Refinishing hardwood, resilient floors more sustainable for environment - report
KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 -- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute in a recent report has confirmed that refinishing hardwood and resilient floors are more sustainable for the environment than replacing the flooring surfaces.
“This research study offers a holistic view and is tangible proof that refinishing a resilient or wood floor surface is more sustainable than replacement, all while improving the appearance of a floor,” said Bona global environmental manager, Björn Johansson.
The IVL study, ‘Increasing resource efficiency in the Swedish flooring industry through floor refinishing’ found that refinishing these flooring surfaces can offer significant decrease in carbon footprint, save on resources and contribute to a circular economy relative to building materials.
The report, which was conducted with input from Bona, states a 78 per cent carbon footprint reduction when refinishing rather than replacing wood floors. Refinishing resilient floor surfaces can offer up to 92 per cent reduction in carbon footprint versus replacing.
In addition, the report found that by refinishing hardwood or resilient floors, a minimum of 90 per cent savings in resources is realised which includes transport, electricity use, consumables and materials.
Conducted over a year and focusing on the Swedish flooring market and the national construction industry in Sweden, the first part of the report reviews the environmental impact from refinishing hardwood and resilient flooring by performing a life cycle assessment.
Every year, 25 million square metres of hardwood and resilient flooring are replaced in Swedish public and commercial buildings, according to a statement.
-- BERNAMA
