It’s estimated that built environments are responsible for roughly 42% of annual CO2 emissions.
Let’s consider that number: Across both building operations and embodied carbon of four leading building and infrastructure materials, the emissions from the building industry can account for over a third of what is expected annually worldwide. And while that number is difficult to grapple with, it also presents an opportunity.
What if we considered the good our industry could do in advancing carbon-emission reductions? What if we emphasized the collective impact material choices could have?
At Milliken, we stand FOR HUMANKIND in every decision we make. We stand for people, their health, the impact of healthier environments, and a healthy planet. And you can see that reflected throughout our floor covering portfolio. We are increasing our efforts and investments to identify sustainable pathways for our products and processes, so that you realize the impact in your own work.
Addressing carbon and climate
When Milliken outlined our science-based net-zero targets — targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative — we knew we didn’t have all the answers toward becoming net-zero by 2050. These targets govern our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and it is becoming clear that to meet our net-zero goals, we will need to leverage embodied carbon reductions.
First and foremost, Milliken flooring products are all carbon neutral, in line with our M/PACT program. You can expect our innovations to contain thoughtful materials that bolster carbon neutrality and map a clear path toward end-of-life product recycling.
In addition, we are:
· Emphasizing our recycled yarn sourcing efforts;
· Utilizing our environmental product declarations (EPDs) knowledge to improve our environmental impact;
· Increasing recycled-content and renewable carbon-negative materials usage; and
· Reducing our operational energy usage.
These net-zero targets mean we must pool our collective expertise, work together with our suppliers, and develop solutions that align with our purpose to move the needle on climate change and carbon emissions.
Prioritizing health and wellness
Milliken is doubling down on material health and human wellness attributes to lead the flooring industry in ways that benefit humanity.
Both our carpet and Resilient collections offer acoustic, comfort, and moisture performance benefits that enhance interior spaces. All our carpet tiles manufactured in North America are Declare Red List Free third-party verified and Cradle to Cradle Silver certified.
Milliken has the most extensive global portfolio of Carpet tile, Resilient, and entrance flooring products licensed under IWBI’s Works with WELL program, contributing to fourteen WELL Standard features, the most in the industry.
From PVC-free resilient Merge Forward to Comfortable Concrete carpet tiles, Milliken offers innovative, design-forward, and sustainable solutions that contribute to overall human health while elevating the spaces in which they are found.
Unlocking circularity
Milliken knows that circularity is an opportunity for the entire flooring industry. There are many pathways to close the loop on flooring circularity, and opportunities exist for those willing to work together.
We prioritize the use of recycled content in our products wherever we can — including using fibers like regenerated Econyl, comprising waste nylon reclaimed from the ocean — to invite circularity into the design of built interiors. We also invest in diversion solutions, like reuse networks and efficient recycling concepts for carpet and LVT, to keep our products from ending up in the landfill when uninstalled from their original location. In 2023, Milliken announced a strategic partnership with maintenance and flooring reuse company Orak to help change the way the flooring industry addresses the circular economy. This initiative is in line with Milliken’s N/XT Life circularity program, developed to tackle broader end-of-life challenges for flooring.
Milliken is engaging the industry both at the beginning and end of a product’s lifecycle to do what we can to contribute to circularity and close the loop on flooring.
Designing a sustainable building, an important and worthwhile task, isn’t easy. Let Milliken help you make an impact with a range of flooring solutions that help make sustainability the foundation of your space.
AIA does not sponsor or endorse any enterprise, whether public or private, operated for profit. Further, no AIA officer, director, committee member, or employee, or any of its component organizations in his or her official capacity, is permitted to approve, sponsor, endorse, or do anything that may be deemed or construed to be an approval, sponsorship, or endorsement of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.