Another Cradle to Cradle certificate for rubber floors

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(Image: RALF DIETER BISCHOFF)

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nora systems has now also received Cradle to Cradle certification for its rubber flooring products. After the norament tiles received silver certification in 2018, the noraplan standard coverings have now also been awarded silver by the "Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute." The independent auditors recognized the contribution that nora rubber coverings make to the circular economy and to comprehensive sustainable buildings. Because the Cradle to Cradle certification not only highlights the products themselves but also has positive effects on building certifications according to DGNB, LEED, or BREEAM. These reward the use of ecologically advantageous materials with high points in the evaluation. "After the certification of the norament standard assortment two years ago, we decided to apply the same standards to our flooring products and to make this visible to our customers through certification," explains Dirk Oswald, Head of Product Management for the nora product line.

Exemplary in water management and electricity consumption

Thinking in complete product cycles from the start to prevent waste – that is the core of the Cradle to Cradle principle. Products must be manufactured in such a way that all materials used can be reused or composted after use. The certification evaluates various categories: material health of the ingredients used, circularity of the product, use of renewable energy, responsible water management, and adherence to social standards. The awards range from Basic to Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The lowest standard achieved in a category ultimately determines the overall rating of a product. In the water management category, the noraplan standard coverings received gold. Regarding electricity consumption, nora systems is also exemplary: since 2018, the company has been sourcing its entire electricity needs from renewable energy.

Certifications are becoming increasingly important

With the increasing importance of sustainability in the construction industry, certifications like Cradle to Cradle are becoming more significant. "Awards granted by independent institutes help customers orient themselves and support them in choosing tested sustainable building products for their projects," explains Oswald. nora systems is continuously working to improve itself in terms of sustainable value creation. "We see the greatest opportunities in the use of new, environmentally friendly raw materials," continues the head of product management. Additionally, nora systems cooperates closely with suppliers to further optimize the raw materials used regarding sustainability and transparency in the supply chain.