The Flooring Show 2024: A record-breaking celebration of innovation and networking!

Celebrating its largest edition to date, The Flooring Show welcomed hundreds of brands and thousands of visitors to the Harrogate Convention Centre from 15-17 September, for a fantastic 3 days of purchasing, networking and innovation.

Thanks to the expansion into Hall Q the show was able to welcome more names than ever before and consequently saw the highest number of exhibitors and visitors in attendance in its 62-year history.

Brands

Over 400 brands featured at this year’s show, across 6 halls and 2 hotels. The show featured an impressive array of displays from top flooring manufacturers. Visionary professionals in the industry presented an extensive variety of products spanning the breadth of the industry. Attendees had the chance to view and touch numerous flooring samples, exploring a wide spectrum of colours, textures, materials, and designs. Suppliers seized the opportunity to present their latest collections, debut new products, and engage directly with distributors. Many exhibitors went the extra mile with interactive booths, offering games, prize draws, and live demonstrations to captivate visitors.

Features

The Flooring Show is not just about purchasing. The show offers opportunity for improving industry knowledge and discovering new products. Across all three days of the show, the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), supported by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), hosted the Demo Zone. The expert instructors provided insightful demonstrations for visitors on a range of new techniques and products including subfloor moisture solutions, smoothing compounds, adhesives, domestic vinyl, engineered wood floor, floating floor systems, carpet underlay, and LVT installations amongst others.

The Campaign for Wool and the Wool Carpet Focus Group collaborated again in the Wool Trends Centre, creating a space where visitors could see a carefully curated display of the latest wool carpet trends from a selection of leading wool flooring suppliers, including organic textures, natural wool colours, bright shades for plains and patterning and ‘carpet art’ for hallways and stair areas. The Campaign for Wool and British Wool also used the show to promote the return of Shaun the Sheep as ‘ambaaa-ssador’ as part of a collaborative promotional campaign ‘Shaun Loves Wool’ to help educate and promote wool flooring as sustainable and good for the planet.

New for 2024, the Design Spotlight created a dedicated space in Hall Q for those visitors looking for unique, design-driven, innovative residential and commercial flooring solutions. Participating brands included Bjelin UK, Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd, V4, Veeuze, and Welfloor.

Competition

The NICF Fitter of the Year competition took place across Sunday 15th and Monday 16th in the King’s Suite, with a focus on carpet installation. Five finalists, Darren Ash, Richard Long, Joni Reeves, Gareth Williams, and Steve Whitburn, went head-to-head, with Richard Long coming away as the 2024 champion. This year’s much-loved ‘judges challenge’ was awarded to Steve Whitburn after his impressive waistcoat made of waste carpet wowed the judges. Congratulations to all competitors!

Sustainability

Back for a second year, the Sustainability Trail showcased the exhibitors actively working toward a more environmentally friendly future through their implementation of sustainable practices. On Sunday 15th, at the exhibitor drinks reception, the champion of the Sustainability Award 2024 was announced. Well-deserved winners, Texfelt Ltd, believe it “Shouldn’t cost the earth to save the earth”. The extensive policies they have in place to reduce their environmental impact, clear goals for 2025 and beyond, and recent launch of their Springbond Eco-Step 8mm range made Texfelt Ltd deserving winners. A big thank you to our judges: The Carpet Council, Floorsauce, Unlock Net Zero and John Lewis.

Group Exhibition Director, Alex Butler, reflected on this year’s show, remarking “Thank you to all the visitors and exhibitors who supported The Flooring Show 2024. It was fantastic to see the entire flooring industry come together, and the sense of community and collaboration was clearly evident from start to finish. This year was extra special with the launch of Hall Q, and we couldn’t be happier with the feedback we’ve received. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for an even bigger and better event… watch this space!”

More content from this year’s show will be revealed over the coming months. Be sure to keep an eye on The Flooring Show’s website and social media platforms to stay up to date with the latest happenings.

If you’re interested in visiting or exhibiting at our 2025 event taking place from 21-23 September at the Harrogate Convention Centre, head to theflooringshow.com to register your interest.

Light Forms luminaires specified in huge Birmingham office overhaul

As part of a £38.8m refurbishment of a Birmingham City Centre commercial office space, a wide variety of luminaires from high-performance lighting manufacturer, Light Forms, have been specified into the upgraded building.

The office space sits within Brindleyplace; a large, mixed-use canal-side development in the heart of Birmingham. It is home to restaurants, shops, leisure offerings such as the Sealife Centre, and a number of commercial office buildings.

Wilmott Dixon Construction was appointed by the building owner CBRE Investment Management to combine two separate sites – 8 and 10 Brindleyplace – into one large building. The transformation would also create a more modern space with a focus on smart technology, sustainability and wellness. Not only was this better from an environmental perspective, it would help to attract future occupants of the office and ensure the area remains buoyant and commercially successful.

Given the focus on sustainability, LED lighting was an important part of delivering improved energy savings and a better carbon footprint. A plethora of solutions have been specified by Light Forms, fulfilling many of the lighting requirements of the refurbishment project. These were primarily specified by Wilmott Dixon Interiors, who were responsible for the internal fit-out of the renovated offices.

Light Forms was able to offer a wide variety of solutions for the project given its well-rounded and all-encompassing portfolio. This is alongside Light Forms’ commitment to offering flexible products that can be adapted and customised in a variety of ways to best suit the needs of each and every project.

These include Lightplane 2.5; a compact and streamlined luminaire that provides direct, indirect or direct-indirect illumination. Offering the adaptability that Light Forms is renowned for, Lightplane 2.5 can be suspended, wall or surface mounted. The Brindleyplace office is using the prismatic lens for low UGR, which delivers a more pleasant and healthier working environment.

Elsewhere in the building, Light Forms Cygnus Round luminaires have been used, along with ValueDown. Cygnus Round is a minimalist, high-power LED track spot with a wide range of light sources and optics. ValueDown is a budget-friendly, recessed downlight spot fixture that may be specified in multiple outputs with a beam spread of 15, 25 or 40 degrees.

Other specified solutions include Nova Medium 62, Leo, Indus, Slimline 1.25, TinCan, Lightrod 80 and Panel Up and Under.

Completing the project are the EM surface, EM Recessed and EM Exit. These are all part of Light Forms’ LED Emergency luminaire range, which encompasses both emergency spotlights and exit signs. The lighting configuration and control was completed by Mymesh; wireless controls designed for professional and demanding environments.

Harry Prior, Managing Director from Light Forms said: “Brindleyplace offices are an enviable location within Birmingham city centre, offering ease of access, an attractive waterside setting and stunning architecture. To have our luminaires featured so heavily in this exciting renovation project to bring two spaces together was incredibly exciting. Furthermore, it truly demonstrates how much our portfolio can meet the needs of even the most ambitious refurbishments, including those where sustainability is a key part of the work.”

The overhaul has now linked the two formerly separate sites into one building, creating 212,000 sq ft of office space over nine floors. The location also boasts of the city’s largest available floorplans at over 27,000 sq ft. Other improvements include internal reconfiguration such as the brand-new reception area. Extra facilities have been added including a café, business lounge and conference facilities.

The redevelopment has achieved a number of accreditations, including Fitwel; a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing. It has also been awarded other certifications including EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent.

Client: CBRE

Contractor: Wilmott Dixon

Architect: Associated Architects

Consultant: CPW

Controls: Mymesh

An Exciting Year Ahead for CAB in 2025

Nigel Headford - CAB Chief Executive

With a stronger team and a new year ahead, the Council for Aluminium in Building has laid out its planned event support for members in a new document. Releasing this information towards the end of 2024 helps members plan their active year ahead and it is hoped more member company teams will be available to attend events. The brochure, available on the CAB website, was released at CAB’s Autumn Forum, held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 3rd October.

The Autumn Forum is the last of the main Members meetings of the year and chance for delegates to listen to topical speakers and to be able to network with other members. This years business forum was titled ‘Contemporary Façade Design and Delivery’ and included presentations from Ffion Lanchbury and Andrew Baker of Rio Architects, Oliver Bridge of Total Facade Solutions, along with the Q&A panel that included Andrew Lee of Bouygues, Liz Williams, Housing Delivery Specialist and Steve Bramhill of UL Solutions. With over 100 members and their guests in attendance, this year’s Autumn Forum proved to be a popular event.

As CAB moves into its fourth decade, the team decided that the events in 2025 should be reviewed, keeping the popular events, modifying others and introducing some new meetings.

2025 kicks off with the popular Spring Forum which is to take place at The Deep in Hull. The format will be a conference followed by an evening dinner and after-dinner speaker for Members and their guests. The Deep, situated overlooking the Humber estuary, is an educational and conservation charity that features an impressive Aquarium. It offers both formal and informal conservation education to a wide-ranging audience, aiming to inspire and engage. Committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, The Deep plays an active role in breeding programs and field conservation efforts.

Engaging with members and the wider trade sector sees CAB taking a stand at the FIT Show in April 2025. The stand will primarily serve as a networking and meeting area for Members and guests, providing an excellent opportunity to educate visitors about our CSCS Training and Closed Loop Recycling Schemes, as well as the advantages of joining the Association. The entire team will relocate to the NEC to address any enquiries that current and prospective members may have concerning CAB. For the first time, FIT is adopting post-event recycling and this initiative will be prominently displayed with our Closed Loop Recycling logos, ensuring that all visitors are aware of CAB’s commitment to sustainability.

CAB has recently initiated it’s membership drive in the home improvement sector, outlining the benefits of joining the Association and promoting product development based on one of the world’s most abundant metal, aluminium. Without aluminium, the advancements in engineering technology over the last century would simply not be possible. The membership drive explains the support services offered by the Association, but more importantly, it is about belonging to a ‘family’ where businesses meet and network, to the benefit of the whole Industry creating one voice for future change.

The team have decided to bring back the popular Technical Conference in May, last held in 2018. The event will return to Loughborough University which offers easy parking and excellent facilities for a day conference. A wide range of presentations will be delivered by industry experts which will provide comprehensive insights into the issues impacting the façade Industry. The CAB Technical Committee will oversee and organise this event to guarantee that the subjects addressed are pertinent and enlightening. This event is specifically for your technical teams, allowing them to engage in the Q&A sessions and networking opportunities during coffee breaks and lunch.

In a change to the yearly ‘Golf Day, AGM and Dinner’ midyear, CAB will be launching the ‘CABfest Golf Day & Festival’. Upon completing a round of golf or arriving later in the afternoon, Members and guests will be treated to an afternoon and evening filled with live music. To enhance the ambiance, a resident DJ will be present to keep the energy high while attendees savour a variety of street food, enjoy offerings from our CABfest bar, and indulge in a Pimm’s & Prosecco cart. The objective is to provide an event where Members can reward their teams, invite distinguished guests, or simply network with fellow members and attendees.

Replacing the Autumn Forum will be a series of Regional Workshops. These have been well attended in the past and will be held at locations in the North, Midlands and South. Attendance at these events will be complimentary, allowing Members the opportunity to engage with CAB whilst also enjoying some networking time over coffee and a bacon roll. Delegates can then return to the office for the afternoon. The primary purpose of these gatherings is to facilitate local interactions and keep Members informed about Industry developments and the development of the Association.

Completing the year, CAB will hold its popular AGM in October. The 31st Annual General Meeting will also mark CAB’s inaugural Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, intended to honour membership and provide an opportunity to acknowledge your management teams or enjoy an entertaining evening with your partner. The event will feature after-dinner speakers, opportunities for engaging activities at the tables, and several surprises throughout the evening. Our Marketing Committee is committed to presenting a diverse array of awards, and importantly, the nomination process will be straightforward, eliminating lengthy forms. This will facilitate the recognition of those who have made significant contributions to promoting the use of Aluminium in the built environment.

More information about CAB’s 2025 events is available through the CAB website. It is important to recognise that an Association belongs to its Members and the more influence that Members can bring into the Association, the further it will grow. The CAB Board of Directors is committed to grow the Association and continue to increase value for membership. Should you wish to learn more about the use of Aluminium used in Construction, please contact CAB, join the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future. More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk

Cool Runnings - USM Supports London Marathon Community Pop Up Space

New Balance partnered with Run The Boroughs (RTB) a London based running community to create Everybody’s Local a Soho based pop up space designed to bring RTB into a new location. Based around the idea of cultural exchange, Everybody’s Local allows RTB to reference and reimagine landmark cultural spaces as contemporary meeting point for their community.

Everybody’s Local merges the worlds of performance and culture to create a cross over space for the running community with the look and appeal of a contemporary lifestyle space. Within the space visitors can hang out with like-minded souls over a coffee & pastry, purchase limited edition merchandise and listen to DJ sets whilst relaxing with a beer or wine in the evening.

Set within an archetypal Soho townhouse, The space was designed by Talah Interiors who selected USM as the key furniture partner. USM was was the perfect furniture to create an aesthetic that references sports halls with a combination of clean lines, block colours and geometric shapes. A beige USM long credenza was used to display magazines, the unit encompassed Haller E which incorporates lighting into the systems frame which emphasised the books and magazines. A small USM white side table was used to display new balance running shoes and accessories. A tall shelving unit provided a pop of colour in golden yellow; the unit also incorporated USM’s world of plants system which cleverly incorporates biophilia into the furniture with cut outs in the panels for plant pots. Also, within the design scheme was a USM steel blue drinks trolley which was used throughout the event when drinks were served in the evening.

Farnaz Ali Design Director at Talah Interiors commented “USM felt like an organic fit to the brief set out by Generation.Works. USM's steel modules enable a modular approach to an area which can be increased or decreased depending on its requirements. This playfulness in USM's core design aesthetic crossed over into this reimagined space naturally for this pop-up. The contemporary colour choices from USM also paired magically with the brief to marry everything in the space”.

The pop up store was open throughout the London Marathon weekend of 19th, 20th and 21st April when the capital was at the height of its running fever!!

USM London Showroom, 49-51 Central Street, EC1V 8AB

tel: 020 7183 3470 | www.usm.com

George Clarke's education charity launches free workshops for young people in South and West Wales

PARTNERS OFFER FREE DESIGN AND GREEN SKILLS WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS IN CARMARTHENSHIRE, NEATH PORT TALBOT, PEMBROKESHIRE AND SWANSEA

Renowned architect and TV presenter George Clarke’s education charity MOBIE – Ministry of Building Innovation and Education – is launching free workshops in home design, sustainable development and green skills to primary and secondary schools in South and West Wales.

Part of securing a greener future for Wales rests with how well we design, construct and then manage our buildings. 40% of carbon emissions come from the built environment – 11% from how we build them and 28% from how we heat and power them – so it is critical that buildings of the future use less energy, less raw materials and create less waste.

The workshops, offered through the Swansea Bay City Deal ‘Homes as Power Stations’ project, provide an opportunity for young people to think about how we can deliver our future housing needs whilst protecting our planet.

They use practical design exercises to help students appreciate key design principles and emphasise the importance of homes and buildings in helping us to address climate change and other environmental challenges. They can introduce young people to the range of roles in housing, the built environment and green industries and technologies that we need to deliver the homes, other buildings and communities of tomorrow.

The presenter of Channel 4 programmes George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Remarkable Renovations and Old House, New Home and founder of MOBIE said: “Home is the most important piece of architecture in our lives. It crafts the way we live, and how we grow as families and communities.

 “The built environment accounts for 40% of our carbon emissions and we have around 27 million homes in the UK that need to be retrofitted by 2050 if we are to achieve our net zero obligations and avoid 1.5 degrees of warming. We must make buildings, new and old, more energy efficient for people and the planet.  This requires new thinking and new skills.

“MOBIE’s workshops are a great way to introduce sustainable development - through home we can inform young people about our environmental challenges and explore design solutions that can help us live more sustainably in the future. The workshops have been well received in England and Scotland so I am really excited that they are now coming to Wales.” 

Wyn Prichard, Sustainability and Net Zero Consultant and chair of the WJEC Qualification group, said “We are really pleased to be working with MOBIE on their first project in Wales. The materials that have been jointly created for these sustainability and green skills workshops will engage and inspire pupils, students and staff about our green challenges and stimulate thinking and designs for ‘Homes as Power Stations’ and what the Welsh homes of the future should look like. The workshops complement the ‘Sustainability in Action’ qualification that was recently launched by the WJEC.”

Jayne Jones, Head of Business Development at NPTC Group of Colleges said “With MOBIE as a key partner of our Net Zero Skills Academy, we look forward to supporting the workshops and developing further programmes with George, the MOBIE team and our other partners in the Academy to help inspire and train the workforce of the future to deliver low carbon housing, buildings and communities.”

 Nicola Pearce, Director of Environment and Regeneration for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Senior Responsible Officer for HAPS said: “one of the objectives of HAPS is to increase the skills associated with the technologies needed to create homes that are cleaner, greener and that reduce fuel poverty. It’s essential we engage and support learning of all ages from school age up to the diversification of the current workforce. Funding from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC) has enabled us to begin this exciting journey and we look forward to working with MOBIE and our partners to progress this work and make a positive impact”.

The workshops support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) learning and other curriculum.  They help to promote awareness and understanding of the environmental and societal issues that face young people and their future lives and lifestyles, including the UN Sustainable Development Global Goals. 

The workshops cover topics including what is a home, climate change, zero carbon homes, housing innovation and technology, sustainable building materials and renewable energy. By participating, learners can develop skills in teamwork and team building, design, communication and presentation.

The workshops complement the ‘Sustainability in Action’ qualification, launched by the WJEC in April 2024, which was developed in collaboration with the office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, to support the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 and net zero jobs of the next generation of workers.     

They are open to primary and secondary schools in the Swansea Bay City Deal area, which comprises Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea and they are being delivered through the generous support of the MCS Charitable Foundation. 

More information about the workshops can be found at www.mobie.org.uk

Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen announced as Associate Director in chapmanbdsp’s sustainability team

Building services consultancy chapmanbdsp proudly announces the appointment of Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen, FCIBSE as Associate Director in their sustainability team.

With a dynamic background encompassing academia and industry, Dorte brings a wealth of expertise in driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions within the built environment.

Beginning as a mechanical building services engineer, Dorte brings extensive experience from her career with a strong sustainability focus, completing a PhD on improving energy efficiency to close the performance gap. She has consistently championed research and development whilst bringing leadership to foster sustainability as a function within commercial operations. She is passionate about building high performing teams with a culture where everyone can thrive.

In her new role at chapmanbdsp, Dorte will spearhead sustainability initiatives across the business as well as fostering industry-wide collaboration.

Ray Upjohn, chapmanbdsp Chief Executive says, "Dorte's appointment reflects the fast-moving nature of sustainability today. Her expertise and leadership will elevate our commitment to innovation and best practice in this area, ensuring we continue to deliver groundbreaking solutions.”

Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen says, “I’m really excited to make a difference to the delivery of projects, to provide the best possible service to clients, and facilitate growth with everybody in the team expanding their knowledge and expertise around sustainability.”

As a company, chapmanbdsp looks forward to the impact of Dorte’s skillset as part of its mission to drive innovation and excellence in the built environment sector.”

Built to last or should we look towards the past? Exploring the durability of new-build homes

It’s no secret the reputation of new-build housing is becoming increasingly negative among UK residents. In fact, a 2023 study by the CIOB found that almost a third of people would describe new builds as ‘poor-quality’, with over half of the respondents believing that older homes are of better quality.

What exactly are the reasons behind this belief? In this article, the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) explores how the materials used in new builds compare to those of the Victorian era, and the impact of today’s homes on their residents and the environment.

Modern homes have both obvious similarities and stark differences to those of the 19th century. In the Victorian era, houses were built using local materials, due to the ease of transportation. Following the abolishment of the tax on glass and bricks in the 1850s, brick, timber and glass became standard materials in most homes.

In the 21st century, housebuilders are using more plastics in nearly every part of construction, from flooring to insulation, and fittings for applications like pipes, seals, windows, doors and cables, due to the low cost of the material.

Until relatively recently, copper was the material of choice for transporting water and heat. Plastic pipes have unfortunately become more commonplace, despite growing evidence highlighting its adverse health and environmental effects.

Increasing quality concerns around new build houses also bring into question the durability of the materials used, with common issues including cracks and leaky pipes. It’s no surprise residents are moving house more often, to avoid costly maintenance works.

Meanwhile, Victorian properties are more durable, with over a quarter of the British population living in them. Thanks to the traditional building techniques that prioritised quality materials like hand-crafted bricks and copper pipes, these homes have stood the test of time.

With plastics in all areas of the modern home, this unfortunately impacts on the longevity of today’s stock. Not only do plastics deteriorate more quickly than traditional materials, but they have associated fire and health risks, posing a serious threat to human health.

While modern homes excel in incorporating new technologies, appliances and building quality and environmental standards, there remain lessons to be learnt from the past. The average new build home has a lifespan of just 40-60 years, whereas Victorian properties incorporating natural materials have proven to hold for more than 100 years with some TLC. Among the most resilient materials are copper pipes and plated wiring, natural stone, all-wood floors and steel.

One lesson we can take from the past even predates the Victorians – copper has been used to transport water for over 4,000 years. Unlike plastic, it is fire resistant and infinitely recyclable, rendering it a superior and long-lasting material.

For more information on the sustainability credentials of copper, visit: https://www.cuspuk.com/.

Artus Air adds the AR75 to its next generation air conditioning product line

Artus Air, the company revolutionising heating and cooling air conditioning, has added its AR75 model to its range. The new larger unit has been launched to meet customer demand and represents a significant milestone in Artus’ strategic development strategy.

Together with the AR60, the AR75 is being targeted at the commercial office, retail, industrial and hotel development and retrofit markets. They offer a significant reduction in operational energy consumption and carbon emissions when compared to industry standards. The AR60 has already delivered 1000tCO2e carbon saving and 4.7ys installation saving. With the greater flexbility afforded by the two products these savings will accelerate.

The AR75 is physically larger at 730 x 730 x 300h and provides over 4kW of sensible cooling. Both products use the same industry-leading low energy design revolutionised by Artus Air, enabled by a fully variable speed fan with specific fan powers as low as 0.05 W/l/s. All of this is achieved under the same noise conditions as the existing AR60 units.

The AR75 is available in two and four pipe variants and can provide heating and cooling separately, or heating and cooling with electric heating optional, if required. Like the smaller AR60, the AR75 is fitted with a coil, air filters, condensate pump, BMS controller and Pressure Independent Control (PICV) valves which are pre-wired for a plug-and-play ease of use. BMS connections are by BACnet MSTP or BACnet IP, with standard and enhanced controller options.

The two products give building designers the choice of two sizes to best meet the needs of CAT A to B fit outs. The AR60 is perfect for small cellular offices, and projects with restricted head heights. The larger AR75 can serve typically 40 sqm or more of open plan office.

The system has the option of internally mounted isolation valves, a flushing bypass, flow measuring device and drain and air vents on the majority of models. This will reduce programme time and costs. Artus believes that incorporating these features inside its products is an industry first.

Ed Sayce, Sales Director of Artus Air comments:

“This is a hugely exciting milestone delivered by our strategic development program. Demand from the construction industry for a system of this size and capacity has been significant since we brought the AR60 to market and we already have a strong pipeline of interest.

“If the construction and development industries are to meet 2050 net zero targets innovation in design is essential – the AR75 hand in hand with the AR60 unit can support this and we are excited to see the impact it will have.”

Roger Olsen, CTO and inventor of Artus Air comments:

“Our development strategy is based on carefully thought out, highly refined and innovative products in two main product families. They are tailored to meet customer requests, and factor in the growing requirements of heat pumps and low energy cooling sources.

The units minimise both operational and embodied carbon to meet needs of our customers while remaining committed to our core business purpose of addressing sustainability necessities in our industry.” 

Humanscale earns B Corp Certification, reinforcing longstanding leadership in sustainability

Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of innovative high-performance ergonomic products that offer wellness and comfort wherever work happens, today announces it is certified as a B Corporation™ (B Corp™), recognizing the company’s commitment to planet positive manufacturing.

“At Humanscale, we believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure that both people and the planet are better off because we’re here,” said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. "We have led the industry in embracing systemic change for multiple decades, from implementing transparency labels on our products and eliminating many of the commonly used Red-List chemicals, to launching the world's first task chair made from reclaimed fishing nets. By putting in the hard work and making tough decisions, we hope to lead the rest of our industry to be more responsible."

Humanscale pursues independent, third-party validated certifications to break through misleading claims about sustainability and create transparency, which is essential to achieve real progress. B Corp Certification means that a company has met B Lab’s rigorous standards for social and environmental impact, made a legal commitment to stakeholder governance, and is demonstrating accountability and transparency by disclosing this record of performance in a public B Corp profile. Humanscale’s additional notable third-party certifications include the Living Product Challenge (LPC), Declare, Health Product Declarations (HPDs), LEVEL®, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). All Humanscale factories are TRUE® Zero Waste certified and are third-party audited to ensure each one diverts at least 90% of waste away from landfill, the environment, and incineration.

"Humanscale is proud and honored to receive this certification from B Lab and join the esteemed global B Corp community who are taking on the hard work required to be a force for good,” said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Humanscale. "It is our hope that Humanscale’s certification will encourage other companies to follow suit in making a real, positive difference for the future of our planet."

Guided by the core philosophy that good design achieves more with less, Humanscale is committed to the health of both consumers and the planet. Humanscale has been recognized as the first manufacturer to receive an International Living Future Institute's Living Product Challenge (LPC)–considered the most advanced sustainability standard for products—as climate, water, and energy positive with 29 certified climate positive products, accounting for 75% of their product sales.

Learn more about Humanscale’s B Corp Certification here.

About Humanscale

Humanscale is the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that improve the health and comfort of work life. Through new technology and human-centered design, Humanscale transforms office necessities into minimally elegant, ergonomic tools and furnishings that encourage movement wherever work happens. As a certified B Corporation, Humanscale is recognized for its planet positive manufacturing, which means leaving the world better off, one product at a time. With 29 products certified climate positive by the International Living Future Institute's Living Product Challenge (LPC), Humanscale is committed to making a planet positive impact on the earth as well as our customers, offering award-winning products designed with a focus on function, simplicity and longevity.

Click here for more information on Humanscale and our products.

Discover the best in Unique Modular Silent Spaces from Silen at London’s Watercooler Exhibition

Silen, leaders in sustainable, silent pods and privacy rooms, will be showcasing its three UK rental products through the brand new Silen Rent service, at London’s Watercooler exhibition from 23th-24th April.

Silen is an Estonian manufacturer of award-winning moveable and portable office pods that bring silent, uninterrupted spaces to those working in open plan offices. Silen pods boost creativity, whilst increasing concentration times and aid focus through the means of privacy and noise control, overall improving the wellbeing of the user. Silen recognise that office spaces now must cater for a diverse range of employees, and therefore ensure that all products are flexible, yet functional.

Brand new to the UK is the Silen Rent service, a flexible option, perfect for short term commitments. This service allows users to rent instead of purchasing a pod space, a much more cost effective, sustainable solution which supports the principles of the circular economy. Through this scheme, businesses can rent 3 different pods, the Silen Space 1, Space 1.5 and Space 2 in various colours – all of which will be on display at the Watercooler exhibition at stand W235.

Showcased in the VIP area will be Space 1, an innovative range that through carefully engineered sound absorbing materials will provide an enclosed space where users can completely withdraw from the surrounding noise at the show.

Through pioneered design, all Silen products, including those showcased at Watercooler this year, have been independently certified. Silen only use materials that conform and comply with the strictest regulations available. Since May 2022 all Silen products are CarbonNeutral® certified. From June 2023, Silen uses SEAQUAL® YARN marine plastic fabric across its entire product range.