The Earth, as we know it, is at risk. It might sound alarmist to say it, but it’s true. If we wait for others to take action on our behalf, it might be too late for our environment. We all have individual roles to play. As an architect and construction professional, you have the opportunity to literally build a more sustainable future.
By considering some key factors in flooring specifications, you can align our built environment with the dire needs of our natural one. Here are some important elements of environment friendly sports flooring:
Recycled Materials: Flooring with a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content consumes less energy and uses fewer resources. Rubber weight room floors like Regupol Aktiv are the best example of recycled flooring made from used vehicle tires.
Resource Conservation: Natural resources should be used efficiently to minimize waste and energy consumption. FSC certification, which is available for many hardwood floors like Robbins hardwood systems, is an example of a resource conservation initiative.
Carbon Footprint: The USGBC LEED certification program offers credits for minimizing the distance between a flooring source and its installation site. This reduces carbon emissions. Consider where flooring is manufactured in relation to the job site and give preference to local sources.
Material Disposal: Plan ahead for the end of a floor’s useful life. To reduce negative effects on the environment, consider materials that can be recycled. For vinyl floors, minimal adhesive use, such as the Omnisports Greenlay system, increases the likelihood of recycling centers accepting the used materials.
For more guidance on environmental flooring, contact Abacus Sports or call 717-560-8050.