3 Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades Your Clients Are Asking For
Pursuing eco-friendly solutions isn't just a trend – it's a smart and responsible choice. According to Green Builder's 2023 COGNITION Smart Data report, 64.5% of adults believe the climate should be top priority to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations.1
It all starts with life at home. From energy-efficient technologies to sustainable materials, these upgrades can not only reduce environmental footprint but also create a healthier living environment for your clients. See three eco-friendly upgrades to consider for your next project:
Sustainable Materials
When we think “eco-friendly,” oftentimes our minds go straight to energy efficiency. But make sure to also consider the materials you’re incorporating into your project. Sustainable materials such as bamboo and cork flooring2 are predicted to rise in popularity in the renovation market in 2024. Other natural options like quartz countertops and reclaimed wood are also great swaps for commonly used building materials, with a lesser impact on the environment.
Materials innovation has been a major component of Whirlpool Corporation’s product development to improve life at home. In 2023, the company unveiled SlimTech™️ Insulation Technology, the first vacuum-insulated structure technology in a refrigerator in North America. This represents a turning point in materials technology that improves refrigerator performance and increases circular design, with its potential to be reused and can even improve refrigerator energy efficiency by up to 50%.*
ENERGY STAR® Appliances
Every home needs appliances that help simplify housework. But when it comes time to select the right appliances, consider ones that are ENERGY STAR® certified instead. ENERGY STAR® certified models exceed government standards to help save money on utility bills and conserve natural resources. Plus, Green Builder's 2023 COGNITION Smart Data report found that the majority of consumers surveyed said energy efficiency is somewhat or very important to them.3
Selecting ENERGY STAR® models doesn’t mean sacrificing hardworking features! The KitchenAid® Counter Depth 4 Door Refrigerator with Exterior Water and Ice Dispenser is ENERGY STAR® certified, and has a modern configuration that helps keep ingredients fresh and accessible with premium sliding storage trays in the refrigerator and freezer. The side-by-side freezer offers the same visibility as above, so even frozen items can stay fresh and top-of-mind. And, the Custom Freeze Zone allows cooks to select the right temperature for whatever they’re storing: 0°F, 10°F or 19°F.
Don’t forget about bringing energy savings into the laundry room either! The Whirlpool® 5.2 - 5.3 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator gives the power of choice back to the user, allowing them to customize their loads the way they want with the 2-in-1 Removable Agitator. Skip adding detergent to every load with the Whirlpool® Load & Go™ Dispenser and pretreat with a built-in, dual-temperature faucet and brush. Get more water to help break down loose soils with the Deep Water Wash Option. Plus, it has smart features that help streamline any laundry routine.
LED Lighting
Making eco-friendly changes doesn’t always need to be a major endeavor! There are plenty of small shifts to contribute to a larger impact, like LED lighting.4 LED lights are energy efficient and produce zero toxic elements, so they’re a simple and smart improvement. Although they are slightly more expensive than traditional bulbs, the longevity and energy savings more than make up for it.
To learn how Whirlpool Corporation is working to build a more sustainable planet, explore the 2023 Sustainability Report.
For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.
*Capacity and energy efficiency potential are inversely correlated.
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PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE
KitchenAid® 19.4 cu. ft. 36-inch wide Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator with PrintShield™ Finish
Whirlpool® 5.2 – 5.3 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator