Creating sustainable work environments now goes beyond being ‘the right thing to do’ and is fast becoming a commercial imperative. The Bupa Wellbeing Index highlighted that just under half of today’s Gen Z workforce would consider leaving a job if their employer doesn’t demonstrate action on social and environmental issues. With much of our time spent at work, workplace interiors clearly have an important role to play.

As one of the largest interior finishes in terms of volume, installing carpet can have a significant impact on the design and comfort of an interior. It can also potentially be a high contributor of embodied carbon emissions, as indicated in this breakdown from architects Gensler where carpet ranks third highest in the interior materials category.

Specifying sustainable floor coverings usually requires evaluating multiple product attributes. This typically involves scrutinising materials for recycled content, material health and embodied carbon as well as checks on how responsibly a product has been manufactured. Progress made by manufacturers in all these areas has already helped to drive down carbon emissions in buildings. When it comes to disposal of used flooring however, how can this contribute?

A recent article by the World Economic Forum highlights the transformative potential for businesses that embrace the Circular Economy. Similar to how early adopters of digital technologies have outpaced their peers, it recognises why companies need to adapt quickly to this new paradigm where sustainability is no longer a choice but an essential component of success.  

As the commercial interiors industry strives towards a more circular approach to material specification, carpet tile recycling has a crucial role to play. Where manufacturers offer carpet take-back programmes, the industry has made great strides in landfill avoidance by using them in waste to energy processing or recycling into cement and other downstream products. Closed loop recycling is emerging in the industry but remains logistically challenging to transport back to specialist recycling centres.

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How did you get to work today? If it involved an over-crowded train or standing on a crammed bus, this could be having a detrimental effect on your health.

The word festival conjures images of happy smiley faces, dancing in music filled fields to the latest headline acts. The harsh reality though can often be something much less Instagram worthy; litter across the landscape for as far as the eye can see, abandoned tents and camping equipment and a general disrespect for the countryside.