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While “healthy” means different things to different people, there’s no question that consumers want their kitchens to possess attributes promoting a healthy lifestyle – and kitchen designers are increasingly taking this into consideration in their design and product choices. Whether saving energy, promoting safety or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, today’s kitchen products need to focus on health and well-being, from both an individual and global standpoint.

This is particularly true in the case of appliances, where energy efficiency promises cost savings and good environmental karma.

But healthy isn’t just about saving energy; it can be about protecting clients’ health and well-being with such products as cooktops that integrate safety features, or appliance components with built-in resistance to bacteria.

On a more global level, the healthful concept can be extended to include any appliances that are seen to be preserving to the environment, or that are classified “green,” such as water-saving dishwashers and cooking appliances with energy-efficient heat sources.

Of course, many products claim to be environmentally friendly and client-safe. So how does the designer make the best choices?

Star Treatment

Energy Star, the U.S. government’s program to rate and certify products which consume less energy than the government-established standards, evaluates many types of appliances.

The incentive designers offer consumers with these products is decreased energy use, which, results in a lower energy bill. In 2005, Energy Star reported that certified products saved Americans a total of $12 billion on their utility bills.

Founded in 1992, the program’s mission is also to reduce greenhouse emissions because less energy consumption means less power plant production. To increase public awareness, Energy Star partners with manufacturers to offer tax credits or rebates on certain products – something designers can promote in their showrooms, as well. After all, it’s easier to get clients to care about the planet when it’s also in their best financial interest.

The cost benefits of the program are widely known; according to energystar.gov, there is 40% recognition of the program by Americans shopping for appliances. But the environmental conservation side seems to be lost on many consumers, says Brian Stone, CAPS, CR of Dave Fox Remodeling of Columbus, OH.