The survey found that in the next 12 months, 37 per cent of SMSF members are likely to consider investing in ethical investments versus 27 per cent of those in managed super funds.

The results also indicted that one in five Australians or 22 per cent are already investing in ethical companies, funds or superannuation funds that aim to create positive social and environmental impacts, and many more (53 per cent) will consider it in the future, 24 per cent are willing to consider it in the next 12 months and 28 per cent in the next five years.

Millennials are the most likely to consider investing in ethical companies, funds or superannuation funds in the future, according to the results, with 69 per cent thinking about ethical investments for the future, compared to 53 per cent of Generation X and 39 per cent of Baby Boomers.

The survey also found that in 10 (69 per cent) Australians would rather invest in a responsible super fund (i.e. a fund that considers the environmental, social and governance issues of the companies it invests in and maximises financial returns), than a super fund which considers only maximising financial returns (31 per cent). This attitude has increased by 27 per cent since 2013.

RIAA chief executive Simon O’Connor said consumer sentiment mirrors the continuing growth in the sector with responsible investment more than quadrupling over the past three years and nearly half of Australia’s assets under management now being invested through responsible investments.

 “As more Australians show a desire for their investments and savings to align with their values, those already investing their money responsibly are enjoying strong financial performance,” he added.

“The vast majority of Australians want superannuation invested responsibly, such as through investing in companies that build clean energy infrastructure or avoiding investments that can harm communities such as weapons manufacturing. Other key issues of concern for consumers, in terms of their investments, include animal cruelty, human rights violations and pornography.”