KITCHEN DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE: Whirlpool's Green Kitchen Concept by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 03.19.08

Take a moment to gaze into the crystal ball at Whirlpool's recently unveiled green kitchen design concept. Taking everything that you need from a kitchen and integrating it into a smart, efficient system, the concept promises to cut way back on waste -- energy, water, and heat all included -- to the tune of increased energy efficiency of up to 70%.

It "diverts" 60% of the water and heat generated from appliances to fuel other functions and appliances, rather than just tossing it aside. For example: the heat produced in the compressor coils from running the fridge -- the one appliance that cycles on and off, 24 hours a day -- is used to heat water for the dishwasher, rather than just wafting out into the kitchen. And speaking of the fridge, it uses a drawer fridge that saves energy by preventing cold air from slipping out every time you open the door.

Sadly, it remains but a concept, so we'll take it as a sign of things to come, and hope the efficiency systems in place, if not the kitchen itself, catch on to help save energy and resources in kitchens soon.