Green Statement
Being environmentally responsible, inside and out, is a responsibility we take seriously. For that reason we take care to select and use products that are Earth friendly and people friendly. As a result, we create healthy interior spaces that care for the needs and well being of the occupants as well as our Earth by way of the lifecycle production processes of the products we’ve used. Below is a brief description of the products selected for the Nexxspan™ Healthcare, LLC facility at 270 Scientific Park Drive in Norcross, GA.
Carpet (Showroom + Corridors):
Shaw Contract’s “Green With Envy” collection’s “First in Line” carpet tile is made of 100% eco solution q premium branded nylon and an ecoworx® backing and features 38.2% post industrial recycled content, a FlorSept® system antimicrobial protection, and a Lifetime Commercial warranty.
- eco solution premium branded nylon: A cradle to cradle product that is forever recyclable and that utilizes an average of 23 million pounds of recycled content annually.
- ecoworx® backing: A 100% PVC-free recyclable backing system with recycled content, made from thermoplastic polyolefin compound with a fiberglass reinforcing layer providing, among other things, Lower BOC’s (bioactive organic compounds) and smoke density test results than PVC and is 100% recyclable with recycled content and lower embodied energy than PVC.
Carpet (Offices + Innovative Area):
Shaw Contract’s “Green With Envy” collection’s “First in Line” carpet tile is made of 86% eco solution q premium branded nylon and an ecoworx® backing and features 38.2% post industrial recycled content, a FlorSept® system antimicrobial protection, and a Lifetime Commercial warranty.
Vinyl Plank (Showroom):
SDI’s vinyl plank is 100% recyclable and requires no wax or finishing. It’s nonporous and does not harbor the growth of molds, mildews, or bacteria. The primary raw material used to make vinyl, common salt, is a practically unlimited natural resource. It’s wear layer provides superior durability and long product life.
RIKETT QUARTZ TILE (Research, Production, and Distribution Areas):
This tile was chosen instead of VCT due to its superior strength which reduces the need for replacement tiles, low lifecycle costs, reduced wax and maintenance requirements which reduce the use and disposal of stripping and finishing chemicals, and environmental production responsibility including the use of 85% of post-industrial waste and the conservation of water through the production process. Rikett® quartz tile is applauded by environmentalists because of its 70% quartz no waste composition, recyclability, and long life which keeps it out of landfills. Rikett® Quartz tile is also GreenGuard® certified for Indoor Air Quality for low VOC emitting materials, adhesives, and sealants.
It’s also made in the USA. It provides 3 accredited LEED points: 1 point for raw material sourced within a 500 mile radius of the factory, 1 point for product made of 70% natural resources, and 1 point for using renewable natural resources.
Paint:
A variety of eco friendly Sherwin Williams paints that feature low odor and VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) known for creating and contributing to poor indoor air quality and related heath problems were used for this project.
Ceiling Tile:
Ceiling tiles were selected for excellent light reflectance reducing the need for excess lighting, low formaldehyde content for positive indoor air quality, recycled content, recyclability, and warranty properties to ensure long product life. Armstrong is a manufacturer that is dedicated to true Green principals and created a ceiling tile reclamation program to keep product from being landfilled during renovation.
Cortega (Research, Production, and Distribution Areas):
Earns 5 of 7 LEED credits, has low formaldehyde VOC’s, and is eligible for the recycling program.
Georgian #1752 (Training, Conference, Offices, and Corridors):
Earns 5 of 7 LEED credits, has low formaldehyde VOC’s, has excellent light reflectance, is anti-microbial, is wash, impact, and scratch resistant, has a 30 year warranty and is eligible for the recycling program.
Ultima #1911 (Reception, Open offices 1 + 2, Showroom, and Break Room):
Selected for its excellent acoustic absorption for the comfort of the occupant in an open area, this product also has one of the highest light reflectance values available, has zero added formaldehyde, is anti-microbial, and boasts a 30 year warranty.
Lighting:
The need for lighting was reduced due to daylight harvesting. Fluorescent lighting, known to have a long bulb life and low energy use, was used where appropriate. Most of the incandescent and all of the halogen lighting are dimmable. Using dimmers not only makes the lighting more comfortable to the occupants, but increases the bulb life and reduces the energy used by the lamps. For the halogen track lighting we used a special Phillips 37 watt bulb that creates better light quality, uses less power than the 50 watt bulb and reduces the heat output so that the HVAC system doesn’t have to expend as much energy cooling the space, and when dimmed by only 10% (barely noticeable to the eye) nearly doubles the life of the bulb.
Furnishings:
Herman Miller prides themselves on their environmental responsibility. They are committed to the use of 100% renewable energy and to achieving the goal of zero air and water manufacturing emissions by the year 2020. They implement a stringent policy of returnable and recyclable packaging of closed loop recycling systems for repeat recycling.
- Aeron desk chairs are ergonomically superior for the occupant, are made of 66% recycled materials and are 94% recyclable at the end of their useful lives.
- Caper guest chairs are made of 21% recycled materials and are up to 100% recyclable at the end of their useful lives.
- Ethospace office furnishings are made of 35% recycled materials and are up to 78% recyclable at the end of their useful lives.
- My Studio open area office furnishings are made of 30% recycled materials and are up to 69% recyclable at the end of their useful lives.