With sustainability becoming increasingly vital, environmentally friendly homes have gained popularity among property owners. However, if your kitchen is outdated, a few changes can help make it eco-friendly. Read on to learn a few sustainable kitchen renovation tips and ideas for inspiration and make informed decisions for a remarkable makeover.
Top Eco-Friendly Kitchen Renovation Ideas
Select Eco-Friendly Materials
Whether you are looking for new countertops, backsplash, or flooring, consider their environmental impact. Many sustainable alternatives are available for cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, and appliances to suit any style and space. You can choose the ones that meet your budget and requirements during the kitchen renovation process.
Sustainable Kitchen Countertops:
- Recycled glass
- Sustainable bamboo
- Paper composite
- Reclaimed wood
- Stainless steel
Build Better Cabinets
Most conventional cabinets made from pressed wood, plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and particle board are typically assembled using glues that contain formaldehyde. It is a harmful carcinogen. An eco-friendly kitchen requires sustainable and non-toxic cabinets. It is wise to choose cabinets with safer materials.
Eco-Friendly Cabinets for Kitchens:
- Solid wood
- Reclaimed wood
- Recycled wood
- Bamboo
- Quartz
- Recycled glass
- Other formaldehyde-free materials
Choose Efficient Water Fixtures
Research indicates that choosing the right environmentally friendly faucets can significantly reduce water usage in your home. Low-flow faucets help conserve water without sacrificing performance or reducing the luxurious feel of high water pressure.
Water-Efficient Faucets for a Sustainable Kitchen
- Touchless fixtures
- Low-flow aerators
- Metering faucets
Install Energy Efficient Lighting
Warmth and light are essential to ensure your kitchen looks and feels fresh and beautiful. Although natural lighting is best to achieve this, you can also install efficient lighting fixtures strategically. Consider tubular daylighting systems or skylights and choose LEDs because they are extremely energy efficient and available in many colours. Doing so will help save on your utility bills and conserve valuable energy.
Best Kitchen Renovation Ideas for Efficient Lighting
- Recessed lighting for ambience
- Under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the countertop
- Sink and over-island lighting for visual interest and brightness
- In-drawer lighting
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
Kitchen tools and equipment typically account for around 10% of a home’s energy use. Many energy-efficient alternatives outperform older appliances, from modern induction range tops to convection ovens. Choose renewable sources that can help reduce the energy demand and support sustainability. Products with the Energy Star seal of approval are typically the best ones to conserve electricity.
Sustainable Kitchen Appliances
- Consider microwaves over electric ovens
- Energy Star-certified refrigerators
- Energy-efficient dishwashers
- Energy-efficient ranges
- Air fryers
- Slow cookers
- Toasters
Pick Eco-Friendly Flooring
Sustainable flooring options include FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood planks, bamboo, recycled tiles, and sustainable cork. They are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and good for the environment. In addition to choosing one, work with a reliable kitchen renovation contractor who can blend sustainability with style without impacting your budget.
Environmentally Friendly Flooring for Kitchen
- Luxury vinyl tiles
- Sustainably sourced solid wood
- Engineered wood
- Concrete
- Linoleum and marmoleum
Install Energy Efficient Windows
A popular kitchen renovation idea is to have a window in the room. If you already have one, replace it with a high-quality, efficient option to minimize heat transfer between the interior and the outdoors. Window films and honeycomb window coverings are great options. Look for windows with the Energy Star label to lower heating and cooling costs.
Use VOC-Free Paints, Coatings and Finishes
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released as gasses from several products, such as new furnishings, household cleaners, and paints. They cause long-term and short-term detrimental health effects. You can avoid these hazards by selecting VOC-free options for your eco-friendly kitchen.
Work with an Experienced Kitchen Renovation Contractor
Hiring a professional who knows about green options and sustainable kitchen renovation ideas is beneficial. You can save time and money, avoid unnecessary problems, and turn your vision into a beautiful reality.
Also Read: Kitchen Renovation: Top Before and After Ideas & Designs
Contact the Expert Kitchen Renovation Contractor in Toronto
renoWOW! is a reputable name when it comes to experienced and reliable kitchen renovation contractors in Toronto. With over 32 years of experience in the industry, we have the skills, knowledge, and resources to carry out complete renovations to create visually exquisite and functionally advanced kitchens.
If you are looking for a kitchen remodelling contractor in Toronto, call us at 1-866-352-1251. You can also book a virtual consultation with Sam Beninato, our founder and owner, to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream home. Our team will ensure you experience the WOW with an excellent kitchen makeover.
Also Read: 10 Kitchen Renovation Ideas to Create a Luxurious Space
