Product decision with long-term impact

Klinikum Crailsheim (Image: Dirk Wilhelmy)

Catholic Hospital (Image: Markus Bachmann)

nora systems nTx Line Extension (Image: nora systems GmbH)

Culture House De Warande Turnhout (Image: BART GOSSELIN)

Bettina Haffelder, Vice President nora DACH (Image: nora systems GmbH)

The procurement – always the first step of the public sector before services can be provided or purchases made. "The evaluation system for the procurement of products and services is currently undergoing a fundamental change," states Bettina Haffelder, Vice President of nora DACH. "In addition to the budgetary legal foundations, criteria such as sustainability are increasingly being considered to meet the changing societal demands and necessities." Many states and municipalities have already launched ambitious projects regarding sustainability in recent years. Often, they go beyond the federal government's Climate Protection Program 2030 and the Climate Protection Act passed by the Bundestag. In a position paper, the German City Day (Deutscher Städtetag) demanded in November 2019, for example, that the CO2 emissions be introduced as a basis for measurement in the further development of building energy laws and that the connection to lifecycle costs be strengthened. (1) "Manufacturers are also called upon to meet these requirements," Haffelder is convinced. Therefore, at nora systems, not only the durability and easy maintenance of the products play a decisive role.

Joint commitment to climate protection

The manufacturer of rubber floors supports cities and municipalities, as well as the respective decision-makers, with the Interface initiative Carbon Neutral Floors™ in achieving their own climate goals. A certificate confirms their CO2 neutrality across the entire product lifecycle if desired. Environmental awareness and sustainability have always been part of the nora philosophy. In Weinheim, intensive efforts are underway to avoid or reduce CO2 emissions. Several ambitious projects are currently running in production aimed at further reducing their own carbon footprint. Unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions are offset through the purchase of emission reduction certificates, which finance climate protection projects. "Our goal is to compensate less and less in the future," emphasizes Haffelder. Increased awareness of the consequences of climate change is making the sustainability of products an increasingly central issue. Architects and developers are aware that the products they specify and purchase have a direct impact on the climate. "To achieve measurable results and to permanently advance climate protection, everyone must work together – legislators, the public sector, and manufacturers. Ultimately, it is the sum of many small measures that helps to counter the dangers of climate change," Haffelder emphasizes.

Certified environmentally friendly and comfortable

In many public tenders, the use of environmentally safe building materials is already required. nora rubber floors are free of PVC and contain no plasticizers or halogens. They were the first elastic floor coverings to be awarded the "Blue Angel" label... because they are low-emission, and contribute to good indoor air quality. Additionally, they carry the Cradle to Cradle Silver certification, which confirms a sustainable circular economy. Both environmental labels have positive effects on building certifications according to DGNB, LEED, or BREEAM. Thus, rubber floors offer builders and investors a high level of safety.

Durable, economical, and sustainable

Because even in terms of lifecycle costs, rubber floors can score points. The flooring is one of the last trades to be planned in construction projects. Often, budgets are already largely exhausted by then. "In such cases, the temptation is great to simply choose the flooring with the lowest purchase price without considering factors such as maintenance or lifespan," Haffelder continues. However, with foresightful planning, building costs can be significantly reduced over decades. Since the flooring usually remains in the building for many years, the cheapest product at the time of purchase is not always the most economical and thus the most cost-effective solution in the long run. The purchase price accounts for only about ten percent of the total lifecycle costs of a floor, while experience shows that more than 90 percent of the costs are incurred in follow-up expenses. "The operational phase often becomes the cost driver," Bettina Haffelder points out. "Because maintenance, cleaning, and periodic re-coating or renovation costs are clear differentiators that can be quite costly."

High quality for high demands

Therefore, especially in public construction with its high-traffic areas, choosing a high-quality product pays off in the long term in terms of lifecycle costs. The flooring must be particularly durable and easy to clean cost-effectively. nora coverings are not only highly resistant and easy to maintain but also do not require coating – a major advantage. Their high wear resistance and durability ensure they still look flawless after decades of intensive use. Combined with numerous design options, nora rubber floors meet various usage requirements and thus make a significant contribution to the sustainable design of public spaces.

(1) Positions of the German City Day on the Climate Protection Act and the Climate Protection Program 2030 from November 14, 2019