DOWN TO EARTH

Sustainability isn’t laying low with the latest flooring products. Locally-sourced materials, lowcarbon manufacturing processes and some designs inspired by greenhouse gas emissions will fit well into settings that prioritize our planet. Some even look as earth-friendly as they aim to be.

Patcraft introduced its first Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold (V3.1) collection, Reverse. The modular collection uses a carefully curated selection of materials to meet stringent standards for sustainable products. A gold level certification signifies even more rigorous performance standards for material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Three styles are available in neutral colour palettes The physical properties of Legato Liquid Linoleum from Mannington Commercial allow small scratches to selfheal as the product re-binds to itself over time. This creates a hygienic floor, eliminating opportunities for bacteria growth and dirt collection at transitions, ideal for demanding healthcare environments. Legato is produced using natural materials and harnesses both the benefits of traditional linoleum and sheet vinyl. It is poured on-site over an existing moisture treated subfloor and sets overnight with minimal preparation. It is available in 54 colors with five visible cork levels.

The first collection from nanimarquina’s newly launched contract business division is FORMULA CONTRACT—highly functional and flexible rugs that are hand-made in India and Pakistan by weaver masters. The product uses local fibers, recycled materials and sustainable practices—from conception to the process. Five models and 30 colours make for more than 250 possible combinations for indoor or outdoor use.

Cosentino just launched Silestone Sunlit Days, the first carbon-neutral collection in the quartz surfaces and engineered stone industry. It was created using a new manufacturing process that harnesses 99 per cent reused water from production, 100 per cent renewable electric energy and a minimum of 20 per cent recycled raw materials. It is available in five colours inspired by the Mediterranean region and can be used for indoor flooring about 1.2 centimetres thick.

As Interface endeavours to become a carbon negative enterprise by 2040, it recently launched its latest carpet tile collection called Rising Signs. The product is fully recyclable through Interface’s ReEntry program and made with 100 per cent recycled content nylon. All products are carbon neutral across their full life cycle through the company’s third-party verified Carbon Neutral Floors program. This collection combines abstract organic patterns found in nature with geometric elements found in architecture. The eight styles range from large-scale angles with jewel tones to softer flowing patterns and earthy neutral shades. The patterns complement each other and can be combined to delineate space.

Ethnicraft’s new Kilim rug collection uses traditional weaving techniques and carefully selected yarns of the highest quality to ensure that the individual finish and natural texture of each item is maximized. The collection uses 100 per cent locally sourced sheep wool to provide durability and warmth and versatility.

Data Tide by Mohawk Group is a newly launched collection that celebrates the unique ecosystem of estuaries where freshwater and saltwater converge to sequester blue carbon and support biodiversity. Mohawk Group’s design team used data sets from environmental studies of greenhouse gases to create biophilic patterns through a custom-built data visualization tool. Available in eight colourways, the product’s 12-inch by 36-inch modular carpet planks feature gradations that flow from light to dark in order to mimic transitioning waters.

BY BRENDAN MURPHY

WINTER IS COMING

Managing school buildings amid looming cold weather and pandemic concerns

Canadian educational institutions remain under pressure to perform. This school year might have started off smoothly for many; however, a subsequent wave brought on by a new variant of COVID-19 or a spate of heavy winter storms could lead to further school closures.

Even with classes in effect and residences open, basic maintenance activities on building systems must continue. Building systems housed in large, and often aging facilities, should work optimally to ease disruptions for students and let them focus on education. With the cold weather coming, it becomes increasingly important for campuses to handle unforeseen circumstances.

TAKE THE CAUTIOUS ROAD

Facility managers need to be aware of the steps they will take and how these measures affect health and safety throughout the course of each semester.

Every team should create a checklist, and then continually review their internal systems—floor by floor—to reveal any possible failure points. To prevent serious water damage from occurring, first make sure that the roof and drains are in good condition and the building is sealed to protect from water permeation.

Moving down into other floors of buildings, checking for running toilets, urinals, and faucets should be a routine activity. It’s important, as well, to ensure that HVAC systems are operational to provide a sufficient number of air exchanges per hour. This will mitigate mould growth and help maintain air quality for pupils and staff.

The effects of low or no occupancy can vary between buildings based on size, systems, and quality of the checks conducted during the lockdown. As property managers head into the winter months, they should also consider the integrity of several areas:

• Parking structures that have heat trace cables keeping domestic water lines and sprinkler lines from freezing. These need to be tested in advance of subzero temperatures.

• Ice/snow melting systems should be tested to ensure they are in good working order.

• Heating systems that use glycol should be checked as these are sometimes at risk of freezing.

Having a thermostat that measures outdoor air temperature and integrates with heat trace lines further contributes to mitigating the chance of pipes fracturing. Frozen plumbing lines that fail do not just cause slips, trips and falls but can cause major damage to concrete and asphalt once ruptures occur. Costs to repair these are typically in the tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.

KEEPING UP WITH COMPLIANCE

With large social gatherings and celebrations among students, it’s an important reminder that socialdistancing policies and compliance will be a challenge as students look to connect as they did pre-pandemic. Facility managers can mitigate risks by advising maintenance staff and security teams to look for exterior doors being propped and left open. This can create a security issue, and in winter months, could lead to cold air infiltrating the building, which puts plumbing infrastructure (specifically hydronic heating line and sprinkler pipes) at risk of freezing.

Through diligence and systems reviews, along with expert mitigation, facility managers can ensure the smooth running of building infrastructure and business continuity so students can focus on learning. | CFM&D

Brendan Murphy is director of client solutions for First Onsite Property Restoration.

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