Werner Braun: Sustainability from a facility managers perspective

Sustainability means different things to different people, but from the facility managers perspective, sustainability can be viewed somewhat like a three-legged stool: a stool that balances specifications, installation and maintenance.

Theres no question that targeting the correct specifications choosing the right carpet for the right space should be the first step in the process. Determining what type of carpet will look best, wear best and cost best (be economically sustainable) over time should be the initial priority.

The first step in that process is to clearly define the type of facility for which you are specifying carpet and outline the specific requirements of that facility.

To do that effectively, its important to consider how long the carpet will be used, the amount of foot traffic that will be generated, the types of dirt that may be tracked in, whether the area is a remodel or a new installation and whether there is modular furniture in the space.

While that may seem like a challenge, the good news is that todays carpet offers a wide variety of choices in style, fiber composition and color, whether you are specifying broadloom for a corporate office, carpet tiles for an elementary school or plush carpet for a boutique hotel.

And over the past few decades, technology has given us multilevel loop and cut-loop patterns that allow diamond, bow and fleur-de-lis designs that pop out in sculptured effects, giving us so many more choices than the standard loop pile of the past.

The second important leg of the stool is proper installation. Carpet should be installed properly and efficiently to avoid waste and to maximize the life of the carpet.

Carpet installation must be properly planned, estimated and coordinated. The installation plan must include accurate measurements, show seam placement and detail areas requiring special considerations, such as unusual room shapes, closets, borders, etc.

Installation specifiers should provide drawings with the approved location of seams, edge moldings, carpet direction and accessories, such as adhesives and cushions.

Facility managers need to make sure that the surface upon which the carpet is to be installed is appropriate, by confirming concrete moisture and alkali conditions, cleanliness and surface quality, including floor levelness. A building contractor should also set appropriate room temperatures 48 hours prior to installation at 65 to 95 degrees and provide ventilation during and 48 to 72 hours after installation.

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Werner Braun: Sustainability from a facility managers perspective