What eco-friendly kitchen renovation options are available in NB?

New Brunswick homeowners have a growing range of eco-friendly kitchen renovation options, from salvaged materials and cabinet refacing to energy-efficient appliances and low-VOC finishes. Going green with your kitchen renovation does not have to mean a bigger budget. Many sustainable choices actually save money both upfront and on long-term operating costs.

The single most impactful eco-friendly choice is cabinet refacing rather than full replacement. Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes out of the landfill and replaces only the doors and drawer fronts, at a cost of $5,000 to $12,000 compared to $18,000 to $25,000 for new custom cabinets. If your current cabinet boxes are structurally sound, which many are even in NB's older homes, refacing gives you a completely new look with a fraction of the waste. For new cabinets, look for manufacturers using FSC-certified wood or those that use formaldehyde-free plywood construction. Locally built custom cabinets from NB shops also reduce transportation emissions compared to imported products.

Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes are essential for indoor air quality, especially in NB where homes are sealed up tight for five to six months of winter. Conventional cabinet paints and polyurethane finishes off-gas volatile organic compounds for weeks after application, and in a closed-up winter home, those chemicals have nowhere to go. Benjamin Moore Advance and similar waterborne alkyd paints offer low-VOC options with excellent durability for cabinetry. Expect to pay $60 to $80 per gallon compared to $40 to $50 for conventional options.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Materials

ENERGY STAR-rated appliances are one of the easiest green upgrades. A modern ENERGY STAR refrigerator uses 40 to 50 percent less energy than a model from the early 2000s, which matters given New Brunswick's electricity costs. An induction cooktop is another excellent choice because it uses 85 to 90 percent of its energy for actual cooking compared to 40 percent for gas and 70 percent for conventional electric, and it eliminates combustion byproducts in your kitchen air. Budget $4,000 to $8,000 for a mid-range energy-efficient appliance package.

For countertops, quartz is a strong eco-friendly choice because its non-porous surface never needs chemical sealers, unlike granite which requires annual sealing with petroleum-based products. Recycled glass countertops and recycled paper composite surfaces like Richlite are available through NB suppliers, typically at $70 to $130 per square foot installed. Butcher block from sustainably harvested wood is another option, though it requires regular oiling and is best used away from sinks in NB's humid climae.

LVP flooring made from recycled content is widely available and is the most practical waterproof kitchen floor in NB. For tile, look for porcelain made with recycled materials. LED lighting throughout the kitchen, including under-cabinet task lighting, uses a fraction of the energy of halogen or incandescent options and lasts years longer. Water-saving faucets with aerators reduce consumption without sacrificing pressure, and a properly vented range hood exhausted to the outside manages indoor air quality far better than a recirculating model, which is important in NB's humidity.

To keep demolition waste out of the landfill, ask your contractor about donating salvageable cabinets, fixtures, and appliances to local Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John. Get matched with a kitchen renovator experienced in sustainable builds through New Brunswick Kitchens for free.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations