The second annual study of 'Green' Financial Services in Canada found that despite a decline in focus away from issues such as the environment, healthcare and education and sustained focus on the economy, Canadians are adopting more 'Green' financial services. These services include: 'Green' Auto Loans (preferential rates for the purchase of an energy-efficient vehicle), 'Green' Savings accounts (accounts earmarked for investing in energy-efficient companies), 'Green' Auto insurance (reduced rates for customers driving energy-efficient vehicles) and more.

The results are taken from Ipsos-Reid's 'Green' Financial Products and Services, which interviewed 2,209 Canadian adults in a comprehensive survey of the Canadian financial services market.

Nearly, one-quarter (22%) of Canadians have 'green' financial services. Among those that do, in 2009 they had 1.7 'green' financial services each, on average, up from 1.2 last year.

These results suggest that, despite the shift in the market landscape which is placing more focus on the economy, Canadians' desire to help the environment is remaining strong. In fact, despite the predominance of the economy in the minds of Canadians and the media, nearly three quarters (72%) of Canadians say they are 'interested' in learning more about 'green' financial products and services, if their financial institution began offering them.

So 'green' is the colour of money.

These are the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted as part of Ipsos' Canadian 'Green' Financial Products and Services study. The poll was conducted from July 17 to July 24, 2009. This online survey of 2,209 Canadian adults was conducted via the Ipsos I-Say Online Panel, Ipsos Reid's national online panel.