“Repurposed” flooring options are allowing customers to have a new-looking floor in a more environmentally sustainable way at a lower cost, said Scott Elley, new business development representative at Floors Inc.

Lighting control and mechanical system optimization is helping Engineered Controls reduce energy consumption in its facilities, said Pat Killeen, president.

Boyd Jones incorporates many environmentally responsible practices into its projects, Knowles said. The company encourages the use of non-toxic, local and recycled materials. It uses recycled construction material on its sites when it can. The company also is installing renewable energy sources.

Sustainable design encompasses all aspects of a building from its architecture and engineering to its construction and maintenance, Knowles said. Strong teamwork is needed from start to finish.

“A strong design and construction team with support from the building occupants creates the most sustainable and effective final project for the owner,” she said.

As awareness of green design has increased over the years, project owners are more knowledgeable and request more environmentally-responsible materials, equipment and design strategies, Knowles said.

The interest in improving energy efficiency has increased significantly, resulting in more complex mechanical systems and alternative energy production, she said.

Floors Inc. has started offering repurposed flooring options, Elley said. This consists of Flooring Inc. removing existing carpet tiles, cleaning them, inspecting them to make sure they are of high quality, then offering them to clients for new projects. This is a suitable option when budget constraints exist and clients are interested in recycling, he said.

“The benefit for the client is that they receive a flooring option and reduced rate and these individual carpet tiles are no longer headed to the local landfill as trash,” he said.

In an effort to become a green adviser in the flooring industry, Floors Inc. has a full time employee with LEED accreditation – a first in the local flooring industry, Elley said.

Engineered Controls is doing all it can to reduce energy consumption in its facilities, Killeen said. This consist of lighting control systems and optimizing heating, air and ventilation systems by maximizing different energy options that are available.

“Control systems are essential to the proper operation of the mechanical electrical system,” Killeen said. “Furthermore, control technologies will control mechanical and electrical systems to optimize the right amount of everything to create a comfortable building environment and at the same time optimize cost.”

Most building owners today want their facilities to be environmentally responsible and healthy places to live and work, Killeen said. Companies like Engineered Controls have a big part to play in getting new and existing building owners in the green building movement, he said.

Source: Lincoln Business Journal