Green kitchen designers and builders work with materials that are durable, low-maintenance and energyefficient by nature, such as concrete, bamboo and stone. Another major element of building green is choosing recyclable, renewable and reused components. Top designers also know how to use interior space wisely to conserve the amount of materials needed and reduce dependence on resources like electricity. In the kitchen, where you need heat to cook food and cold to keep it fresh, this can result in significant cost savings over the life of your home. Another benefit: Green materials' natural origins can help reduce indoor air pollution because they contain fewer volative organic compounds that can give off gas in your home. As you can see with our three green kitchens, you can have it all: resource-conserving materials, energy efficiency and good looks in a space that welcomes the cook as well as guests.