Approach for rating for floor finishes for different building types

Each building type in this section contains flooring specifications commonly used for the modelled floor area for that building type. The data have been analysed across the entire range of flooring products suitable, so it is possible to compare all of the Environmental Profiles for the floor finishes assessed for each building type. For example, in the ratings provided for Education, the results for the polyamide (nylon) loop tufted 500g/m² bitumen backed carpet tile can be compared directly with the results for the plain and decorative linoleum.

The ratings for a particular floor finish can vary between building types as a result of factors such as:

 - The mass needed to meet the wear category requirements.
 - The service life (which varies between building types depending on the criteria for replacement).
 - The maintenance regime.
 - The variety of specifications commonly used and therefore the range assessed for each building type.

The explanatory diagram below describes the approach to be taken for each building sector which is eligible within BREEAM for floor finish credits. Please note that floor finishes are not eligible for credits in either EcoHomes or the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The diagram sets out the main type of floor area which has been assessed for each building type. Because we appreciate that each building normally contains several different floor areas with different wear requirements. The diagram also directs users to the appropriate ratings which should be used for other floor areas, e.g. offices or corridors. The descriptions of soft floorings set out in 'BS EN 685:2007 Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings - Classification' have been used to describe all resilient and carpet floor finish specifications, classified in terms of their FCSS category chosen to represent the main floor area within each building type, using the guidance in BS EN 685 and other published documentation, such as the DfES (now DCSF) guide "Floor Finishes in Schools".

Download the Floor Finishes Explanatory Diagram (PDF)

Division of floor finishes into subsections

The choice of floor finish is generally determined by the intended use of the building and the practical requirements of an individual space. Designers and specifiers first establish the wear performance required, whether the materials needs to be waterproof or easily cleaned or whether particular visual, acoustic or comfort-related qualities are priorities. Having made this decision, the final choice of specification is made from within three basic flooring groups, "Hard floor finishes", "Resilient floor finishes" and "Carpeting". To reflect this process and to make the task of the specifier more straightforward, floor finishes and coverings have been grouped for each building type into the following product groups:

• Hard floor finishes, including tile materials and timber finishes.
• Resilient floor finishes, including PVC, rubber and linoleum products.
• Carpet, broadloom and tiles.

Many floor finishes are normally fitted or laid with underlays, backings, adhesives and/or grouts to provide good wear and an even surface; and these have been taken into account where appropriate, assuming a level floor finish beneath. Both domestic and non-domestic maintenance schedules have been included for all flooring, and include activities such as mopping, vacuuming, and polishing as appropriate.

Retail floor finishes - replacement by durability or fashion

Many retail premises will undergo frequent fitout to change the "look" of a store, but other retailers will replace floor finishes purely on the basis of durability. To ascertain whether a retail scheme should be assessed on the basis of replacement by durability or fashion, typical practice historically, or in other branches of the retailer should be considered, and if the floor finish replacement cycle is 10 years or less, the "replacement by fashion" ratings should be used.

Indoor Air Quality

The Green Guide Online does not cover the potential health and comfort issues associated with indoor air quality, which are separately covered by the HEA 9 credit in BREEAM schemes.

BREEAM Schemes to which this element applies:

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