1 Natural flooring
Linoleum
Smooth floor covering
Recyclable
Renewable resource
Non toxic
Durable
Biodegradable - material doesn't persist in landfill
CH4 emissions from fertiliser used in linseed production
Eutrophication from fertiliser used in linseed production
Cork
Can include recycled cork
Recyclable
Low embodied energy at factory gates
Renewable resource
Biodegradable - material doesn't persist in landfill
Non toxic
Durable
Thermal mass (minor) and insulation properties
Imported to the UK primarily from Portugal - increasing embodied energy
Some flooring includes formaldehyde
Sealants, if used, can produce harmful VOCs
FSC sourced Timber
Recyclable and reusable
Low embodied energy if sourced in the UK
Renewable resource
Non-toxic
Durable
Sealants, if used, can produce harmful VOCs
Rubber
Down-cyclable and reusable
Renewable resource
Non-toxic
Very durable
Sound absorption properties
Some rubber floors can include PVC, plasticisers or halogens – Check contents!
Continuous minor off-gassing needs ventilation
Incineration generates toxic fumes
Ceramic tiles
Can include recycled materials
Recyclable
Abundant natural resource
Non-toxic
Easy maintenance
Extremely durable
Usable in wet areas
High embodied energy
Imported tiles add to embodied energy
Stone tiles
Recyclable and reusable
Abundant natural resource
Non-toxic
Easy maintenance
Extremely durable
Imported stone adds to embodied energy
Stone quarrying can degrade the landscape
Sealants, if used, can produce harmful VOCs
2 Synthetic flooring
Recycled rubber
Contains recycled rubber (mostly tyres)
Down-cyclable
Reusable
Durable
Sound absorption properties
Can be laid without adhesive
Continuous minor off gassing needs ventilation
Some rubber floors can include PVC, plasticizers or halogens – Check contents!
Incineration generates toxic fumes
Polyolefin (eg polyethylene and polypropylene)
Theoretically recyclable
Durable
Odour-free
Easy maintenance
Low emissions in the manufacturing process
Made from non-renewable petroleum resources
Petrochemical content - non-renewable resource, emissions associated with extraction & refining
Non-biodegradable - can be persistant in landfill
PVC
Theoretically recyclable
Durable
Odour-free
Easy maintenance
Substantial concerns over the safety of PVC manufacture, use and disposal
Questions remain over the safe use of plasticisers
Petrochemical content - non-renewable resource, emissions associated with extraction & refining
Further information:
• Sustainable Floors website at www.sustainablefloors.co.uk
Floor tile products on GreenSpec
Floor covering products on GreenSpec
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