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You've probably heard it here before. More than half of real estate professionals recently reported that their clients care about sustainability. For some homeowners, going green has become a lifestyle choice. For others, going green is purely practical. After all, reducing your energy and water usage will lower your utility bills. Sustainable home features can also be a selling point for real estate listings.
Of course, every room in a building comes with its own unique environmental challenges. Whether you're interested in building a new eco-friendly home or considering a renovation, the kitchen is the perfect place to focus your efforts.
The importance of sustainable kitchen design
“Sustainability and long-term use of the kitchen should be a top priority for renovations and new construction,” says Nicci Pucci, real estate expert and owner and lead designer of Tambourine Home in Las Vegas.
Jeff Manning, CEO of ABG Builders, a West Coast commercial construction and development company, agrees: “Kitchen and bathroom upgrades increase marketability and resale value, opening up your home for higher appraisals.” do.
Homes equipped with eco-friendly kitchens pack several selling points.
- A sustainable kitchen reduces your energy and water bills.
- A sustainable kitchen leads to positive buyer perceptions.
- Sustainable kitchens are often healthier because they incorporate natural materials that are inherently antibacterial.
Build a sustainable kitchen from scratch
What makes a kitchen sustainable? Manning says it's a combination of several factors, including energy and efficiency, as well as plenty of natural light and air circulation. While it's easiest to create a sustainable kitchen in a new build, there are still ways to make your existing home more eco-friendly.
Following these sustainable kitchen design ideas will help your new build stand out. These are also helpful considerations for homeowners who want to renovate their kitchen to increase the value of their home.
consult an expert
Sustainability is trending. This means there are always new products and materials on the market that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. To stay on the cutting edge, builders and developers keep in touch with experts in the field.
“Consulting the U.S. Green Building Council about residential kitchens is the first thing every savvy homeowner or developer does,” says Manning. “This internationally recognized organization has guidelines and parameters to outline the best practices for energy-efficient kitchens.”
Evaluating the “building envelope”
“For new construction, the first place to save energy is on the exterior of the building, such as insulation and window types, then look at the heating and cooling system…” says Jennifer Turchin, LEED Certified Architect at Coda Group. say. A sustainability consulting firm located in Southern Nevada.
Of course, this rating applies to the entire building, not just the kitchen. But kitchens tend to be heated and used frequently, so cooling and insulation are important.
Install an under sink heater
In the kitchen, hot water is needed for cooking, washing dishes, and making hot drinks. Have you ever noticed how much time and water is wasted turning on the faucet while waiting for the water to get hot? There's a solution to that.
Adding an Instahot (an under-counter instant water heater tank) directly below the water supply in your kitchen can shorten the time it takes to heat water and significantly reduce the amount of water wasted. explains Manning.
Choose energy-efficient home appliances
According to data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), more than 60% of agents and brokers say promoting energy efficiency in their listings is valuable. But real estate professionals need to stay informed about which Energy Star kitchen appliances are attracting buyers' attention.
“What buyers need to point out is the consumer electronics brands and what they are doing on a broader scale in terms of environmentally friendly manufacturing and packaging,” Pucci says.
“Brands such as Asco, Miele, Speed Queen, Sub-Zero and Wolf test their products on regular use for at least 20 years.”
Top-quality home appliances aren't cheap. A 72-inch refrigerator and freezer costs about $18,000, Pucci said. But sustainability-savvy buyers appreciate the brand's reputation and how these devices are built to last. Turchin says modern refrigerators can save energy in small ways, such as some units showing what's inside without opening the door.
don't use gas stove
Energy Star data shows that induction cooktops are up to 10% more efficient than electric and 300% more efficient than gas.
If induction range is out of the question, choose electric over gas. “There are some studies showing that appliances are more efficient and produce less toxins in indoor environments,” Turchin explains.
Be strategic about natural light
Natural light reduces your dependence on electricity, but that doesn't mean floor-to-ceiling windows are the best option. Windows must be well insulated (preferably triple glazed) to stabilize the temperature inside the room. Heat rises, so skylights and operable clerestory windows (windows lined above eye level) let light in without heating the kitchen.
Of course, natural light is not always available. Manning says LEDs are the perfect artificial light for sustainable kitchen design.
Install proper ventilation
According to Manning, proper air exchange is critical to sustainable kitchen design. Proper ventilation maintains a comfortable temperature while eliminating cooking odors and toxins.
“Recirculating charcoal filters are excellent and are the best option when a route to an outdoor vent is not possible,” adds Pucci.
Incorporate sustainable and healthy materials
Kitchens have many different types of surfaces, including floors, countertops, and cabinets. Whenever possible, choose sustainable materials such as natural stone, reclaimed wood, cork, and concrete. Manning says eco-friendly countertops, wallpaper and even insulation products are all available.
“Countertops have built-in antimicrobial features, so you don't have to use as many harsh chemicals to clean them,” says Turchin.
When it comes to cabinets, Pucci recommends Greenguard Gold certified cabinets, which are guaranteed to have low levels of formaldehyde.
Make your existing kitchen more sustainable
If homeowners want to take advantage of sustainable design in their existing kitchen, experts offer some tips.
If possible, work with an interior designer. “A $30,000 renovation can easily double in value when appraisal time comes around. An interior designer is the best person to help you find eco-friendly options for simple kitchen updates, renovations, and new construction. ” says Pucci.
- Replace old light bulbs. One of the simplest updates will give you immediate benefits. “All lighting should be replaced with LED bulbs, which have a longer lifespan and instantly reduce energy consumption,” he says Turchin.
- Replace old home appliances. This reduces energy costs and increases value to potential buyers. “The EPA estimates that a typical household using Energy Star appliances can expect to save $450 a year on their energy bills,” he says, Turchin.
- Aerate the faucet. “High-efficiency aerators reduce overall water usage and save energy,” says Turchin. According to kitchen equipment company Grohe, faucet flow restrictors can reduce water consumption from 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.2 gallons per minute without compromising pressure.
