Consider using salvaged cabinetry
Reusing makes less of an environmental impact than buying new.
Recycling cabinets, or using older cabinets in a garage or workshop, makes sense in a renovation but using salvaged cabinets in new construction also is a possibility. Refinishing or refacing cabinets and updating the hardware uses fewer resources than buying new.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: 1/2 point for using reclaimed cabinets or recycled content as long as components contain no added urea formaldehydeChemical found in many building products; most binders used for manufactured wood products are formaldehyde compounds. Reclassified by the United Nations International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2004 as a “known human carcinogen." resins (MR 2).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: 3 points for using salvaged materials equal to at least 1 percent of total construction costs (603.2).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Further resources
