With sustainability becoming increasingly top of mind, environmentally friendly homes have gained popularity among homeowners. If your kitchen is outdated, a few changes can help make it eco-friendly. Read on to learn a few sustainable kitchen renovation tips and ideas to assist you in making informed decisions for a remarkable makeover.
Select eco-friendly materials
Whether you are looking for new countertops, backsplash, or flooring, consider their environmental impact. Many sustainable alternatives are available for cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, and appliances to suit any style and space like recycled glass, bamboo paper composite, reclaimed wood and stainless steel.
Build better cabinets
Choose cabinets with safer materials. Most conventional cabinets made from pressed wood, plywood, medium-density fiberboard and particle board are assembled using glues that contain formaldehyde, a harmful carcinogen. Solid, reclaimed or recycled wood, bamboo, quartz, and recycled glass are safer options.
Choose efficient water fixtures
Research indicates that choosing the right environmentally friendly faucets can significantly reduce water usage in your home. Low-flow faucets conserve water without sacrificing performance or reducing the luxurious feel of high water pressure. Better options include touchless fixtures, low-flow aerators, and metering faucets.
Install energy efficient lighting
Warmth and light are essential to ensuring your kitchen looks and feels fresh and beautiful. Although natural lighting is best to achieve this, you can also install efficient lighting fixtures strategically. Consider tubular daylighting systems or skylights and choose which are energy efficient and are available in many colours. Doing so will help save on your utility bills and conserve valuable energy.
Invest in energy efficient appliances
Kitchen tools and equipment typically account for around 10% of a home’s energy use. Many energy-efficient alternatives outperform older appliances, from modern induction range tops to convection ovens. Products with the Energy Star seal of approval are typically the best options to conserve electricity.
Pick eco-friendly flooring
Sustainable flooring options include FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood planks, bamboo, recycled tiles, and sustainable cork. They are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and good for the environment.
Install energy-efficient windows
If you have windows in your kitchen, replace them with a high-quality, efficient option to minimize heat transfer between the interior and the outdoors. Window films and honeycomb window coverings are great options. Look for windows with the Energy Star label to lower heating and cooling costs.
Use VOC-free paint, coating and windows
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released as gasses from several products, such as new furnishings, household cleaners, and paints. They cause long-term and short-term detrimental health effects. You can avoid these hazards by selecting VOC-free options for your eco-friendly kitchen.
Work with an experienced and registered professional
Hiring a professional contractor who is a member of a professional industry association that requires adherence to a Code of Conduct like RenoMark, and who is experienced in sustainable and green renovations is essential. You can save time and money, avoid unnecessary problems, and turn your vision into an eco-friendly reality.
Sam Beninato is the owner and founder of renoWOW!. With over 25 years of experience in the contracting and remodelling industry, and having been featured on HGTV, Metro, The Globe & Mail, The Huffington Post, and various industry magazines, his expertise is valued by professionals and homeowners alike.