November 16, 2005—Interface Flooring Systems’ first showroom in Atlanta—the company’s first true retail showroom and part of the pilot LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors) program—was awarded a Platinum designation.
The showroom, opened in 2004 to retail and design industry customers, showcases the Interface family of brands, including: Interface Flooring Systems, the company’s flagship brand of modular, commercial carpet; Bentley Prince Street, fashion-forward broadloom for the commercial market, and InterfaceFLOR, the company’s first consumer brand of modular carpet that includes the industry’s first product made from natural corn fiber.
Highlights of showroom features that contributed to the LEED-CI criteria are:
- Water efficiency: low-flow, automatic sinks and toilets; low-flow dishwasher, kitchen sink and icemaker.
- Energy & Atmosphere: Floor to ceiling windows along the street maximize daylight and access to views. Lighting is all energy-efficient metal halide and fluorescent. Lighting controls provide for task-appropriate lighting at individual workstations and a variety of lighting options throughout for display purposes. A photovoltaic cell and timer monitors the exterior daylight and adjusts electrical lighting accordingly; auto shut-off sensors operate at the end of the business day and in all non-occupied spaces such as closets. Interface purchases green power and supports non-fossil-fuel-based energy.
- Materials & Resources: 92% of construction waste was diverted from landfills; LEED-CI standards call for up to 75%. 30% of furniture and fixtures are reused.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: CO2 monitoring system encompasses the entire floor, not just the showroom. Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) adhesives and sealants, paint, composite wood, and furniture and furnishings are used. VOCs were minimized during construction. Daylight contributes to IEQ.
For more information, contact Interface Flooring and also see its ad on FMLink.
