Once merely footing from point A to point B, flooring has become central to design, durability and sustainability in institutional and commercial facilities. Balancing performance with an eco-friendly style is more important than ever as facilities executives seek to make a meaningful difference in their workspaces and a lasting impression starting from the ground up.
Modern flooring has the potential to elevate spaces and enhance acoustics, creating a hygienic foundation. Making design, performance and environmental responsibility equal players in flooring is a hot trend with long-term benefits — it can significantly reduce total cost of ownership while helping organizations meet compliance standards and sustainability goals.
Flooring is now inseparable from aesthetics. With more companies prioritizing wellness and expressing their values through design, one of the first details to consider is the floor — and choosing the perfect design goes deeper than appearance.
“Design contributes to how people experience and feel within the space, which can impact happiness and productivity,” says Erin Jende, Interfaces’s director of regional marketing activation for the Americas. Soft or cushioned carpets provide a homey and relaxed feel while reducing back strain. Calming colors and nature-inspired patterns reduce stress. Hannes Bomas, head of design at Bjelin, says that the warmth and authenticity of real wood creates welcoming interiors, which is becoming increasingly more important in commercial design.
When selecting a flooring design, managers should choose materials to match goals for a space. If a designer wants to incorporate exact textures, colors, logos, patterns or images, taking advantage of a custom design program could achieve your ideal look and feel.
With design in mind, choosing durable, low-maintenance materials reduces interruptions and future costs.
“In commercial environments, durability and predictability matter just as much as design,” says Boman.
Flooring with a proven performance record sans frequent recoating needs or complicated cleaning routines is best. When meeting with flooring manufacturers, it is recommended that managers ask about their product testing process and for any feedback they’ve received on the practicality and performance of their products over time.
Newer industry trends aim to extend flooring life with budget, waste reduction and maintenance in mind. Individual replacement tiles, for example, allow facilities to avoid replacing an entire floor, and hardened wood floors have reinforced surfaces and leakproof features to guard against spills and endure substantial foot traffic.
Using greener flooring used to mean sacrificing a desired visual quality or taking chances on performance. Modern sustainable flooring products from reputable manufacturers, however, afford customers a myriad of design possibilities and reliability.
“Developing technologies that are both high-performing and responsible requires long-term thinking, testing and investment,” Boman says. “Our role is to make sure (sustainability and innovation) stay aligned rather than (becoming) competing priorities.”
With environmental stewardship steering new builds and renovations, choosing sustainable flooring allows facilities to meet regulations for green certifications like LEED and WELL. Incorporating sustainable flooring, however, should not overcomplicate a project. A reputable sustainable flooring partner will readily share how they are working to decrease their carbon footprint and show how they reuse, recycle or repurpose materials. They will be eager to demonstrate how their materials are better for people and the environment, and they will make a facility’s values a priority.
Certifications and initiatives to look for in a sustainable flooring manufacturer include Cradle-to-Cradle, FSC, Greenguard Gold, SundaHus, EcoVadis and FloorScore, as they reflect compliance while ensuring quality and accountability.
Nailing design, durability and sustainability are preferred, but there’s no denying costs are a factor. According to Jende, facilities shouldn’t have to compromise choosing the right flooring partner makes it possible to find balance without breaking the bank.
“Products designed to withstand heavy traffic, resist wear, and maintain a consistent appearance will limit the need for ongoing repairs, specialized maintenance or replacement,” she says, which will lower costs and reduce headaches in the long run.
It’s worth looking beyond upfront costs to consider the projected lifespan of the flooring.
“Some products that cost a bit more upfront will pay for themselves over the long term,” Henry says. “There are many factors to consider under the umbrella of sustainability, so it’s important to work with someone who can talk with you through all those details and find a solution that best represents your long-term goals.”
Annie Celentani is a freelance writer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
