The Return of Terrazzo in Modern Multifamily Housing
The challenges of climate change are far-reaching, and have changed the game in kitchen and bath products design and manufacturing. Water conservation and energy efficiency are high-priority, and products that take these into consideration have taken up a prominent place on new builds’ and remodels’ must-have lists. Our experts have put together this quick guide to give you the information you need to do what you can to combat climate change when designing kitchens and bathrooms. Read on!
Sustainable Materials
The first logical step towards combating climate change in the kitchen and bath space is to make the switch to more sustainable materials. Use recycled and upcycled materials for elements like cabinets, countertops, and even flooring – reclaimed wood, recycled glass and composite materials have made great strides lately in looks and function. Consider using low-VOC paints and finishes to help in the battle of reducing air pollution. Even tiles can be eco-friendly when they are made from recycled materials.
Shipping Distance
An “outside-the-box” method of combating climate change is to choose products that have a shorter shipping distance. Items shipped from China, for example, use more fuel (for container ships, airplanes, or both) than ones shipped domestically or even just shipped from closer to home. Fuel has a significant impact on the climate. T&E (transportenvironment.org) states, “Shipping emits 1,000 Mt CO2 per year, which is 3% of global CO2 emissions. According to the International Maritime Organisation, shipping emissions are set to increase by up to 50% by mid-century if stringent measures are not taken.” Every decision on which products are purchased have an impact and make a difference.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is one of the key factors in keeping climate change in mind when designing kitchens and bathrooms. Low-flow faucets and showerheads like the Lux-Flow Pioneer Single Function Square Showerhead, model SH-402 help to greatly reduce water usage without affecting the user experience. Implementing a water recycling system like a greywater system allows you to reuse water from sinks and showers for flushing the toilet or even watering your plants. High-efficiency dishwashers and toilets have come a long way in the last couple of years – they use less water per cycle, without sacrificing performance and are a great alternative to their traditional counterparts. Pioneer, Olympia and Central Brass have products that outperform competitors and have been hugely popular. See the end of this article for more information or visit Pioneer faucets’ Lux-Flow page.
Energy Efficiency
Being mindful of the amount of energy a home uses is a great way to keep climate change at the forefront of your mind. For example, LED light bulbs are long-lasting and considered energy-efficient compared to traditional bulbs. Induction cooktops are more efficient than gas or electric stoves and help reduce energy waste. Integrating smart plugs allows you to set routines for your home – think all the lights turn on at 7 and off at 10, conserving energy and automating your space.
Green Living and Air Quality
Ask yourself, ‘How efficient are the bathroom and kitchen ventilation methods that are currently in place?’ when beginning a remodel. These products now offer efficient and eco-friendly versions that help improve air circulation and are energy efficient.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve air quality in any space is to incorporate house plants – they naturally filter the air and help to absorb pollutants. No doubt you’ve seen ‘living walls’ in commercial buildings and hotels recently – these are incorporated for their air-filtering as much as for the beauty they bring to a space.
Wrapping it All Up
While sustainability has been a topic of discussion for years in the kitchen and bath industry, the recent emphasis on climate change is putting more pressure on those who design and build multifamily and single-family housing. This pressure has pushed manufacturers to innovate and invest in creating sustainable products to meet the demands of consumers, and will only continue to do so. Sustainability is the future of this industry and homeowners and developers alike are seeking products that fit that mold. With small changes, we can combat the effects of climate change on our world.
Pioneer, Olympia and Central Brass
As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands. Transform your project or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable low-flow, high-performance faucets and accessories. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.
Consider choosing these great faucets from Pioneer and the Pioneer family of products, Central Brass and Olympia. All are backed with a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install and will look great in your kitchen.
