COP26 - sustainable kitchens

This autumn the UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow between 31 October – 12 November 2021.

With news stories dominated by ways in which individuals, businesses and organisations can help to curb the climate crisis, it has never been more relevant to discuss how home renovations can reflect this change. 

Your first thoughts when designing a kitchen will likely be about the aesthetics rather than its green credentials. At Halo Interiors, we consider both of these interests on your behalf. We will present you with a kitchen design that provides quality, durability and sustainability that also looks fantastic. Win, win! 

Rotpunkt
One of Halo Interiors most popular kitchen ranges, Rotpunkt, has already made great strides in reducing its carbon footprint. 

To help maintain their efforts for environmentally friendly kitchens, Rotpunkt has continued its history of innovation, with the BioBoard. BioBoard Gen2 is made up of 90% recycled wood, which is sustainable and preserves an area of forest the size of (approx.) 50 football pitches every year. This low carbon option makes it possible to uphold Rotpunkt's signature quality and style. 

Since 2017, the company has been reviewing and innovating the way they work to reduce their CO2 emissions. Rotpunkt has considered and negated the environmental impact of their kitchen range using the 'avoid-reduce-compensate' approach. This means that all emissions that cannot be avoided or reduced will be offset with environmental projects. Since 2019, Rotpunkt has partnered with myclimate for these projects which include supporting 849 families in Kenya with efficient cookers to reduce the time and effort of collecting firewood.

Rotpunkt has a plethora of impressive sustainability credentials (read more here) which are certified by not only the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) but meet the F**** Standard for emissions of formaldehyde, CARB2, EO5 and Nordic Swan Standards for their Greenline BioBoard.  

Cosentino
Silestone, owned by Cosentino, is made up of 90% natural quartz making it hardwearing and highly resistant to stains. This makes it the perfect finish for a kitchen worktop or splashback as it is not only unique but practical. Silestone is so confident in its product it comes with a 25-year warranty.

To add to their already extensive credentials they have now launched their first carbon-neutral quartz and engineered stone collection to the market, Sunlit Days. 

Cosentino is using HybriQ technology to reduce its carbon footprint by using 99% recycled water from production processes and 100% renewable energy. Silica used in the production process has been reduced to only 50% (up to 90% for selected colours). Cosentino also volunteers with projects to offset emissions like the Seabed Preservation Project.

The Sunlit Days collection is inspired by the earthy tones of the Mediterranean. Available in five colours, Faro White, Cincel Grey, Arcilla Red, Cala Blue and Posidonia Green, each with its own narrative. Find out more here. 

What can I do to reduce?
Making your kitchen more sustainable is something you may already be doing. If you recycle, prevent food waste, use eco-friendly cleaning products or even grow your own window ledge herbs, you are doing your bit to help keep our planet healthy. That being said, have you ever given any thought to how sustainable your actual kitchen is (think units, fixtures and fittings)? If you are looking for a new kitchen you needn't compromise the style or quality for it to be sustainable and kinder to the planet. 

Find out more about our sustainable kitchen ranges by visiting our showroom today!