Sustainability has long been a growing concern. And the recent heatwave has only drawn more attention to the impending climate emergency. With so much focus on reducing our carbon footprint, you might be wondering whether investing in a new kitchen is the right thing to do. However, you can’t reasonably be expected to put up with a tired and dated design that’s not fit for purpose. Especially when updating your space offers so much potential to elevate your lifestyle and transform your home. If you are keen to make more sustainable choices regarding your new kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to know below.
Nail Your New Design
Ultimately, one of the most important things you can do to help the environment is to ensure your new kitchen stands the test of time. Producing a new kitchen requires substantial amounts of energy and resources. Thus, we shouldn’t underestimate the impact of replacing our kitchens every forty years rather than every ten years. While trends come and go, good design is always timeless. Finding a layout that maximises your space and suits your lifestyle now and in the future is the best way to increase your kitchen’s longevity. However, planning a new kitchen can be complicated. We recommend speaking to an experienced kitchen design professional. They should help you nail your new design and offer advice on sourcing the highest quality, long-lasting products.
Check Manufacturer Credentials
Not only do some manufacturers produce better quality kitchens than others, some are also a lot more environmentally conscious. You can make a more sustainable choice about your kitchen by supporting brands that are invested in reducing their carbon footprint and actively benefiting the environment. Here at Hubble, our suppliers are both certified carbon-neutral. You can read more about their commitment to sustainability below.
Leicht
As a carbon-neutral company, Leicht combines carbon offsetting with their own sustainability measures to achieve a carbon-neutral production chain. But, for them, it’s not just about ticking those little green boxes. Leicht has ‘greened’ half the factory roof and installed solar panels across the rest. They have also planted 50 trees and created a number of wildflower meadows to benefit the surrounding wildlife.
Schuller
Nature conservation has long been at the heart of Schuller’s brand philosophy. They have taken several measures to gain carbon-neutral certification, including investing in a biomass energy system, fuel-saving trucks and carbon offsetting. Schuller aims to instil a love of nature in all their staff, running bird house building workshops and more. Many of their employees also benefit from their electric bicycle rental scheme.
Use Sustainable Materials
Using renewable materials that protect the environment throughout their life cycle will reduce the impact your new kitchen has on climate change. Below are some of the sustainable materials you might want to consider.
Sustainable Timber
Provided it is responsibly sourced, timber is considered a renewable resource. At Hubble, all the timber that goes into our kitchens is FSC or PEFC certified, which means it can be fully traced to a responsibly managed forest. MFC, MDF, eco board, plywood and bamboo are also sustainable materials. The most sustainable MDF is produced from recycled timber without added formaldehyde.
Sustainable Worktops
There are plenty of stylish and sustainable worktop materials available. Recycled glass, quartz and PEFC/FSC timber all make excellent choices. Here at Hubble, we partner with award-winning worktop manufacturers Neolith and Cosentino. Both are well known for their commitment to the environment.
Boasting carbon-neutral status, Neolith is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly materials on the market. Neolith are committed to supporting numerous environmental projects, such as maintaining the Guatemalan Caribbean Conservation Coast. Likewise, Cosentino has invested millions in finding ways to actively benefit the environment while producing a range of sustainable products. Cosentino’s innovative ultra-compact, high-performance surface Dekton is also a certified carbon-neutral product.
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
Choosing more efficient appliances isn’t just a great way to benefit the environment. It can also save you money on those pesky spiralling energy bills. In recent years, appliance manufacturers have really focused on making their products more efficient. Many dishwashers use less energy and water than handwashing. Companies like Quooker have even created boiling water taps that are more efficient than the standard kettle.
You can check the efficiency of an appliance by looking at the energy label. The energy label provides a rating from A-G, with A being the most efficient. However, bear in mind, this is a representation of efficiency, not just energy usage. Larger appliances will use much more energy to run but could have the same efficiency rating as a smaller model. This is especially true of fridge freezers.
Use LED Lighting
Switching to LED lightbulbs is a real no-brainer. They use very little energy and last much longer than halogen bulbs, saving you money and reducing waste.
Take A Fabric First Approach To A New Build Or Extension
If you’re undertaking an extension or new build, consider taking a fabric first approach. Fabric simply refers to the elements that make up your home, like frames, walls and roofs. Taking a fabric first approach involves designing the fabric of your building to minimise the amount of energy required to heat and cool your home, for example, maximising air tightness or investing in insulation. Making your building more efficient from the ground up is the key to any sustainable home renovation project.
Switch To A Green Energy Tariff
The recent rise in energy costs has made finding a good deal rather challenging, which might understandably put you off switching providers. However, most green electricity tariffs are not much more expensive. When the time does come to renew your contract, why not consider making your whole home more sustainable by switching to a green energy tariff or supplier?
From choosing innovative, state-of-the-art appliances to investing in high-quality, bespoke furniture, making your kitchen more sustainable certainly doesn’t mean compromising looks or performance. In fact, it involves quite the opposite! Here at Hubble, we have a fantastic range of sustainable products and energy-efficient appliances to choose from. And, with our talented professional team here to help with your project, you can rest assured your new kitchen will stand the test of time. If you’d like to discuss your design ideas, we’d love to hear from you. Please call us on 01243 533727 or email info@hubblekitchens.co.uk.