Make a conscious environmental decision: choose carbon-neutral marmoleum, says Forbo Flooring Systems’ Mark Bauer

Mark Bauer, environmental specialist at Forbo Flooring Systems, explains why we should strive to make a conscious choice when it comes to choosing building and interior products that preserve the natural world for future generations.

Each year we see more and more extreme weather events occurring around the world, from hurricanes and heat waves to wildfires and droughts. But did you know that the effects of global warming are closer to home than one might think? In 2018, the UK experienced both heat waves and flash flooding, symptoms of the increased weather extremities linked to global warming.

There is little doubt that if we continue on our current path, the world will change and not for the better. Landscapes rich with plants and wildlife will become desolate; the mountains we ski upon will no longer have dense, thick snow; and the coral reefs we once explored will no longer exist. The latter is due to the oceans absorbing about one third of all CO2. This causes them to warm up and become more acidic, which in combination with falling oxygen levels, destroys biodiversity and ecosystems.

It’s a scary thought, but one that needs serious attention. Making conscious decisions when it comes to choosing the products we use or buy can make a difference. Manufacturers must also make a commitment to do as much as they can to enable their customers to make responsible choices.

In recognition of this, Forbo is pleased to confirm that Marmoleum 2.5mm is now independently EPD confirmed as a carbon-neutral floor covering in the manufacturing phase of its life cycle – all without the need for carbon offsetting. In simple terms, the CO2 produced in the extraction, transportation and manufacturing process is balanced by the removal of CO2 through the growing of its natural ingredients, such as flax, jute and rosin.

For specifiers and contractors who want to minimise the environmental impact of buildings, Marmoleum is a go to product. A 10,000 square-metre installation could typically save 66,200kg of CO2 compared to an equivalent-sized PVC vinyl sheet project. EPD will be added to the many accolades Marmoleum already holds, such as Nature Plus, Blue Angel and the Nordic Swan for its sustainable credentials.

With the above in mind, I urge you to think about how you could make a difference to climate change today. By choosing a truly carbon-neutral flooring, like Marmoleum, you will undoubtedly be contributing to creating better environments both internally and externally.

Contact Details
For more information please visit the Forbo Flooring Systems website.