Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2023 32 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] T he kitchen and bath industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, and with rapid expansion comes the responsibility for providing more sustainable solutions. Recognizing the need for more dialogue and information in this space, NKBA launched Sustainability Month. The initiative culminated in NKBA's first-ever Sustainability Summit, which provided considerable insight into environmentally friendly design, ideas, strategies, and solutions. Throughout April 2023, the association offered a variety of educational resources on its website – webinars, events, insightful articles and interviews with some of the top figures in K&B – giving members and industry leaders a clear path toward becoming advocates for environmental change and practical guidance on how to integrate sustainable design practices into their own businesses. According to NKBA's research, sustainable products and materials are part of a growing trend with designers, who are driving the conversation. And according to NKBA's soon-to-be-released Outdoor Luxury Kitchen study, the designers interviewed agreed that sustainable choices are "a responsibility, not a design option." As one designer, Elma Gardner, CMKBD, of By Design in California, said, "We need to be aware of it for every project – not because a certain client requests it. Being responsible as a designer is really the bottom line." EXCITING SUSTAINABILITY MONTH RELEASES NKBA's Sustainability Month evolved with the release of various engaging and informative articles, with many topics that covered a range of sustainable solutions that incorporated key findings from the NKBA's 2023 Design Trends Report. Additionally, some articles high-lighted a selection of the most remarkable planet-saving innovations available, and others featured interviews with prominent figures in the K&B industry. The interviews featured industry trailblazers such as Sharon L. Sherman, founder of Thyme & Place Design, whose award-winning kitchen and bath projects have been widely published in national design, women's, and industry publications. Another notable inter- viewee was Adam Gibson, an architectural designer and consultant who shared details about his latest sustainable and innovative project, "Backyard House." Throughout Sustainability Month, NKBA members also had access to a diverse range of webinars that provided valuable insights into sustainable design practices. These webinars covered a wide range of topics, including the latest trends in sustainability, consumer preferences and behaviors, price points for sustainable homes, and key consumer priorities that inform decision-making. One standout webinar was "Materials that Matter," which showcased how eco- friendly materials contribute not only to a better environment but also to clients' overall health and well-being. Another webinar, "Optimizing Water Efficiency in Multi-Family and Single-Family Homes," highlighted the significance of water efficiency in green building programs for homes and offered examples of water-efficient, high- performance plumbing fittings and fixtures. Visit www.NKBA.org to watch these webinars live. THE NKBA SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT: LEADING THE CHARGE The most anticipated event of Sustainability Month was un- doubtedly the virtual Sustainability Summit, held on April 27, 2023, which featured insightful discussions composed of panels of prominent industry leaders and experts. Attendees were provided with valuable knowledge on sustainable practices that not only NKBA'S SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT: PAVING THE WAY FOR A GREENER FUTURE IN K&B NKBA's Sustainability Month initiatives seek to provide ideas and solutions for the kitchen and bath industry

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