Trend Watch Gen Z has earned the title of Gen E

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That “E” is for the “environment.” For these folks, it’s a priority. According to the Pew Research Center, Gen Z is more active than any other generation in talking about climate change — and not just online. They’re more than willing to talk to folks face to face about the needs of the environment — no screens required. This is even more impressive when you realize that this is the first generation to spend their entire lives in a digital world. Technology is more than second nature. Technology is fundamental to their existence.

When it comes to the planet, the numbers don’t lie

The very same report from the Pew Research Center reveals that 62% of Gen Z shoppers buy from sustainable brands. Even more surprising, 73% are willing to pay more for sustainable products. That survey also revealed that 67% of Gen Zers believe that the climate should be a top priority.

They make the environment part of who they are. Gen Z believes that addressing climate change is their top personal concern more than any other generation.

And they do something about the climate. More than any other generation, they’ve taken personal action (such as donating money or volunteering) to help address climate change.

Rules? What rules?

Just out of college, Gen Z has already experienced so much in their lives; the recession of 2008 and the pandemic shaped their worldview. They were also primarily raised by Gen X to be independent and able to figure things out for themselves. This enables Gen Z to produce without constant reinforcement. All of this encourages them to question everything.

They will bring a fresh set of eyes and ask questions others may have avoided, like, “Why do we do it this way?” and “Why don’t we challenge the status quo?” It’s up to previous generations to listen and give them the opportunity to be tenacious, lead with passion and make a difference when it comes to the environment.

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Their high-tech, highly efficient homes

The more aptly named Gen E prefers to live in an eco-friendly, energy-efficient home. They look for features that are kinder to the environment. Those can be energy-efficient appliances, bamboo flooring and even recycled glass countertops.

There’s an old saying in real estate that the three most important things about a property are “location, location, location.” For Gen Z, it could be more like “efficiency, efficiency, efficiency.”

This native digital generation was reared on tech, and they expect the technology in their homes to be as efficient as they are. For example, that means smart thermostats. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices automatically adjust the temperature in your home to save energy without sacrificing comfort. Some new users are intimidated by that level of intelligence in their homes. Not Gen Z.

This generation has lived with technology throughout their lives, and smart lighting and smart home security are welcome additions to their homes. That’s a lot of technology. How does Gen Z solve that problem? With technology, of course.

They use a smart home hub. This “one device to rule them all” approach manages all your smart gadgets with one device or operating system. It’s a one-stop solution for unifying connected gadgets so you can operate them from one app.

And on a more holistic view of home ownership, Gen Z sees the value in ENERGY STAR^® certified NextGen homes. These advanced homes and apartments incorporate leading-edge energy efficiency technologies and electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities to maximize energy and emissions savings. The NextGen home just fits their beliefs better.

Eco-friendly and on the move

Past generations have made their travel decisions based primarily on price. Gen Z shifts that priority to support travel and hospitality companies that match their values. They research the companies, probably on their smartphones, to find organizations that support sustainable practices.

Their daily travel choices are also made with the environment in mind. This generation is open to simple, low-cost alternative forms of transportation like e-bikes, scooters and ridesharing.

And they are more likely to consider driving an EV. While an EV can save drivers three to five times the cost of a gas-powered car, the environmental impact of this choice will appeal to many in Gen Z. These EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, are cleaner than burning gasoline and will allow you to only need a gas station for the random squeegee windshield wipe-down.

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Hold on to your hat

In short, this generation will look the status quo in the eye and not blink. They take action. They are values driven, socially conscious and unafraid. Armed with the latest technologies built to save energy, Gen Z has more tools at their disposal than any generation that has come before them. Combine that with the fact that Gen Z sees a technological world as their native world, and we have a group of people empowered to make a difference.

They’re the brightest generational option when it comes to a cleaner, greener environment. And that’s why Gen Z should really be called Gen E.