FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

1. Avoid ozone depleting chemicals in mechanical equipment and insulation.

• CFCs have largely been phased out, but their primary replacements—HCFCs– also damage the ozone layer and should be avoided where possible.
• Reclaim CFCs when servicing or disposing of equipment and, if possible, take CFC based foam insulation to a recycler who can capture CFCs.

2. Use durable products and materials.

• Because manufacturing is very energy-intensive, a product that lasts longer or requires less maintenance usually saves energy.
• Durable products also contribute less to our solid waste problems.

3. Choose low-maintenance building materials.

• Where possible, select building materials that will require little maintenance (painting, re-treatment, waterproofing, etc.), or whose maintenance will have minimal environmental impact.

4. Choose building materials with low embodied energy.

• One estimate of the relative energy intensity of various materials (by weight) is as follows: Lumber = 1, Brick = 2, Cement = 2, Glass = 3, Fiberglass = 7, Steel = 8, Plastic = 30, Aluminum = 80 –source: Building and Environment vol. 17 no. 1

5. Buy locally produced building materials.

• Transportation is costly in both energy use and pollution generation. Look for locally produced materials to replace products imported to your area. (more…)

Shaw Intros New “Green” Hard Surfaces

Friday, August 15, 2008

Dalton, GA, August 15, 2008- Shaw’s commitment to design, innovation and fashion leadership in hard surface is evident in the company’s summer introductions including two expansions within the successful Epic hardwood collection, two highly-demanded exotic looks added to laminate and a beautiful new green tile—and, no, we’re not talking the color green. Shaw is dedicated to growth and excellence within the hard surface category, and the company is working full-steam ahead to fill key niches in the marketplace.

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