Page 24 - CFA_SG25

Sustainability and

flooring installation training

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

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.

he UK flooring industry is eco-friendly flooring options, driving demands.
undergoing a significant the need for installation methods to Price will always matter, but will
transformation as follow suit that reduce waste, lower this shift mean that soon wholesale
Tsustainability continues carbon footprints, and prioritise rewrites of the installation standards
to be seen as a defining force recyclable materials. A closer look are required and thus training
within the sector. at areas like subfloor preparation standards, apprenticeship materials
As environmental concerns and installation methods used in etc.? And what about commercial
and regulatory pressures, such Europe may be beneficial, less settings and high traffic areas and
as the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, reliance on fully adhered systems, the part wider construction and main
Extended Producer Responsibility more loose-lay or floating floors, contractors play? All something to
(EPR) schemes and new building more clean release systems and consider.
regulations targeting carbon, more knowledge at installer level Traditional flooring installation
24 reshape construction practices, the on underfloor heating (UFH). techniques rightly focused on the
demand for sustainable flooring Innovations such as adhesive- long-term integrity of the system,
solutions will continue to increase. free flooring, advanced adhesives product durability and safety, but
So, it makes sense that the industry technologies and circular economy perhaps less so on environmental
must also rethink how it plans to principles within manufacturing are impact. However as that focus
train the next generation of flooring setting new expectations. Flooring shifts and our understanding of
installers, embedding sustainability installers must be equipped with the the need to manage our planet
at every level. knowledge and skills to meet these more effectively grows, so must
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

To drive meaningful change, the entire flooring

sector – including manufacturers, suppliers,

training bodies, and associations, must collaborate.

CFA Guide to Sustainability 2025/26