Sustainable Flooring in Education

Every element of a building project has a role to play in achieving this, and flooring is no exception. TREMCO is keenly aware of the need to meet the demands for sustainable products and is actively pursuing a programme of product development to stay ahead of and pioneer innovation.

One of the key developments in recent years has been the steady reduction in the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – the pungent and potentially harmful solvents used in liquid coatings and adhesives. These have been largely replaced with water-borne products.

Not only does this reduce the possible health problems associated with VOCs but also, in replacing oil-based hydrocarbons with water, has a beneficial effect on the environment.

Products like TREMCO’s ES600 Moisture Vapour Suppressant represent the next generation of flooring products that are safe, quick and cost effective as well as kind to the environment.

An increasing proportion of TREMCO’s products now incorporates more recycled content. For example, TREMCO’s SX500 smoothing compound is a fast-curing, moisture tolerant, low odour product that contains an impressive 40% recycled content with no compromise on performance or quality.

Research and development continues, of course, and more innovations will follow. One current area of interest is the use of hybrid technology to eliminate onsite hazards whilst installing and create a better learning environment in post occupancy. The opportunities for improving the sustainability of flooring products are potentially limitless.

Whether new-build or RMI, the requirement remains for projects that can demonstrate an increasing level of sustainability. That is a key market driver, and manufacturers like TREMCO are responding.