7.5 million Brits have changed jobs or moved house to live a more natural, sustainable life according to a recent survey…

These aspiring 'good lifers' are committing serious money to their cause; one in 10 has invested more than £50,000 in the last year alone to make environmental changes to their life and home.

Driven by a desire to protect future generations (70%), this group of environmentally-conscious Brits are at the vanguard of a consumer trend, determined to make a difference and reduce their carbon footprint according to the latest research report from Standard Life Bank.

Having managed smaller changes like recycling (43%), buying organic products (25%), and growing their own vegetables (23%), the new 'good lifers' are inspired by the sustainable housing systems emerging in the UK and are making big changes at home.

Groundswell of support

Of the 1,000 respondents questioned by Consumer Analysis Group, 59% already have or would consider installing wind turbines, solar panel systems (71%) or rainwater collection systems (55%). And if they can't put it in at their current home, they'll move for a sustainable life.

The research shows that 29% of Brits would actively search for a house that was adapted to use less of the Earth's resources; with almost half willing to pay an extra £5,000'£10,000 for a green home.

Oliver Heath, green designer and face of Changing Rooms and Home Front, said: "The groundswell of support for a greener way of life has been the tipping point for people making considerable investment in simple systems and creating their own source of green energy. They are at the forefront of a generation that recognises the weight of responsibility to address dwindling energy supplies lies at their feet.

"This research underlines that people are motivated by their environmentally friendly peers and really want to make a difference. Compounded by the increasing government initiatives for homeowners to embrace energy efficiency measures, there is no doubt that the trend will proliferate."

Making a difference

Ashley Ramsay, trends expert for Standard Life Bank, said: "There is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to invest in their property and the future, making a difference to generations to come. Our research shows that 7% of people are already using the equity they have accumulated in their homes to fund the changes and as the inclination to adopt a greener lifestyle extends beyond the basics of recycling, we expect more homeowners to follow suit."

The research also showed that new homebuilders should be going green: 87% of those asked thought a new build should have energy-efficient fittings installed, 75% said renewable energy equipment should come as standard and 71% thought new builds should be constructed from sustainable material.

The report has been commissioned by Standard Life Bank as part of continuous research undertaken for the better understanding of its customers and is part of a wider series commissioned by Standard Life Bank that examines 'The Freestyle Generation' - thirtysomethings who don't see their mortgages as a millstone, more as a life management tool to help realise their dreams.

The report also found:

• 73% said they would like to use more sustainable and renewable energy.
  
  
• Just 10% aren't interested in making their home carbon neutral.
  
  
• 71% expect to see a resurgence of kitchen gardens.
  
  
• A quarter (26%) have created a compost heap