Irish investors are happy to go green – but not if it means lower returns or later retirement

That’s the findings of new research by LifeSight Ireland, a multi-employer pension trust owned by global advisory firm WTW.

It found that although 56pc of 2,000 members surveyed wanted their savings invested sustainably and 59pc want more information on what companies are doing to tackle climate change, just 24pc of them would choose a sustainable investment if it meant lower returns or higher fees.

And only 21pc would be prepared to choose a sustainable investment if it meant retiring later.

However, the survey did find that 44pc of those surveyed believe that investing in companies focused on sustainability will achieve better investment returns over the long term.

Over half of investors aged between 60 and 69 said they want to invest sustainably, roughly comparable to all younger age groups.

“At WTW, we believe that members do not need to forego returns to invest sustainably,” said LifeSight Ireland’s MD Maria Quinlan.

The research also found that over half of respondents believe they are currently secure in their financial position and that independent financial advisers and pension providers are the most trusted sources of financial wellness advice.