Sustainability, Flooring Installation and What the Future Holds

CFA and FITA training manager, Shaun Wadsworth, says that sustainability needs to be embedded in training programs at all levels, to ensure it becomes part of the culture of our industry. CFA and FITA are committed to making this happen.

The UK flooring industry is undergoing a significant transformation as sustainability continues to be seen as a defining force within the sector. As environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, such as the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and new building regulations targeting carbon, reshape construction practices, the demand for sustainable flooring solutions will continue to increase. So, it makes sense that the industry must also rethink how it plans to train the next generation of flooring installers, embedding sustainability at every level.

Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration within flooring and wider construction and whilst this guide has been published as far back as 2011 the importance of sustainability has increased dramatically in that time within the day-to-day activity of the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and its members. 

Government, developers, and clients are demanding eco-friendly flooring options, driving the need for installation methods to follow suit that reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and prioritise recyclable materials. A closer look at areas like subfloor preparation and installation methods used in Europe may be beneficial, less reliance on fully adhered systems, more loose-lay or floating floors, more clean release systems and more knowledge at installer level on underfloor heating (UFH). Innovations such as adhesive-free flooring, advanced adhesives technologies and circular economy principles within manufacturing are setting new expectations. Flooring installers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet these demands.

Price will always matter, but will this shift mean that soon wholesale rewrites of the installation standards are required and thus training standards, apprenticeship materials etc.? And what about commercial settings and high traffic areas and the part wider construction and main contractors play? All something to consider.

Traditional flooring installation techniques rightly focused on the long-term integrity of the system, product durability and safety, but perhaps less so on environmental impact. However as that focus shifts and our understanding of the need to manage our planet more effectively grows, so must the systems and training delivered to support our products, be that for current or future installers. The focus needs to be on a range of areas but in particular understanding material innovation and how that affects installation, waste reduction techniques, environmentally friendly application methods and finishes, and probably most importantly – lifecycle considerations. Training installers needs to include the installation of products picked for their long-term sustainability, their maintenance and end-of-life disposal. Circularity is yet to be fully embedded in our sector and that must be a driver for installation and training going forward.

By incorporating these elements into training of any type, whether that be apprenticeships, private training courses or manufacturer led courses, we can ensure that the installation of products picked for their sustainability features are also installed to help with that circular commitment.

Despite the clear benefits, the transition to sustainable training is not without challenges. The industry faces a large skills and labour gap, with an ageing workforce and limited new entrants, something the CFA have been addressing directly through its Future Fitter campaign since 2022. Many experienced installers are accustomed to traditional methods and may be resistant to change. To bridge this gap, those delivering or developing must:

• Develop engaging and accessible courses that appeal to both flooring professionals and newcomers.
• Provide firsthand experience with the latest sustainable materials.
• Align programs with sustainability standards, competency standards and formal qualifications ensuring that eco-conscious training becomes the industry norm.

To drive meaningful change, the entire flooring sector – including manufacturers, suppliers, training bodies, and associations – must collaborate. Manufacturers can lead the way by supporting their developed, innovative and sustainable materials with training providers and programs that provide correct product knowledge and practical demonstrations. Beginning the work from some common ground that still allows manufacturers to innovate, design and create beautiful products with USPs. But to ensure productivity, and control installation costs, we probably need to maintain some of that common ground in the re-imagination of installation with the CFA and its training arm FITA being the perfect vehicle to support.

Training providers also need to ensure that courses, apprenticeships and qualifications reflect the latest industry developments and align with current and future environmental regulations. A unified approach will accelerate progress and create a workforce capable of delivering on sustainability goals, something CFA aims to facilitate through knowledge sharing and continued signposting of UK industry-wide standards for sustainable practices.

CFA, through its training arm FITA and various working groups, has committed to taking the necessary steps and lead by example, championing and supporting these green installation methods by ensuring they are represented in all aspects of the training and competency sectors. This will see development of future and current FITA courses and a proposal to all training providers and manufacturers providing training to do the same to evolve content and delivery in step with sustainability requirements. CFA has also engaged in projects relating to circular production methods through the CISUFLO project over the past five years, working alongside partners in Europe to establish not only circular products but also the correct installation methods too. Although that project has now been completed, the lessons learnt and products developed will inevitably impact installation methods for floorcoverings in the future and CFA actively played its part in supporting members and the wider sector.

The future of flooring installation is undeniably green. By embracing circularity, material innovation, digital tools, and forward-thinking education, the sector can future proof itself while playing a vital role in reducing environmental impact. Those who adapt early will not only meet regulatory demands but will also lead the industry into a more sustainable and profitable future, something CFA is keen to drive with the support of its members and the wider flooring industry.

www.cfa.org.uk