How "Green" is Czar Floors?
Producers often stick "green" label on the floor claiming the minimal usage of the natural wood materials. That is where trouble starts. Thin veneers used by most manufacturers are not performing well in the floor applications. After a few years of normal human traffic those floors most likely can't be refinished to extend the life of the floor. Roughness, delamination, chipping and other problems force owners to replace the floors. It is resulting in more wasted trees, electricity, energy etc. How "green" is it?
Architects say durability is the most important attribute for a “green” building product, according to a new industry survey commissioned by PPG Industries. It was followed by ENERGY STAR compliance, life-cycle assessment, no- or low-volatile organic compound (VOC) content, and the ability to source products regionally.
Durability also is the most important attribute among building products in general, ranking slightly ahead of price. Product warranties, features, and technical support also were named by approximately two in five architects.
Czar Floors addresses those issues in many ways:
- All wood lumber is procured from the FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) lumber yards with proven sustainable forest harvesting record.
- The wood parquet is made with solid, 3/4" material. It can easily last a hundred years.
- Wood Inlays are using in most cases 5/8" thick wood wear layer insuring lasting performance of the floor.
- The adhesive and finish used in the production are low-VOC, specially formulated.
- All wood dust and waste is sent to the recycling facility.
Czar Floors follows all the recommendations of the Green Floors Principles:
Ten attributes that make a flooring “green” |
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Rating Table |
Applies To |
Explanation |
1. |
Social Responsibility |
Manufacturer |
Socially responsible and enlightened company to workers and customers and embraces environmental practices. |
2. |
Manufacturer Processes |
Manufacturer |
Methods are environmentally responsible and are not detrimental to the environment. |
3. |
Distribution Methods |
Distribution |
Uses environmentally friendly and innovative methods of distribution, i.e., packaging and transportation. LEED credits given for purchasing local materials. |
4. |
Renewable |
Product |
Made with renewable materials. Definition - raw materials can be replaced within _____ years. |
5. |
Recycled Content |
Product |
Made with recycled materials. Percentage of post-industrial vs. post-consumer materials. |
6. |
Recycability |
Product |
Content of product is mostly recyclable and can be disposed of safely or reused in manufacture of same product or downsized for another product |
7. |
Toxicity |
Product |
Does not contain toxic materials. Meets accepted air quality standards. |
8. |
Life Cycle |
Product |
Designed for extended life cycle to reduce costs per year and impact on the environment. |
9. |
Installation |
Product |
Can be installed in an environmentally friendly manner, i.e. using low VOC adhesives. |
10. |
Maintenance |
Product |
Can be maintained in an environmentally friendly manner, i.e., low toxic cleaning chemicals and low water consumption. |