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Remodeling your kitchen is exciting, and can also be a formidable challenge. As you embark on this journey, you will be faced with many choices including design of an eco-friendly kitchen.A kitchen that inspires can also be a kitchen that is environmentally conscious and sustainable. One that combines beauty and functionality without sacrificing the environment. There are a few considerations to make your kitchen remodel eco-friendly.
Defining environmentally sustainable design
At its core, an environmentally sustainable design does not negatively impact the environment or the people using the space. The design process respects the environment at every step, and focuses on the efficient use of energy, water, and other natural resources to present a space that is both well-designed and eco-friendly.Sustainable design focuses on both environmental benefits and personal well-being, designing for minimal environmental impact, and using materials from renewable resources. Green designs create spaces that promote health, generate less material waste, are energy efficient and have low exposure to potentially toxic materials.
Find an eco-centric Design Build company
A sustainable kitchen remodel begins with finding professionals who align with your desires, values, and goals. This is the time to meet with a few companies to ensure that your personalities match and they understand your vision. When you partner with a design build practice, you’re relying on their expertise and insight to make your dreams a reality.
Choose energy efficient lighting and appliances
Energy efficient light fixtures and appliances are a great way to save energy. The most efficient lighting available is natural light. To enhance natural lighting in your kitchen remodel, consider updating with energy efficient windows, skylights and solar tubes. Lightbulbs are the low hanging fruit of energy saving measures. LED bulbs are energy and cost efficient, and last up to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Along with LED bulbs, dimmer switches allow you to adjust the wattage of the bulb so you only use the amount of light and energy you need.When it comes to an HVAC system, appliances, and light fixtures, energy efficient products include an Energy Star label. This government-backed symbol for energy efficiency was created with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. This label ensures that your microwave, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances are energy efficient.Touch-free faucets, often overlooked, are both convenient and eco-friendly by minimizing water waste using an automatic shut-off system. These simple additions create an environmentally friendly kitchen remodel that is both beautiful and functional.
Find VOC-free paints and stains
Some paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which have been shown to irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. The Environmental Protection Agency states exposure to VOCs may have short or long-term health effects due to the variety of chemicals. There are many non-toxic options available. Non-toxic, VOC-free paint is made from materials like clay or milk proteins, and are solvent-free which makes them a safe option for homeowners and the environment. Finishes, stains, and coatings may contain VOCs as well, and there are VOC-free or low-VOC alternatives.
Take a closer look at your countertops
Not all kitchen countertops are made from sustainable and eco-friendly material. Granite, a harvested stone, has been a popular countertop choice among homeowners for years, but there are more eco-friendly options available that offer the same, if not more, benefits than its granite counterpart. Quartz and corian are a composite and use epoxy (VOC) and energy in production, but are not strip mined, so may be considered an option, and they require virtually no maintenance and can last a lifetime. Soapstone, bamboo, sustainably harvested wood, and other recycled materials such as glass, reclaimed wood, or concrete are also viable options in a sustainable kitchen remodel.
Sustainable design lasts the test of time
Sustainability is timeless, and it’s easy on the Earth. At Giraffe Design Build, we believe good design is sustainable design. We value partnerships with our clients and through a collaborative process of inspired design, excellent craftsmanship, and sustainable practices, we provide solutions you’ll be delighted with for years to come.
If you’re interested in making your kitchen remodel sustainable and environmentally friendly, we’d like to talk about making your dreams a reality. Get in touch with our team.
