Building an energy-efficient kitchen involves much more than using energy-rated kitchen fixtures and appliances. Since the kitchen is such a frequently used room, it's likely that a large portion of the utility bill is related to lights, cooking, ovens and dishwashers. To make sure that your kitchen is sustainable, you'll need to design an intelligent space that produces the desired effect with minimal waste. Use these smart tips to design an energy efficient kitchen that not only saves the environment but also cuts down your monthly utility bills at the same time.

Switch Old Incandescent Lights to Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Lights

A simple way to enhance the energy efficiency in your kitchen is to install LED and CFL lights in place of old incandescent lighting. LED and CFL lights are highly energy efficient and tend to consume only 20 percent of the energy used to deliver the same level of lighting as old incandescent light bulbs. More importantly, they last at least four to 10 times longer than traditional light bulbs. LED and CFL lights can be used below cabinets and inside hanging lamps to produce the desired lighting effect with ease. Because of their low energy consumption, they cost you less for the same level of light. Installing them in your kitchen is an excellent way to transform it into an energy-efficient cooking haven.

Install Low-Flow Taps

Water is an abundant natural resource, but you certainly don't want to take it for granted — especially if you're paying for the water you consume. Increase the water efficiency of your kitchen by replacing old taps with low-flow substitutes. This will decrease your water consumption dramatically, while still enabling you to perform your kitchen tasks without compromise. Low-flow taps can be found at a local home improvement store and will help you turn your kitchen into an efficient workspace. For example, a low-flow aerator-fitted tap will release just a few litres per minute in comparison to regular taps that can release much higher volumes of water in that same amount of time.

Replace Time-worn Appliances with Energy-Efficient Alternatives

Old appliances can claim up to 30 percent of your energy consumption, so you'll want to replace them with more energy efficient alternatives. You'll want to choose new refrigerators, freezers, microwaves and dishwashers with higher energy rating labels to reduce your electricity bills and harmful gas emissions. While these higher ratings may cost you more upfront, the running costs will be far less in the longer term. Keep in mind that Australian law requires energy rating labels — so be sure to choose a higher rating for higher energy efficiency in your kitchen.

These smart tips will help you plan a more energy efficient kitchen for better sustainability in the long term.