The kitchen is one of the biggest energy users in the home. If you want to go green, there are many more considerations to make than how efficient your appliances are. Although there’s a lot to think about, it doesn’t have to be daunting. Our guide will help you identify the most important elements and guide you to creating an eco-friendly kitchen design.
1. Functional and frugal design
The best way to reduce the carbon footprint of your kitchen is to ensure that your space has a timeless design constructed out of hard-wearing materials. This will ensure not only that your kitchen’s looks last for longer, but also that your cabinetry can remain in place for decades.
In addition to choosing classic finishes, it’s important to work with a designer who understands how to create a functional space while wasting as little material as possible. This efficient use of materials is kind to the environment and your wallet, too. Luckily today’s drafting software and precision cutting tools make this task far easier, ensuring that every board and slab is used to its maximum potential.
2. Sustainable materials
Source: Naked Kitchens
With the rise of the green movement, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to sustainable materials. Low-impact materials like plywood, eco-board, oriented strand board (osb) or even recycled timber give your eco-friendly kitchen cabinetry a rustic-chic look. Floors can be laid using cork, linoleum or resin. Stainless steel is a great choice for splashbacks, countertops and hardware, lending an industrial look to your space when paired with exposed brick and black appliances.
But, when it comes to eco-friendly materials, nothing beats bamboo. This hard-wearing material can be used to create almost every element of a sustainable kitchen, from cabinets to countertops and floors. It grows rapidly, capable of being harvested every three years – about a 10th of the time required for growing hard wood – and uses minimal resources during its cultivation.
3. Lighting, fixtures and appliances
From energy-efficient fridges to water-saving taps, technology has had a huge effect in the green kitchen arena. In addition to being designed and manufactured in a more eco-friendly manner, these fixtures use fewer resources and have a lower impact on the environment. For example, taps fitted with aerators can reduce your water usage by nearly 50% while maintaining pressure, while a forced convection ovens use 25% less electricity than their standard counterparts.
When it comes to lighting, LED fixtures have a longer life cycle and lower energy consumption than incandescent bulbs. They’re also available in a variety of formats and colours, making them versatile enough to use as strip lighting inside cabinets or overhead lighting in the main space.
At Select-a-Kitchen, we create eco-friendly kitchens using precision designs and sustainable materials. If you’d like to find out more about installing a green kitchen in your home, fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you, or give us a call on 021 554 5290.
