KBB - May/June 2014 - 33

TRENDS

Kichler has introduced energy-efficient LED mini-pendants in two different styles.
The line features a 40,000-hour lifespan, or approximately 15 years of standard
operation, along with a high color rendering index. The slim elongated option
offers finishes in polished chrome, brushed nickel and olde bronze. Circle No.
204 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo

By July, California Title 24 will mandate at least
one high-efficacy light in each bath, which "almost ensures greater demand for CFLs," he said.
Secondly, with incandescent bulbs all but
disappearing, consumers will have to choose
between LEDs and CFLs. While LED costs have
dropped, they're still not affordable for everyone,
noted Dross. "With CFLs at about $1 and LEDs at
a minimum of $10 and up to $30, it will be difficult to convince the average consumer to go
with LED," he added. "In the past they may not
have considered CFLs, but moving forward their
options will be limited."
Vent fans have taken a similar energy-efficient path.
"For us, the biggest evolution has been the
move from AC to DC motors and from CFL to
LED lighting," said Monks. "Both technologies
provide unparalleled performance and energyefficiency savings."
For example, she noted that the DC motors
can run continuously for less than $25 a month,
and the LED technology lasts at least four times
longer than CFLs. "The LEDs do not contribute
to mercury waste when disposed," she added.

Materials Measure Up
From tiles made of recycled content to lowVOC paints and coatings with mildew resistance built in, bathroom materials and products

are becoming more sustainable. Naomi Neilson
Howard, founder and CEO of Native Trails, has
discovered that homeowners "want products
that make them feel good about their choices."
Using natural and sustainable materials as
the basis for all its products, Native Trails employs recycled copper, reclaimed wood and
FSC-certified bamboo. The company also has
recently developed a line of sinks made with
cement and eco-friendly jute fiber.
In lieu of massive bathtubs, consumers are
installing smaller ergonomic soaking tubs that
use less water and "don't exhaust the entire hotwater tank to do it," said Crowley. His firm also
has installed small on-demand water heaters
directly in the bathroom, which not only reduce
standby losses in the tank and pipe but save
water by not having to run it until it heats up.
Furthermore, sustainability in the bathroom
extends to the product's lifecycle. For instance,
recycled porcelain toilets often are ground into
an aggregate used for roadway and landscape
applications. When doing a remodel, Crowley's
team separates out the steel and iron from old
sanitary fixtures and recycles them.
"We think it's really important to place these
things in the proper recycling channel," he noted. "They shouldn't just end up at the dump." n
- By Holly O'Dell

Circle No. 17 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo

WhisperGreen Select by Panasonic features two new
technologies, allowing builders and contractors to
customize the energy-efficient vent fan. Available
via two base models, the Pick-A-Flow speed
selector achieves required airflow with the
flip of a switch. Additionally, four Plug 'N
Play modules allow users to choose from a
multi-speed operation switch, motion and
condensation sensors or an LED nightlight. Circle No. 205 or visit kbbonline.
com/freeinfo

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KBB - May/June 2014

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