[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-7px|||” custom_padding=”13px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-6px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”14px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||16px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Throughout history, <\/span>older<\/span>\u00a0generations have focused o<\/span>n<\/span> <\/span>improving or <\/span>eliminating<\/span> <\/span>certain\u00a0<\/span>issues <\/span>with<\/span>\u00a0the hopes that the <\/span>next generation will have a better <\/span>outcome. In this regard, Millennials and Generation Z (Gen Z) are no different.<\/span> <\/span>The <\/span>Millennial<\/span> <\/span>generation <\/span>is<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>defined as people born between the years 1981 and 1996<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span> and Gen Z<\/span> is<\/span> defined as people born between 1997 and 2012<\/span>; together, they make up around 42.55% of the US population. <\/span>Millennials and Gen Z<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>have shown a growing concern for global climate health<\/span>, <\/span>which is <\/span>influencing<\/span> <\/span>the way they <\/span>make everyday purchases, <\/span>invest their money<\/span>, <\/span>and even <\/span>where they work.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>A<\/span>s <\/span>a result<\/span>, it is becoming <\/span><\/span>more <\/span><\/span>important for companies<\/span> to <\/span>implement<\/span> sustainability strategies <\/span>to appeal to the younger generations in order to <\/span>see long term success.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/colitetech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Millennials-vs-Gen-Z-Icon-Graphic.png” alt=”outline of woman and man with labels millennials 1981 – 1996 and Gen Z 1997 – 2012″ title_text=”Millennials vs Gen Z Icon Graphic” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||16px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Millennials and Gen Z are actively showing increased interest and priority <\/span>in<\/span> renewable energy sources as a method to<\/span> <\/span><\/span>mitigate<\/span><\/span> <\/span>climate change. <\/span><\/span>It is most <\/span>evident<\/span> in their <\/span><\/span>investment<\/span> habits<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong> \u2013 <\/span>75% of <\/span>M<\/span>illennials<\/span> are willing to change their buying habits to favor environmentally friendl<\/span>y products and the majority of Gen Z are willing to spend 10% more on sustainable products.<\/span><\/span> In addition to that, both <\/span><\/span>groups<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>are investing more in Environment<\/span>al<\/span>, Social and Governance (ESG) <\/span>funds<\/span>. In 2020<\/span>,<\/span> Millennials alone ha<\/span>ve<\/span> contributed <\/span>$<\/span>5<\/span>1<\/span>.1 billion<\/span> <\/span>to sustainable <\/span><\/span>investment <\/span>funds<\/span>. <\/span>40% of Gen Z say their investments are driven by \u201ccompanies with a purpose\u201d and can be expected to follow the path of <\/span>their older counterparts<\/span>.<\/span> As\u00a0younger people gain\u00a0wealth and <\/span>begin to make more substantial investment decisions<\/span>, <\/span>their appetite for sustainability <\/span>will continue to<\/span> grow and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>influence the economy.<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/colitetech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/U.S.-Workforce-Generations-Numbers-Donut-Chart.png” alt=”donut chart showing breakdown of US workforce by generation” title_text=”U.S. Workforce Generations Numbers Donut Chart” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In addition to\u00a0investing their money in sustainable organizations, the Gen Z and Millennial generations are also investing their time and skills in sustainable workplaces.<\/span> Global survey<\/a> <\/span><\/strong>results show that they have high expectations for their employers and believe that business leaders have a significant role to play when it comes to addressing social and environmental issues. Over half of Gen Z (55%) and Millennials (54%) say they research a brand\u2019s environmental impact and policies before accepting a job. 42% of Gen Z and 39% of Millennials have already changed or plan to change their job or industry due to climate concerns. This echoes<\/span> data<\/a><\/span><\/strong> seen since 2016 and indicates an unwavering shift in employee attitudes toward sustainable companies. Employees are looking for jobs that align with their personal values and are willing to move around until they find one. Therefore, environmentally friendly business practices can help attract talented workers who are more likely to be engaged with\u00a0the company and consequently<\/span> improve employee retention, productivity, and loyalty<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. <\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n But what is considered an \u201cenvironmentally friendly business practice\u201d? An environmentally friendly business practice is an action taken by a company that either has a positive impact on the environment or avoids a negative impact on the environment. A great example would be installing renewable energy systems.<\/span> Rooftop solar<\/a><\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>is a particularly effective strategy for integrating renewable energy in corporate offices or manufacturing facilities. A rooftop solar system directly offsets emissions-heavy energy sources with clean solar energy. The environmental impact is easily quantified and understood using the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s<\/span> greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator<\/a><\/span>.<\/span> <\/strong>Additionally, solar panels are quickly recognized by the average person\u00a0and showcase a company\u2019s sustainability program.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/colitetech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/100kW-solar-system-GHG-equal-graphic-V2.png” alt=”illustration showing the greenhouse gas equivalencies of 3,227 metric tons of carbon dioxide. It is equal to 8,272,910 miles driven by a gas powered vehicle and 3,614,883 pounds of coal burned.” title_text=”100kW solar system GHG equal graphic V2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSustainable Investments<\/h1>\n
Environmentally Friendly Business<\/h1>\n