Sustainable Materials - Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Sustainable Materials

Along with the cutting-edge energy features, described in the Energy Features page, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus incorporates a wide variety of unusual flooring and wall materials into its final design (see chart).

These sustainable products are developed from renewable resources, using earth-friendly processes that allow all of us to meet our energy needs without harming the environment. Integration of these materials is intended to expand the use of renewable resources throughout the classroom building as well as be a model for environmentally friendly design concepts.

Room	Flooring	Description

Bridge Conference Room	Cork Flooring	A common "stopper" for champagne bottles, cork is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which are grown in Mediterranean countries. Cork oak trees are not cut down. Their bark is peeled off for use, and regenerates itself every 10 years. Cork floors do not emit harsh gases or shed micro-fibers, so there is no negative impact on air quality. Cork is dent-proof, termite-proof, has natural acoustical properties, and lasts 50-75 yrs.

Classroom Flooring	Low VOC Adhesive Carpeting	This carpeting has been selected for its low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) properties. VOC's are unpleasant materials that can cause headaches, eye irritation, or worse. This carpeting's adhesive backing system allows for preservation of indoor air quality, and is recyclable.

Classroom Walls	Wool Carpeting	Wool carpeting is often used on the walls of classrooms because it is great for hanging displays and bulletin boards. Wool fiber is naturally elastic, stain resistant, flame retardant, and may help purify the air by absorbing harmful indoor contaminants. Using wool reduces the manufacture of nylon (derived from crude oil). This type of carpeting is also biodegradable and recyclable.

Concourse Flooring	Porcelain Tile	This type of porcelain tile is composed of 95% unfired raw materials that were previously wasted in the manufacturing process. Porcelain tile is strong and durable, will not support mold or bacterial growth, and typically outlasts as many as five installations of other floor materials.

Gathering Room	Rubber Flooring	This resilient, renewable and recyclable surface is made of tire rubber. Rubber offers superior stain resistance, dampens the vibrations felt when walking up and down stairs, and is excellent for high traffic areas.

Office Flooring	Low VOC Adhesive Carpeting	This carpeting has been selected for its low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) properties. VOC's are unpleasant materials that can cause headaches, eye irritation, or worse. This carpeting's adhesive backing system allows for preservation of indoor air quality, and is recyclable.

Plaza Restroom Flooring	Porcelain Tile	This type of porcelain tile is composed of 95% unfired raw materials that were previously wasted in the manufacturing process. Porcelain tile is strong and durable, will not support mold or bacterial growth, and typically outlasts as many as five installations of other floor materials.

Presentation Room	Linoleum Flooring	Invented in the mid-1800s, linoleum is made of linseed oil and other renewable materials. Linoleum is durable, water resistant, anti-static (i.e., repels dust), and biodegradable. This type of flooring has no hazardous ingredients, does not melt, and gets tougher with time.

Stairwell Flooring	Rubber Treads and Risers	This resilient, renewable and recyclable surface is made of tire rubber. Rubber offers superior stain resistance, dampens the vibrations felt when walking up and down stairs, and is excellent for high traffic areas.

Vista Conference Room	Bamboo Flooring	A member of the grass family, bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant. It is ready for harvest in three to four years, compared to the 15-20 years it takes for hardwoods to mature. Also, the same plants can be renewably harvested over and over in managed agricultural plots.