Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025 - 28

SUS TAINABILITY
Conscious Design
Seven pro
tips for
creating an
eco-friendlier
kitchen
As sustainable living becomes a priority, the kitchen has
emerged as the ideal space to make eco-conscious choices
that deliver lasting impact and a strong return on investment.
However, navigating the path to a greener kitchen can be
daunting, even for seasoned designers. When reimaging a
kitchen to be more sustainable, it's essential to consider energy
effi ciency, responsible material choices and a reduced
environmental footprint.
Sustainability is at the heart of my design philosophy. When
designing my own home to Passive House standards, my goal
was to create an energy-effi cient space that inspires clients to
see sustainable design as both beautiful and practical. The result
is an all-electric kitchen that improves indoor air quality, optimizes
energy use, lowers costs and supports a sustainable lifestyle.
Whether designing to Passive House standards, building new
or renovating, prioritizing energy effi ciency and indoor air quality
can add long-term value to a client's home and benefi t the planet.
With thoughtful design choices and an openness to change,
we all have the power to shape a healthier, more sustainable
future. Here are my guiding principles for creating an inviting,
more effi cient and eco-friendlier kitchen.
This apartment designed
by The Turett Collaborative
features Henrybuilt FSCcertifi
ed wood cabinets
and an induction cooktop.
Photo credit: Travis Mark
1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
High-quality insulation is a cornerstone of Passive House design,
which strives for net-zero energy by signifi cantly reducing heating
and cooling demands. This core concept applies universally,
ensuring that your home is well-insulated and dramatically minimizing
air infi ltration, lowering energy costs, cutting emissions
and improving indoor comfort and air quality. A well-sealed
building envelope is also critical in protecting against drafts and
aiding in temperature and moisture regulation.
2. Keep it Green, Local & Low-Impact
Choose quality, long-lasting materials to minimize waste and
prioritize locally sourced materials. Repurpose existing items
when possible, like refi nishing existing kitchen cabinets using
plant-based oils instead of replacing them during a renovation.
For new cabinetry, improve indoor air quality by selecting formaldehyde-free
MDF, solid wood with low-VOC fi nishes, non-toxic
adhesives or modular cabinet systems. Today, there are more
kitchen brands like Valcucine and Henrybuilt offering a variety of
cabinet options that utilize healthier and more environmentally
responsible materials and fi nishes.
3. Don't Take Your Countertops for Granite
Consider on-trend, low-maintenance quartz countertops made
from recycled content with a Greenguard certifi cation. These
sustainably certifi ed surfaces not only contribute to a greener
design but are also resistant to stains and scratches, offering
durability and aesthetic appeal. Laminate countertops are often
overlooked but offer a host of benefi ts. Durable, easy-to-clean,
reliable and eco-friendly options such as Abet Laminati provide
a cost-effective, easy-to-maintain option without compromising
on sustainability or style.
4. Don't Forget the Flooring
For versatile, resilient fl ooring, consider porcelain or ceramic tile.
Both are made from natural materials, are VOC-free and have
antimicrobial benefi ts. Porcelain is highly durable, stain resistant
and non-porous - ideal for moisture-prone, high-traffi c areas
like the kitchen. Ceramic tile's indestructible qualities help reduce
waste by withstanding fi re, fl oods and fading, plus it can be installed
over existing tiles or salvaged. For wood fl oors, opt for a
low-VOC fi nish like WOCA Oil instead of high-VOC polyurethane
fi nishes to avoid harmful chemicals.
5. Do Your Homework on Appliances & Lighting
Not all ENERGY STAR-rated products are created equal. If you
want to reduce your energy consumption and save on your clients'
power bill, be sure to research how much each appliance costs
to run versus its competitors. According to my fi rm's extensive
research, Gaggenau, Miele, Bosch, Samsung and LG are some of
28 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025
Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025

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