Sustainability is now a natural part of the kitchen design process, says studio manager of retailer Brandt Design Mayhul Nandha.

Unlike newbuild properties, where developers must adhere to Building Regulations and so sustainability forms part of the specification, he says it is not the first topic raised by private clients.

But, he concedes, retail clients do initiate the conversation about selling or recycling their existing kitchen to avoid it going into landfill.

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Mayhul Nandha also says there is a focus on sustainability in the retail business, which goes on behind the scenes.

He points to the company’s warehouse, which is PFC certified for wood sustainability, and the choice of its furniture suppliers which are either carbon neutral or invest in tree planting programmes.

Nandha exclaims sustainability is also a natural part of the design process, as projects often feature new materials and technologies that are more sustainable than the kitchen they are replacing.

He points to energy efficient appliances and LED lighting, through to surfacing using recycled content, and the inclusion of hot taps.

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Nandha also says the company ethos is to create a kitchen that is built to last and designers need to be mindful of styling, so it is timeless, and doesn’t date too quickly.

He believes sustainability is only going to grow in importance for retail customers: “Being conscious of recycling and being eco-friendly is a hot topic of conversation and everyone is trying to do their bit.

“So I think sustainability will become more and more prevalent as our clients become more conscious of it.”