Entries tagged as ‘leed’
Well, if you are considering wool carpet, you have even more reason. Read the following from Wools of New Zealand:
One of consumer’s primary concerns when purchasing carpet is the installation process. And for good reason. A qualified installer can extend a pleasant carpet purchase into a successful installation with expert measuring, seam placement and pattern alignment.
Because wool lends itself to more intricate patterns and textures, a higher degree of skill is required for most installations.
To protect the image of your store, Wools of New Zealand recommends the use of a certified Master Installer from the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI).
This non-profit organization certifies installers according to individual skills. By passing rigorous written and hands-on testing, installers can qualify for the following levels of certification:
Residential I- Lightweight base-grade, tufted carpet
Residential II – Berber, dense-cut pile, patterned carpet
Commercial I- Lightweight, base-grade
Commercial II – Double Glue Installations, patterns
Master Installer – Excels in Residential II and Commercial II skills.
CFI Master Installers have at least seven years experience and are skilled in the seaming and hand-sewing of sisal, woven and specialty carpets.”
Wools of New Zealand encourages its retailers to get their local installers certified and we have done just that. After 37 years in business, you can count on us and our certified Master Installers to get your project installed properly and professionally. And we guarantee it!
Now that we’ve established that, here is a link to some fun facts about sheep:
Sheep Facts
For all questions about wool carpet and its eco-friendly qualities, feel free to call or send an email.
All the best,
Chris
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: axeminster dc, carpet one, certified wool carpet installers, cfi master installer va, leed, leed ap, leed carpet, natural carpet, wilton carpet dc, wilton carpet nova, wilton dc, wool carpet alexandria, wool carpet dc, wool carpet installation virginia, wool carpet northern virginia, wools of new zealand, woven carpet installation, woven carpet virginia
Using natural methane gas to power the backing process.
With the help of Lomax Technology from the Dow Chemical Company, Mohawk is the first manufacturer in residential carpeting to use renewable energy in producing latex backings for all Mohawk SmartStrand and SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona carpet.
It all starts in a Dalton, Georgia, landfill, where a surprising solution is found in an unexpected place.
The decomposition of solid waste inside the landfill creates bacteria which in turn generates 50% methane, 50% carbon dioxide gas. A system of pipes and blowers will collect the gas and then direct it to a central location.
This landfill gas, which was an otherwise unusable pile of waste, has now become a renewable energy source. It will replace the natural gas, precious fossil fuels, that were previously powering the plant used to make the latex backing for Mohawk carpet.
Now in addition to the creation of an eco-friendly carpet with beauty and durability, Lomax Technology has developed an equally environmentally-sound creation process to match.
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: alexandria, ap, carpet one, eco friendly, landfill gas, leed, lomax, methane, mohawk, nova, usgbc, va
December 1, 2008 · 1 Comment
Environmental Awareness
Encouraging and helping others to follow in their ecological footprints.
by Chris Moline, LEED AP
At Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home, we play a role in CCA’s proactive, engaged approach to environmentalism.
As a part of CCA Global Partners, we realize our industry’s worldwide impact on the environment, which is why we have wholeheartedly embraced the “green movement” through the Green Select program.
The Green Select program was designed to show the importance of championing green products, and demonstrating how easy it is to make a difference by “going green” in every day operations — reducing waste, conserving resources, and increasing recycling.
In order for a product to earn classification as Green Select, there are several criteria that must be met. It must be recyclable, contain a minimum percentage of recycled material or be made from a natural, sustainable, quickly renewable resource. The definitions, criteria and green products will be constantly evaluated and updated based on industry changes and technological advances. We are steadfast in our mission: bettering our environment by our own actions and through our relationships with our member community, suppliers, and employees.
CCA is following through on this commitment by educating our employees and members to the importance of implementing Green Select standards. We also strongly encourage partnerships and employee volunteerism with environmentally focused non-profit organizations.
As part of this deep obligation to “greening” our industry and our world, CCA Global pledges to:
SEEK ways to expand our exclusive line of Green Select products.
MODEL a commitment to examine all of our business and procurement practices and to acquire and use resources as respectfully and thoughtfully as possible.
GUIDE our member community to help them operate their businesses in an environmentally responsible manner.
PARTNER with our suppliers to help them continue to provide the highest quality and value, with enhanced environmental responsibility.
MENTOR our employees and member community, and provide educational resources to help them make environmentally conscious decisions.
In Alexandria, we have a specific area dedicated to truly-green flooring choices. You’ll see cork, bamboo, Marmoleum, wool carpet over recycled pad, undyed wool carpet with natural latex in the backing, reclaimed hardwood, and so much more.
Chris
Christopher Moline, LEED AP
Residential Group Manager
Alexandria Carpet One
Commercial Carpets of America
Email
703-370-0000
Not ashamed to be a dog and tree-hugger!
Glossary of Terms
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND RESOURCES TO EXPLORE
Natural Resources: Resources that exist naturally in the world.
Quickly Renewable Resource: Resources that, if consumed responsibly at a rate that does not exceed growth, can quickly replenish themselves.
Recyclable: A product or package that can be recovered from the solid waste stream for reuse, or in the manufacturing or assembly of another package or product through an established recycling program. — http://www.ftc.gov
Recycled Content: Materials that have been recovered and otherwise diverted from the waste stream, either during the manufacturing process (pre-consumer), or after consumer use (post-consumer). — http://www.ftc.gov
Sustainability: Material or energy sources which, if managed carefully, will provide the needs of a community or society indefinitely, without depriving future generations of their needs.— http://www.worldwatch.org
Links to Green Educational Websites:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
http://www.epa.gov
USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council):
http://www.usgbc.org/
CARE (Carpet America Recovery Effort):
http://www.carpetrecovery.org/
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council):
http://www.fscus.org/
CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission):
http://www.cpsc.gov/
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: alexandria, bamboo, cork, eco finish, eco floor, eco floor dc, green flooring, green flooring virginia, green floors, green select, leed, leed ap, Metro DC, Northern Virginia, responsible flooring, usgbc, washington dc
by Chris Moline, LEED AP
As of October, Beaulieu was the first carpet mill to have its products certified under the NSF 140 standard. The standard is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles and offers three levels of achievement for the various stages of silver, gold and platinum.
It’s primarily intended for commercial flooring, but can be used to evaluate any type of carpet.
Basically, it represents a single standard, verses multiple standards and includes an easy to follow rating system.
If you’re in the market for a greener floor, give me a call at 703-370-0000 or shoot an email my way.
All the best!
Chris
Christopher Moline, LEED AP
Alexandria Carpet One &
Commercial Carpets of America
http://www.carpetcca.com
http://www.AlexandriaGreen.com
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: Beaulieu Carpet, Commercial Carpet, LCA, leed, leed ap, Metro DC, Northern Virginia, NSF 140, NSF 140-2007, Sustainable Carpet, Sustainable Carpet Assessment Standard, usgbc, washington dc
Green Label / Green Label Plus
Helping Improve Indoor Air Quality
By Chris Moline, LEED AP (CI)
The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label and Green Label Plus standards are specifically referenced in the LEED rating system for Commercial Interiors certification by the US Green Building Council. But, even if you are a homeowner not going for “Platinum”, you can benefit from the knowledge that these CRI standards mean you are getting the best for your indoor air quality dollar investment.Anyone who has gone for certification (Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum) of a tenant space under the LEED CI track has more than likely considered how carpet, carpet cushion, and any adhesives used impact credits.
In order to be considered for credit under EQ 4.3 – Indoor Environmental Quality 4.3 – Carpet Materials, carpet must meet the CRI Green Label Plus standard. Carpet cushion must meet CRI Green Label standards. Any adhesives used should be referenced under EQ 4.1, Adhesives and Sealants, and meet SCAQMD 1168 standards (GS-36 if aerosol adhesives are used).
FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE CARPET AND RUG INSTITUTE’S WEBSITE:
Carpet can be wrongly blamed for contributing to asthma and allergy and for emitting high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Studies have shown that carpet is better at trapping allergens than hard surface, such as tile or hardwood, because carpet fibers catch particles and allergens that fall to the floor. When allergens are trapped in the carpet, they cannot circulate in the air for you to breathe. Proper cleaning with a CRI-tested and approved vacuum effectively sucks up the dirt and dust from the carpet, locks it in the machine and keeps it out of the air.
New carpet may also have a “new carpet smell.” Scientific studies show that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs into the indoor environment. In fact, carpet emits less VOCs than other products such as paint. Further, these emissions clear very quickly. The low-level VOC emissions and the harmless odor from new carpet dissipate within the first 48 to 72 hours after installation — even sooner with open windows or doors.
CRI offers Green Label and Green Label Plus testing and certification to indicate carpet, carpet backings, cushions and adhesives that emit low VOCs. In fact, Green Label carpet program has such a positive impact on the indoor environment that the American Lung Association approves its use in its Healthy Homes programs. Additionally, the Green Label Plus program tough standards exceeds the green building requirements dictated by California schools.
So if you are concerned about asthma, allergies or VOCs, be sure to ask about Green Label and Green Label Plus carpet, cushion and adhesive options.
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: carpet materials, commercial interiors, cri, eco floors, exam, green carpet, green label, green label carpet, green label pad, leed, leed ap, leed carpet, leed ci, leed materials, leed pad, leed points carpet, low voc, materials and resources, mr4.3, usgbc
by Chris Moline, LEED AP
This one sets the standard.
Check out the logos and keep an eye out for them in the future.
By the way, this was a brochure sent to my home regarding the 2009 Biodiesel Conference in San Francisco.
I wonder what the carbon footprint of the conference will be?
As an aside, since I’ve been onboard here, we’ve scaled back electricity usage by over 34 million watts/year just through replacing all showroom lighting with cfl’s.
It all just makes sense!
If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by our Alexandria showroom and walk through our green area. We’ve got everything from undyed wool carpet with natural latex back, to floating marmoleum flooring, cork, bamboo, fsc-certified wood, and more!
Chris
Not ashamed to be a tree-hugger!
Chris Moline, LEED AP
Email
703-370-0000
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: 100% wind power, alexandria virginia, biodiesel, carpet, fsc-certified, gbci, green building council, green floors, leed, leed ap, marmoleum, natural latex back, natural wool, Northern Virginia, soy ink printed brochure, undyed wool, usgbc
by Chris Moline, LEED AP
… and we represent them to the Northern Virginia/DC/Maryland area!
Stay tuned for additions to this post. I just had to put it here after watching the Weather Channel’s eco-focused show this weekend featuring the CEO of Interface.
They, along with Milliken, are far ahead of the curve in the flooring industry when it comes to running their businesses by the “green” book. In fact, their headquarters is certified Platinum by the US Green Building Council under the LEED certification system.
Here is a brief look at their take on green business:
Seven Fronts
Eliminate Waste: Eliminating all forms of waste in every area of business;
Benign Emissions: Eliminating toxic substances from products, vehicles and facilities;
Renewable Energy: Operating facilities with renewable energy sources – solar, wind, landfill gas, biomass and low impact hydroelectric;
Closing the Loop: Redesigning processes and products to close the technical loop using recovered and bio-based materials;
Resource-Efficient Transportation: Transporting people and products efficiently to reduce waste and emissions;
Sensitizing Stakeholders: Creating a culture that integrates sustainability principles and improves people’s lives and livelihoods;
Redesign Commerce: Creating a new business model that demonstrates and supports the value of sustainability-based commerce;
We’ve created this ourselves, and it hasn’t been easy. Sustainability is complex. It involves the thousands of ways our company connects to society and the natural world.
Our largest and most difficult problem to overcome has been the existing laws and regulations governing commerce. The current infrastructure subsidizes unsustainable industrial processes. To make significant progress, we will need the cooperation of government and other industrial partners to shift taxation away from economic and social benefits, (labor, income and investment) to detriments, (pollution, waste, and the loss of primary resources).
In fact, check out Interface’s “Mission Zero” concept:
THAT’S what I’d call a worthy ambission.
Not ashamed to be a tree-hugger!
Chris
Christopher Moline, LEED AP
Residential Group Manager
Commercial Carpets of America
Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home
Email
703-370-0000
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: carpet tile, commercial interiors, eco friendly office carpet, environmental impact, gbci, green carpet, institutional flooring, interface, leed, leed ap, LEED carpet tile, mission 0, recycled carpet, recycled pad, usgbc, zero landfill
by Chris Moline, LEED AP
We are proud to be Magnus Anderson Master Floor Refinishers.
Dust Free
Fast
Environmentally Safe
20 Year Warranty and Guarantee
Experts in Wood Flooring
At Magnus Anderson, our goal is to be America’s #1 choice for hardwood floor refinishing. Our unique dust-free, virtually toxin-free refinishing process, performed by highly-trained, certified Master Craftsmen exemplifies our commitment to providing you, our customer, with the best experience and results. Our intensive training programs, attention to detail, and unparalleled 20-year warranty mean you’re getting the best in the business.
You can relax knowing that at Magnus Anderson, we’re not just refinishers – we’re Master Craftsmen.
Magnus Anderson Points of DifferenceDust Free
Dust Containment System
Environmentally safe
Waterborne, toxin-free finish & cleaner
20 yr. No Dulling Guarantee
Certified Master Craftsmen Magnus Anderson Institute
No need to leave the house
Walk on 3-4 hours
Furniture 48 hours
Affordable Rates
Nationwide
Residential & Commercial
Keep Your Floor Looking Beautiful
At Magnus Anderson, we want to keep your floors looking beautiful for as long as possible. With proper care and cleaning, your floors can look as good as new for years to come.
Floor Care TipsVacuum or sweep your floor regularly to prevent scratching. We recommend general cleaning once a week.
Clean up spills promptly using a clean cloth and Magnus Anderson Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
Use floor mats at exterior doors to catch most dirt and grit. Use area rugs in high-traffic areas, at the ends of steps, and near doorways. Avoid rubber backing or non-ventilated rugs.
Use protective pads or caps under furniture.
Examine your floor’s finish so wear is caught early, before complete refinishing is necessary.
Maintain a consistent humidity level year-round in all areas with hardwood flooring. Excessive variations in humidity levels can cause hardwood to swell, shrink, cup, crack, and show gaps between boards. We recommend the use of humidifiers or dehumidifiers in areas where humidity is inconsistent.
Email for a quote
703-370-0000
Refinishing gives new life to your hardwood floors, bringing back the luster and beauty they once had. Traditionally, refinishing your floors meant leaving your home for 2-3 days and coming home to a house covered in dust left from the sanding process. At Magnus Anderson, we care about you, the environment, and your floors. We feature waterborne treatments that are specially formulated to be environmentally friendly, so you don’t have to leave your home while we work. Our finishing treatments can be walked on in as little as 3 to 4 hours. The Magnus Anderson Dust Containment System guarantees you’ll have beautiful floors without the nightmare of airborne dust in your air ducts and throughout your home. With a treatment from Magnus Anderson, you can relax and breathe freely knowing that you, your family, and your home are safe.
Real Craftsmen Don’t Leave a Mess
Refinishing your hardwood floors shouldn’t be a battle with dust. There is a cleaner, healthier, and faster process for restoring your hardwood floor’s natural beauty. The Magnus Anderson Dust Containment System eliminates airborne dust from the sanding process, leaving you with beautiful hardwood floors without the mess. We use the most advanced, most powerful dust containment technology on the market.
The Magnus Anderson Dust Containment System uses high-powered vacuum hoses connected directly to the sanding equipment to remove dust generated from the sanding process from your home before it can escape into your home. The dust is collected outside, leaving you with beautiful, newly-finished floors – and no mess.
Magnus Anderson Waterborne Classic Finish
Magnus Anderson Cares
Traditionally, refinishing your floors meant leaving your home for 2 to 3 days to avoid the toxic fumes produced as the finish was applied. At Magnus Anderson, we care about you, the environment, and your floors. Our Swedish waterborne finish, Classic Finish, sets the standard for environmentally-responsible hardwood floor finishes. Classic Finish is specially formulated to be environmentally friendly, so you don’t have to leave your home while we work. It uses water – not toxic solvents – so there are no toxic fumes putting your family at risk.
Quality Finish, Beautiful Results
Magnus Anderson Classic Finish brings out the true beauty and richness of your hardwood floors. It is the most durable hardwood floor finish of any kind – waterborne or solvent-based. Classic Finish is fast-drying, long-lasting, non-yellowing, and will not change color over time. In just 3 to 4 hours after a Magnus Anderson treatment, our finish is dry enough to be walked on with stocking feet. After 48 hours, you can place (not drag) furniture back on your floor.
We’re Not Just Refinishers, We’re Master Craftsmen
Every refinisher at Magnus Anderson is trained and certified through the Magnus Anderson Institute for Master Floor Refinishers. This highly specialized training program certifies that all craftsmen have an advanced understanding of the Magnus Anderson process of refinishing. Ultimately, it is through this hands-on training of the Magnus Anderson process and its products that we are able to pledge the highest level of professional service available.
Email for a quote
703-370-0000
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: carpet one, carpte, commercial interiors, dust free floor va, dust free floors md, dustless sanding, fast refinishing, gbci, green hardwood flooring, green refinishing, hardwood floor installation northern virginia, hardwood floor refinishing, leed, leed ap, low voc, magnus adnerson, magnus anderson, mr sandless, no dust sanding, no voc finish, reclaimed wood metro dc, swedish dustless, usgbc
by Chris Moline, LEED AP
I’ve had cork flooring in my sun room and kitchen for almost two years now. What’s the verdict?
Well, my wife and I, along with our children ages 7, 8 and 11… and our 75-lb German shepherd… absolutely love it. In fact, we recently installed it in her home-based physical therapy office as well.
We’re active (to say the least) and there is so much about this type of flooring that goes with our lifestyle. In fact, cork has been used for flooring since the mid-1800’s. Stop by some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes and you’ll see cork everywhere from the kitchen to the bathrooms.
Cork is well-suited to commercial applications, too. Chicago’s First Congregational Church, the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, and Lafayette College in Easton, PA, are just a few of the places you’ll find it.
Click HERE
for a Free Estimate!
Here are some great reasons to look into cork for your flooring choice:
It’s warm
- Our 300 s.f. sunroom is built over a crawl space. It’s also got a 12-foot cathedral ceiling and I didn’t want to run ductwork for heat. So I installed R-45 insulation, radiant subfloor heat and the cork. We do not have a problem staying warm, even though the three sides of the sunroom are all glass (triple-pane, Low-E).
Here is a picture of our sunroom:
It’s quiet
- Cork is the most efficient insulating material. Humans have tried, and failed, to make something better. But cork’s bajillion-cell-per-cubic-inch structure (ok, so I’m not a numbers guy) insulates wonderfully well against the sound of 3 kids and a dog when the adults are trying to relax.
It’s great camoflauge!
- Ever notice how hotels and restaurants always have patterned carpet and other types of flooring? It’s really quite simple to explain. Every floor will get dirty, but if you can’t see it, the time-lag to cleaning doesn’t bother you as much. Cork definitely offers that hands-down.
The natural appearance of cork is very, well, varied. Heaven forbid that I drop something small on the floor… it’ll be hard to find! And that, my friend, is just what I need given our hectic lifestyle.
But even though it’s great for hiding spills and other household ills, it also cleans up very easily. Personally, I use Windex for spot-cleaning, and Alba, our cleaning person, for weekly cleaning. Alba, however, uses Mr. Clean for hardwood floors. Cork, after all, is made from the the bark of the Cork Oak tree.
Cork is very green
- Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. It is a renewable and sustainable resource with a very small carbon footprint. In cork oak plantations the first cork bark is not harvested from a tree until it is 25-30 years old. The process of stripping off the bark in sections is traditionally done by hand, the way it’s been done for hundreds of years. The tree is not damaged and the bark regrows completely. The bark is harvested every nine years and a cork oak can live for 150-200 years, so it can be safely harvested up to 20 times during its life cycle.
According to Natural Cork, “Cork’s structure is very similar to that of a honeycomb: each square centimetre is composed of 40 million cells (a more accurate figure than a bajillion). These cells, as well as the spaces between them, are filled with a gaseous mixture similar to air. That is what makes cork so remarkable. The unique structure of cork creates the three most important characteristics in its application as flooring: Thermal Insulation, Sound Reduction and Elasticity.”
That’s why you can place a grand piano on your cork floor and it will bounce back when you move it. Also, if you do happen to gouge it, repairs are much more easy to conceal since the finish is so varied in color and texture.
We’ve just installed a hundred square feet of cork in our showroom in Alexandria, Virginia. Come on by and give it a walk. Go ahead, take your shoes off!
Chris
Christopher Moline, LEED AP
Residential Group Manager
Commercial Carpets of America
703-370-0000
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38.806783
-77.126713
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: cork alexandria, cork floor dealer alexandria, cork floor maryland, cork floor northern virginia, cork flooring maryland, cork floors washington dc, cork sales installation virginia, eco, eco floor, ecofinishes, ecofinishes cork floors, floating cork flooring, floating cork floors, green, green flooring, leed, leed ap, leed floor, materials and resources, natural cork floor, online cork flooring, renewable resources, Suberin, us floor dealer dc, us floors products, usgbc
