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www.theconnectionsnj.com
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SUSTAINABILITY IN KITCHEN DESIGN By: Jeff Van Fleet, CKD, CBD, Fleetwood Kitchens & Baths Can the charming yet inefficient kitchens of the past really be transformed into modern marvels of efficiency and beauty? The answer is yes, and renovation sustainability is priority in the innovative designs of today. With an overabundance of selections avail- able, consumers are now empowered to make choices with ease allowing them to create both inspired and environmentally friendly kitchen designs. And each design selection they make has the power to reduce negative effects on the environ- ment, whether in the energy used and omitted or the production process. Cabinetry is the single largest part of a kitchen space, and choosing one that is part of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s Association’s (KCMA) Environmental Stew- ardship Program (ESP) means that a cabinet manufacturer is environmentally responsi- ble for reducing waste pollution and pro- moting resource sustainability. Moreover, a cabinet certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures the construction of it is invested in protecting and preserving the environment by using non-toxic glue, reconstituted and composited wood veneers, sustainably harvested solid wood frames, eco-friendly substrates without urea formaldehyde and water-based low volatile organic compounds (VOC). Another important aspect of a kitchen’s design is the countertop choice. Quartz is not only an attractive and popular product, but a green one as well. A quartz product with a Greenguard seal makes high quality indoor air a top priority. It does not emit Radon, and is low in other chemical and particles emissions. Electing to use low VOC glues during the installation can also add to the high environmental standard. Other green options for countertops include but are not limited to butcher block, stainless steel, and glass made from recycled and repurposed materials. A salvaged counter- top is another conscientious choice. A kitchen wouldn’t be complete without efficient and practical appliances, and with so many products available making an eco- friendly choice can be overwhelming. Focusing on energy efficiency, however, simplifies the process. A refrigerator, for example, can use more energy due to its size or configuration, and one with a freez- er on either the top or bottom is more ener- gy efficient than a side-by-side refrigerator. Also, an energy saving induction cooktop or an appliance powered by electric solar pan- els are ideal options, as they not only utilize renewable energy sources, but also omit less energy during and after each use. Eco-friendly focused kitchen designs also offer cutting-edge and exciting new prod- ucts. One of the hottest trends are indoor gardens like the Urban Cultivator. This small, refrigerator-like appliance is climate controlled and includes its own built-in watering system. It allows home-grown organic produce and herbs to be cultivated with ease and comfort right in the kitchen. Conserving both energy and resources, the indoor garden is a potential new staple in the modern kitchen. Design is an ever-evolving industry, and incorporating sustainability into kitchen design continues to produce fresh innova- tions that inspire creativity and promote eco-conscious choices in the empowered consumer. Each selection made with the mindful awareness of its environmental impact is an important choice not only for the healthier, safer, and greener homes and families of today, but also for those of tomorrow.PAGE 56
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