Climate change is real, and we know it. As it continues to hit the headlines, it is important to consider a sustainable kitchen design while planning a remodel or extension. Due to modern materials and innovations, an eco-friendly kitchen is not as difficult to plan as you think.
Whether you have a modern and clean aesthetic for your kitchen or a timeless Victorian, small alterations in your designs and material choices will make sure that your remodel will not have any negative effects on the earth.
Plan and research
When planning a sustainable kitchen remodel or extension, start by researching your options. Find out the best eco-conscious kitchen retailers whose products are sustainable and responsibly sourced. It is best to opt for high-quality products that will stand the test of time. It will be an investment but better in the long run. As this will save you money on repair and will also increase the value of your property if you decide to sell in the future.
Incorporate sustainable materials
Incorporating natural materials like stone granite and wood in your kitchen design will not only make it better for the planet but will also give an organic, aesthetic, and luxurious touch to the interior.
Invest in eco-friendly kitchen products
Buying sustainable and smart kitchen appliances may be a higher initial spend but you will save significantly on energy and reduce your carbon footprint. You would not have to repair or replace higher quality products for a very long time.
Replace your gas hobs with induction hobs as they are 90% energy efficient. They heat directly underneath the pan, providing heat with maximum efficiency and therefore, wasting no energy. Choose fridges and freezers that improve and adjust the temperatures. They will not only make the best use of energy for your home but also help keep your food fresh for a longer time and reduce wastage.
Each appliance will have an energy rating label, ranging from A+++ to D, to make it easier for you to calculate its energy requirements and operating costs.
Choose a kitchen using sustainable timber
When purchasing a wood kitchen or wood flooring, it’s important to look for the FSC certification seal. This certificate, given by the Forest Stewardship Council, certifies that the wood used for construction has come from ethically and sustainably managed forests that also support the local community’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Energy-efficient lighting
Another factor that may significantly affect the efficiency of your kitchen is lighting. To produce the maximum light, consider not only the kind of bulbs you choose but also their placement.
We advise using LED lights, strips, or bulbs since they use much less energy, last longer, and will look extremely stylish in your beautiful kitchen.
While designing an environmentally friendly kitchen, it is best to divide the lighting into two parts: task and mood lighting.
Task lighting is a functional need that lights a certain space, while mood lighting creates a particular ambiance. This way, you can save power by only using light where it is necessary.
Proper kitchen ventilation
We often fall for the myth that we only need ventilation when we burn our dinner or smoke in the kitchen and the alarms go off throughout the house. However, to prevent the development of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other potentially hazardous pollutants in kitchens with a gas oven or cooktop, enough ventilation is required. According to one research, high amounts of nitrogen dioxide indoors might weaken tissues’ antioxidant defences, which can result in damage and inflammation.
Especially if there is a lack of kitchen ventilation during summertime, the temperature will raise inside your home, increasing the need for air conditioning and resulting in higher energy consumption.
Kitchen ventilation devices called range hoods are often installed over a cooktop. They help in eliminating cooking odours, combustion gases from your stove, grease that is released into the air, and other air pollutants that are caused by the food being prepared. A high-performance motor that optimises effective airflow will be used in an Energy-Star certification range hood.
They don’t necessarily have to be unattractive though; there are many kitchens designed where the range hood serves as a focal point. Others are nicely concealed inside cabinets. To fulfil the needs of your stove, you should look for a unit with a high enough CFM (cubic feet per minute of air that the unit can move) (also making sure the range hood is at the proper height). If quiet operation is a concern, you may want to look for a unit with a low sone rating; typically, a unit with a sone rating under 1.5 is quiet.
Re-use and recycle
Making the most of your current kitchen is a fantastic method to minimise the waste produced during a kitchen renovation. Look into possibilities of upcycling and modernising.
If your current kitchen carcasses are of high quality, replacement doors may be purchased or constructed; but, if you’re simply looking for a change of scenery, a fresh coat of paint can undoubtedly give your kitchen cabinets a new perspective.
Also, it is important to use recyclable materials for things that cannot be reused. Every kitchen, regardless of quality, has a shelf life. The choice to utilise unfinished, recyclable materials like wood and metal ensures that your kitchen can be readily recycled where it cannot be directly reused again after it has reached the end of its lifecycle.
Plastic use
It is no surprise that plastic is extremely harmful to our planet. It is best to stop using single-use plastic such as cups, plates, cutleries, etc, as they account to be the highest water pollutants. Try to avoid buying plastic containers. Instead, opt for glass or metal storage boxes, spoons, and utensils. They will not only reduce your plastic consumption but will look absolutely stunning in your newly refurbed kitchen.
Garbage disposal
By including a recycling can in your kitchen, you can help the earth! Purchase a bin with dual compartments that allow for recycling on one side and rubbish on the other. This way, it will be simple to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones. Be sure to use biodegradable garbage bags. Reuse, repurpose, and recycle wherever possible.
Hire a team
Finding sustainably sourced material and ensuring everything is put to the highest efficient use can be difficult. It is best to hire a team who will care about your home’s sustainability and the planet equally. Research online and ask your friends who might have done a similar kitchen project in recent times.
If you are looking to refurb your kitchen, get in touch with us and book your free consultation where we can discuss how we can make your home better for our planet and help you build your dream kitchen.
