Sustainability

Is refurbishing your existing kitchen a sustainable option?

At Born Again Kitchens we are deeply passionate about sustainability and actively strive to reduce the environmental impact associated with the construction industry.  With a commitment to preserving the planet, we prioritise the reuse and refurbishment of existing kitchen components, promoting the concept of “restoration” rather than discarding.

Our skilled craftspeople work tirelessly to transform worn-out cabinets, countertops, and furniture into beautiful, functional pieces, extending their lifespan and reducing unnecessary waste. We also actively seek eco-friendly materials and finishes, we bring a passion for sustainability and we believe this shines through in every restoration project we undertake.

Refurbishing your existing kitchen can be a sustainable option for several reasons: 

Lifestyle changes and functionality:

Whether its solid wood or MDF, older kitchens may not always meet the needs and functional requirements of modern lifestyles. But with some mindful discussions about your needs, the existing kitchen can be tweaked and redesigned with updated layouts, storage solutions, and features that improve functionality and efficiency.

Reduces waste:

Removal of a kitchens can create up to 2 ton of waste going into landfill. On top of that, you have the waste from the production and the packaging of the new kitchen. By refurbishing your kitchen means you can reuse existing cabinets, countertops, and appliances instead of throwing them away. This reduces the amount of waste generated and decreases the demand for new materials.

Saves resources:

By refurbishing your kitchen, you can avoid the need for new materials and the associated extraction, manufacturing, and transportation processes. This conserves resources such as wood, metal, and energy.

Lowers carbon footprint:

The production of new kitchen materials and appliances typically involves greenhouse gas emissions. By reusing and refurbishing existing items, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing and transportation of new products.

Extends lifespan:

Refurbishing your kitchen can involve repairing or repurposing existing items, allowing them to have an extended lifespan. This reduces the frequency at which you need to replace kitchen components, further reducing waste and resource consumption.

Cost-effective:

Refurbishing a kitchen is often less expensive than a complete renovation or installing a new kitchen. This makes it a more affordable option for homeowners, while still achieving an updated and refreshed look.

Energy  Efficiency

While refurbishing your kitchen is generally a sustainable option, it’s important to consider the overall condition and efficiency of appliances. They may be less energy-efficient compared to newer models, so you can assess whether it’s more sustainable to keep or replace them. By incorporating eco-friendly materials such as energy efficient lighting, hot water taps locally sourced quartz and energy-efficient appliances during the refurbishment process, it will enhance sustainability further.

Reduced manufacturing emissions

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By reusing the existing kitchen carcass, doors, and drawers, you avoid the need for new manufacturing processes. The production of new cabinets and furniture involves energy-intensive manufacturing, transportation, and the use of raw materials. By reusing these components, you reduce the associated carbon emissions.

Sustainable worktop materials

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Choosing sustainable worktop materials,  reclaimed wood, recycled glass, or composite materials such as quartz made from recycled content, can help reduce the carbon footprint. These materials often require less energy to produce and have a lower impact on the environment compared to traditional options like granite or marble.

Energy-efficient appliances

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When replacing your kitchen appliances, opt for energy-efficient models that have a lower energy consumption. Look for appliances with energy-efficient labels, such as ENERGY STAR, which indicates that they meet specific energy efficiency standards. Energy-efficient appliances reduce the carbon emissions associated with their use.

Eco-friendly accessories

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Selecting sustainable and eco-friendly accessories, such as low-flow faucets, LED lighting, and recycling bins, can further contribute to reducing the carbon footprint. These choices help conserve water, reduce electricity consumption, and promote recycling, thus lowering the overall environmental impact of your kitchen.

Reduced waste

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By only replacing specific components instead of the entire kitchen, you reduce the amount of waste generated during the renovation process. This includes both the construction waste and packaging waste associated with new kitchen installations.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your kitchen renovation. It’s important to research and select products from reputable manufacturers that prioritize sustainability and provide transparency about their environmental practice.

Ready to start your  restoration project?

Born Again Kitchens Ltd specialise in all types of restoration and refurbishment, providing you with an innovative and cost effective solution in transforming your kitchen, bedroom and furniture.