Two types of flooring recommended for sustainable architecture

In a recent review of sustainable building materials by Stephanie Stefanovic on the Architecture & Design website, laminate flooring and carpet tiles were suggested for use in sustainable building designs.

Recent developments in carpet tile and laminate flooring technology have made more eco-friendly versions of these traditional flooring products. Stephanie Stefanovic notes that sustainable building materials used to be regarded as specialist niche products but are becoming industry standards, especially with builders and architects who want to reduce the high carbon emissions associated with the construction industry.

However, finding the best sustainable materials is not easy, especially when trying to decipher the jargon and technical specifications of manufacturers' ecological claims.

For residential buildings, carbon-neutral carpet tiles are an optimal choice for sustainability. They integrate backing material with low-carbon emissions and bio-based speciality yarns. Some manufacturers store emitted carbon during production to prevent its release into the atmosphere.

An equally viable flooring option for both domestic and commercial buildings is laminate flooring produced using a low-carbon emission process. Eco-friendly flooring contains no PVC, VOCs or other chemicals, while maintaining a small carbon footprint. Laminate flooring can be clicked together and loosely laid on a floor or affixed using environmentally friendly glue solutions. It is advisable to use laminate flooring that is made with recycled materials.

Anyone interested in installing either carpet tiles or laminate flooring in their Chester, Wrexham or North Wales homes and commercial properties should visit their local retailer to view all available eco-friendly flooring options.