Most environmentally and ethically aware generation

Make a positive difference through your investments

Gen Z is paving the way for a better future. You’re environmentally aware and climate change conscious and aren’t afraid to vote with your feet.

Trust and reputation are key considerations for Gen Z when it comes to engagement with companies and brands — financial or otherwise. You’ll do your research and ensure the company aligns with your personal philosophies and is acting ethically, which can mean a number of things. It can be everything from the environment, to whether they invest oil or gas, or how cagey they are with their information around these.

When it comes to your finances, you’re the most likely generation to invest money in ethical banking, investment, or superannuation products if changes were introduced, and the information around the positive difference those investments make is clear.

The stats speak for themselves — 77%* are much more likely to consider investing in companies, funds or superannuation funds with ethical practices over those that don’t.

And you genuinely believe brands can make change, with 88%* feeling that investment decisions can influence things like climate change, and health and wellbeing. Over two-thirds believe super funds, banks and other investors can impact climate change caused by humans through their investment decisions.

When it came to superannuation specifically, our research showed us that for 1 in 5 Gen Zs, ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance)/carbon-neutral investment options were in the top 3 things they look for.

At NGS Super, we take a continuous improvement approach in responsible investment and believe that investing to provide good financial returns to members, as well as positive social impacts, is a win-win. We’re also passionate about the environment and the world that we’re leaving for the next generations. In 2021, we announced our target to create a carbon-neutral investment portfolio by 2030.

If acting and investing responsibly is important to you, do you know how your super fund is investing your money? Do you know what footprint your bank is leaving? Does it align with your values?

You have the power to make change and who you choose to invest though can make a difference now, and well into the future.