KITCHENS
TAPPING INTO SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability, water conservation, and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly emphasised in kitchen design, as Will McGill finds out.
T
he kitchen, often considered the heart of our homes, also happens to be a significant source of water and energy consumption.
From cooking and cleaning to the simple act of boiling water for a cup of tea, adopting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle begins with making small adjustments to our kitchen routines. One such change lies in the humble kitchen tap.
Daniel Boulton, business and product development manager at Clearwater Products, says: “Take hot water taps, for example, such as the Kettle range from Clearwater. They offer a more efficient way of preparing hot drinks compared to traditional kettles.
“Considering that the average household boils the kettle at least four times a day, according to the Energy Savings Trust, this can lead to significant energy savings. Moreover, these taps dispense only the required amount of water, reducing both water and energy consumption.”
According to Water UK, 7.7 billion plastic water bottles are used annually, with each person using around 150 per year, and given that 85 per cent of the public are concerned about the impact of plastic pollution offering filter water taps to customers presents an opportunity for merchants to help address this issue.
“Notably, these taps not only provide a convenient and sustainable source of drinking
water but also offer a means to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles. Furthermore, the recyclability of the filters themselves underscores a commitment to a circular economy, resonating strongly with environmentally conscious consumers,” says Boulton.
“By embracing such initiatives, merchants not only align themselves with prevailing sustainability trends but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Boulton says: “The streamlined design of models, like those offered by Clearwater for example, facilitates seamless integration into kitchen setups. Their compact form allows for tidy placement beneath the sink, leaving generous room for additional storage. This simplicity in installation not only saves builders valuable time and effort but also ensures a smooth and efficient process, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.” He continues: “Safety considerations are paramount, with features incorporated to mitigate any potential risks or hazards. Furthermore, the latest tap models offer a diverse range of designs and PVD finishes, allowing customers to select options that complement their kitchen aesthetics seamlessly. From sleek and modern designs to timeless classics, there is a tap style to suit every taste and preference.
“Additionally, the use of PVD finishes not only enhances durability but also adds a luxurious touch to the overall appearance. By prioritizing both functionality and visual appeal, these taps serve as standout features in any kitchen, elevating the space’s ambiance while providing convenient and reliable performance.
“With the technology becoming more affordable and mainstream, installers can capitalize on the latest tap trends, which represent a shift towards a more sustainable way of living rather than just a passing fad.” Bristan has refreshed its Easyfit kitchen tap range for Spring, to ensure that both homeowners and installers have a range of options that will fit their needs. Its Easyfit range is well known for its speed and ease of installation, and was specifically designed to
May 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
address the challenge of kitchen taps being notoriously fiddly to replace. Bristan kitchen tap category manager Chris Heath, says: “We want to maintain Bristan’s kitchen tap range as being the go-to product choice for merchants, installers, and homeowners. The new designs have been rigorously tested and will be supported by our exceptional 10-year guarantees. With our kitchen tap ranges, installers and homeowners can get the very best of Bristan.” The five new contemporary single-lever designs are: Acorn, Fern, Maple, Spruce, and Pine designs. All come in five trend-led finishes, including Chrome, Stainless Steel, Black, Brushed Brass and Gun Metal. Maple, Spruce and Pine designs will feature both Bristan’s innovative Eco Start and Thermaclick technology.
The Eco Start technology ensures that hot water is only activated when the tap lever is moved from the central position, therefore reducing demand on hot water heating systems. Taps featuring this technology are estimated to save approximately £80 per year on energy bills, helping homeowners to save money and energy.
Designed to offer homeowners seamless organisation in the kitchen water space, the BLANCO Multi Frame, a smart, modular system is designed to transform the functionality of disorganised kitchen under- sink areas.
The Multi Frame combines the organisation system with BLANCO’S CHOICE drinks system, offers unmatched ease of planning, fast and simple installation, and optimal use of space. The premium design features intelligently coordinated components for maximum convenience when assembling, and comes with
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