Interface Flooring Systems Emissions Reduction
You might say that Interface Flooring Systems (Canada) is “on the ground floor” of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly manufacturing. Interface has taken an aggressive approach to energy efficiency by implementing several energy efficiency and conservation improvements in its operations. As a result, the company saved $3 million over three years and reduced GHG emissions by more than 8000 tonnes! And the efficiency investments have contributed to the overall productivity and competitiveness of the organization, ensuring continued success for the future.
Interface’s Canadian operation, which is a leading producer of commercial carpeting and floor coverings, is based in Belleville, Ontario, and employs about 90 people. The Belleville plant is one of 29 Interface facilities worldwide, and regularly wins Interface’s internal “Eco-Sense” award for the best improvements in efficiency.
Interface began focusing on environmental improvements in the early 1990s, after receiving numerous requests from customers for more environmentally friendly products. It was then that Interface’s CEO, Ray Anderson, launched a range of initiatives to improve the company’s environmental performance.
Interface soon realized that environmental improvements to manufacturing processes, such as eliminating waste, would lead to lower input costs and higher overall productivity – and it is now committed to becoming the world’s first “sustainable company.” Over the past few years, the firm has made many energy efficiency and conservation improvements – including the use of smaller electric motors, high-efficiency lighting, waste heat recovery, improved compressed air management and preventative maintenance to ensure peak operating efficiency at the plant.
Significant efficiencies in the use of materials have been achieved in production, resulting in higher yields. As well, adopting lower carpet mass and using lower-temperature fusing adhesive allowed Interface to lower the finishing process temperature by more than 100
