5. Do Your Homework on ENERGY STAR Appliances, Lighting
When it comes to appliances, most will fit within the ENERGY STAR category of saving electricity. But if you want to substantially reduce energy consumption, you will need to research how much each appliance costs to run versus its competitors.
For lighting, LED lights tend to use a lot less electricity. Using dimmers, light wall paint, task lighting and lamps instead of overhead lights also will save energy—and money.
6. Reduce Food Waste by Selecting a Fridge with Food-preserving Technology
Everyone’s familiar with the frustration of having to throw away the now-rotten avocado that once looked perfect in the store. But did you know 40 percent of all food in America is wasted? Look for a refrigerator that features a crisper drawer with food-preserving technology that preserves vitamins in fruits and vegetables for longer, keeping produce fresher.
7. Goodbye Gas, Hello Induction Cooking
Cooking with gas has long been touted as the method of choice by professional chefs, but it can also have significantly harmful health implications from indoor air pollution, according to the World Health Organization. Cooking with induction does not have this negative effect and is more energy efficient. In addition to quick heating and boiling properties (with the ability to boil water in about a minute), induction cooktops are easy to clean and provide additional counterspace when not in use. Not ready to invest in induction just yet? Consider steam ovens, instant pots or crock pots, which use less energy by reducing cooking time, water consumption and electricity usage.
8. Install a Hood and Use It
No matter what type of stove or cooktop is specified, proper ventilation via a hood vented to the exterior is key to extracting polluted air from a home. This is especially important if your client insists on using a gas range. To improve the ventilation in my home, I installed a motorized damper exhaust duct to regulate airflow in the kitchen. Additionally, the ERV aids in ventilation. For kitchens in city apartments without vented exhaust, I suggest adding an exhaust fan in the window to improve ventilation.
9. Forget Washing By Hand; You’ll Save More Water with a Dishwasher
You have my permission to opt for the dish- washer! Dishwashers actually conserve more water than washing by hand. ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers can save more than 8,000 gallons of water per year, as well as $130 in energy bills.
10. Don’t Take Your Countertops for Granite
With one-third of homeowners splurging on this area of the kitchen in 2021, it’s clear homeowners are prioritizing countertops in their renovations. Provided it’s easy to mine and sourced locally, on-trend stone countertops are fairly sustainable options because of the material’s longevity. If opting for quartz, look for Greenguard-certified quartz or quartz made from recycled content. Not always thought of, durable, easy-to-clean and reliable laminate countertops can be a cost-saving and environmentally friendly option.
11. Look for a Versa-tile Flooring; Be Careful of Finishes on Wood Floors
Flooring made from naturally occurring raw materials, such as porcelain and ceramic tile, can be great options. Porcelain tile is especially known for its durable, stain-resistant and non-porous nature, making it great for moisture-prone and high-traffic areas of the home, like the kitchen. Mean- while, ceramic tile’s indestructible properties contribute to waste reduction because the tile can survive fire and floods, withstand fading, be installed over existing tile, and be salvaged or disposed of easily. Not to mention, both have the added benefit of no VOCs and great hygienic and antimicrobial properties.
Natural wood is also a great option, but make sure to avoid polyurethane finishes, which are high in VOCs and can be hazardous. Low-VOC, plant-based finishes are great alternatives.
12. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Lastly, don’t neglect the importance of insulation. One of the most impactful features of Passive House design is its incredible insulation capabilities. Whether or not you’re designing to Passive House standards, insulation is key to energy savings. To reduce air infiltration, take extra care to seal areas when installing new appliances and around exterior walls and windows. According to the Insulation Institute, insulation reduces emissions of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide, by eliminating the need for excess use of natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity for heating and cooling. Not to mention, it will be great for your client’s wallet, too.
PHOTOS: Liz Glasgow
Editor’s Note: The photos in this article are of Wayne Turett’s own home, which is new construction; however, Turett’s environmentally friendly design choices and specifications are completely appropriate for renovations.