over its effects on their everyday lives. The vast majority (85 percent) of respondents said they are either "extremely" or "somewhat" concerned about climate change, and 81 percent said they believe it will directly affect their lives. While 85 percent of consumers said they believe that climate change will have the most impact on weather and the ecosystem, 74 percent said they believe it will also have a significant effect on people's health. "This seismic and rapid shift in the global consumer landscape presents major opportunities for companies who take the lead in tackling climate change, giving them a competitive advantage and differentiation in the eyes of consumers," said van 't Noordende. The study shows that consumers are already acting on their concerns about climate change. Most survey respondents said they "frequently" recycle paper or plastic (71 percent); shut down electric devices (62 percent) when not in use; turn down the heating or air-conditioning at home (61 percent); and use high-efficiency light bulbs (59 percent). One in three (41 percent) said they regularly buy products containing recycled material. Methodology
Accenture's Climate Change study is based on a survey conducted online in native languages with 7,526 consumers in 17 countries worldwide. The questionnaire was designed to elicit the interviewees' opinions on climate change. Consumers were interviewed in North America (1,511 interviewees), Europe (3,312 interviewees), Japan and Australia (1,001 interviewees) and emerging countries (Brazil, China and India: 1,502 interviewees). The sample was representative of the general population in the different countries except in the emerging countries (Brazil, China and India) where a sample representative of each country's urban population was interviewed. About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilize the right people, skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance. With approximately 170,000 people in 49 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$19.7 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. Its home page is www.accenture.com. Media Contact:
Henry Stevens
NATIONAL Public Relations
Calgary, Alberta
(403) 531-0331 To Top |