2011 Trends in Eco-Friendly Kitchen & Bath Products

Most new models of toilets, showers, and kitchen appliances reflect eco-friendly manufacturing and design principles these days, and now the homeowner seeking a total “green” solution is able to choose from a growing number of lighting, heating, plumbing, and floor products, like those displayed at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas.

Lighting

Matrix Lighting, for instance, exhibited its Viribright LED light bulbs, which are mercury free and energy efficient, providing an alternative to standard incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. These bulbs use 80 to 90% less energy than an incandescent bulb and significantly reduce power consumption, helping to achieve global energy conservation goals, and can last more than 20,000 hours at an average use of five hours per day.

Another industry leader, Kichler Lighting, has introduced a new task lighting system, the Design Pro LED Modular 2.0 and Disc System, a 24-volt DC product that uses 75 percent less electricity than incandescent lighting and has a 40,000-hour life.  This lighting system is designed to deliver a warm, powerful task lighting under kitchen cabinets, inside a bookcase, and in a variety of other areas. 

Task Lighting’s newest product combines a closet rod with energy-efficient light-emitting diodes  (LEDs) to provide an ultraviolet-free lighting solution that lasts nearly 50,000 hours at 70% lumen output.  This company has built a reputation for innovative products, like the Sempria Illumarod, that use LEDs to minimize energy consumption.

Heating & Ventilation

On the heating and ventilation side, the LAVA Designs Infrared Glass Heating Systems, marketed by WarmlyYours, was awarded Best of Show for new products at KBIS 2011. These heating systems are based on the principle of solar radiation:  Infrared heat warms not only the air, but also the ceiling, walls, and furniture.  Since these systems do not provide air circulation, they make dust a non-issue and are an ideal solution for allergy sufferers.

Panasonic is exhibiting its Whisper Green ventilation fans, which have an Energy Star rating and are designed to comply with Green building standards.  The Whisper Green exhaust fans operate quietly, incorporating highly energy-efficient DC motors, and have a light fixture that includes one Energy Star rated 32-watt CFL bulb and one 4-watt night-light. Available options include a motion sensor and variable 2-speed and delay timer controls.