A current, representative study on behalf of Oekostrom AG interviewed over 3,000 people in Austria, Germany and Switzerland to invest sustainable investments. Conclusion: Sustainable business models have a broad approval in the entire roof region. The majority of them are considered long -term safe and rewarding form of investment.
In Austria, 29 % of the respondents agree to the statement that they have already invested in sustainable business areas. Credibility and transparency are crucial for a sustainable investment. Half of the respondents also want more opportunities to invest in sustainable investments. According to the study, a clear majority of 72 % of Austrians are expecting: inside with further growth for green products. Two thirds believe that sustainable investments are profitable in the long term – almost as many see them as a contribution to climate protection. However, two thirds also feel unsafe how sustainable investments can be distinguished from others. And 75 % state that they currently have no financial resources for an investment. The young generation shows the greatest interest in green investments: only 9 % of 20- to 29-year-olds reject sustainable systems, and 34 % for over 60 to 69 year olds.
Interest in Switzerland
The country comparison shows that interest is highest in Switzerland, followed by Austria. 38 % of Swiss already invest and around 60 % would like more offers. The reluctance is greatest in Germany: a third of the respondents cannot imagine a sustainable investment at all. “These figures clearly show that awareness of sustainable investments has long since arrived in the middle of society. There are very good opportunities to contribute to transparent direct participations with ecological and social effects – this form of participation deserves even more visibility and trust,” says Ulrich Streibl, CEO of Oekostrom AG.
Renewable energies particularly in demand
64 % of Austrians: Inside, an investment into renewable energies is considering-for those under the age of 30, it is even 72 %. Photovoltaics (42 %), recycling (38 %), hydropower (34 %) and wind power (33 %) are particularly popular. This means that sun, water and wind are among the four most popular investment areas. For comparison: the sustainable building sector receives 28 %, e-mobility 23 % approval. DACH country comparison is also high in the interest in renewable energies: Switzerland is 64 % on par with Austria, in Germany it is 51 %.
“We are particularly pleased that renewable energies are so far ahead. It shows that many people believe in the power of sun, water and wind, regardless of the political zigzag course. There is hardly any greater confidence in this future industry,” said Stribl. Over 3,100 shareholders: Inside in free float, already participate in Oekostrom AG – and thus directly in the energy transition.
Criteria: credibility of return
Clear criteria are crucial for sustainable investments. Women in particular pay attention to credibility: 67 % call the exclusion of Greenwashing as a central prerequisite (men: 55 %), this applies in the entire roof room. According to this, many of the investors want: above all well -founded advice, understandable project goals and a noticeable ecological effect. Only fourth place does the classic motif of a good return rank at the lowest possible risk.
“Sustainable investors: Inside, there are ecological and social responsibility. Transparency is important to know what you invest in your money,” explains Susanne Hasenhüttl, expert in green finance at ÖGUT: “In particular, women want better, more comprehensive information.” For many investors: Basic values are also crucial inside: around each: R third place attaches importance to ethical principles, about four out of ten a long -term stable business model. Almost half of the respondents also emphasize that visible benefits for the environment and society play a central role in their investment decision.
Direct participations and variety of sustainable forms of investment
In 2024, sustainable investments in Austria achieved a volume of around 90 billion euros – an increase of 32 % compared to the previous year(1). Hasenhüttl adds: “Sustainable investments have developed very well in recent years. Even though there is currently a small break-in, I assume that sustainable investments are the future. This includes sustainable public funds, mandates and special funds as well as sustainably managed customers. But the possibilities are much more diverse: green government bonds, sustainable savings and insurance products Direct participations to responsible SMEs and start-ups are also included. ”
(1) Source: FNG market report 2024, p. 22: FNG market report_2024_online.pdf