Sustainability in Design
Take a deep breath… can you smell that crisp clean air? The choices you make as a consumer will impact the quality of that air. Now let’s talk about sustainability in design. Heart Kitchen & Bath has been advocating sustainable design long before it became trendy! Since 1985 the Heart team has encouraged clients to be sensitive to the environment!
Whether a new build or a home renovation, Heart has a history of providing quality products that will last a long time. Buying poor quality, inexpensive products that will fall apart in 8-10 years does not really help save a forest or reduce emissions that are by-products from manufacturers products.
When working with home renovators, Heart has always encouraged recycling old cabinets and countertops, suggesting existing products be reused in the laundry room or a lake cottage? If that isn't feasible or desirable, our designers will recommend Habitat for Humanity or several resellers who will often pick-up old cabinets from the job site. Whenever possible, we want to avoid using landfills for disposal of construction products.
For years HKB has practiced consumer education. We speak at great lengths about the off gassing from particle board and mdf. We've always been transparent and shared EPD's available from our manufacturers. (Environmental Product Declarations) For example one of our major cabinet suppliers has been FSC certified for over 20 years. FSC is a certification awarded by the Forest Stewardship Council.
With new clients, our goal is always to promote sustainable design! We encourage homeowners and trades to be sensitive to the people and the planet! Best building practices in a home renovation might include:
Upgrading the insulation and building envelope of the rooms being renovated, specifying low consumption water products such as low flow faucets and toilets that flush minimal quantities
Specifying home products that reduce the omission of CO2, for example, on demand hot-water tanks, induction cooktops and adding solar panels
And of course, buying good quality cabinets that will past the test of time
“In my humble opinion, people building new homes and renovating existing homes, need to be respective of climate change. And as designers, we can help educate and influence consumers to make good purchasing decisions.”
Ready to take note?
✔ Re-use or recycle your cabinets, light fixtures, hardware etc.
✔ Look for products that abide by current off-gassing and sustainability legislation
✔ Purchase products that are long lasting and durable so you are replacing them less often and therefore sending less to our landfills