How Rubber Flooring is Environmentally Friendly
Published on
April 28th, 2023
Rubber flooring is an ideal surface for gyms because of its many inherent features. It's durable, comfortable to train on, and easy to maintain (learn more about what makes it the ideal gym surface here). It's clear that rubber flooring can be the winner in terms of performance, but is it eco-friendly? Should gyms use it if they are looking to "go green?" The answer should please those looking to make sustainability a part of their business. Rubber flooring is an excellent green flooring choice for a number of reasons.
Recycled Materials
A lot of rubber flooring, including ZEBRA's Rolled Rubber Flooring, is made with recycled materials. Our rubber gym flooring is constructed using high-resiliency, heavy-density 100% post-consumer tire andpost-industrial EPDM rubber, and it's available in multiple colors. Rubber itself is a natural material that is great to use from a sustainability standpoint. According to the World Wildlife Fund, rubber production can increase biodiversity and carbon sequestration and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from deforestation. It also avoids human and labor rights violations, as well as land grabs. Rubber can be one of the most environmentally responsible flooring materials for your gym. Zebra Fitness Rubber products are GreenCircle Certified and can help you qualify your facility for LEED credits!
Durable and Long Lasting
We tout the strength and durability of our rubber flooring, and while that sounds like a performance perk, it's also good for the environment. Rubber flooring can withstand heavy training and foot traffic, even for years. This means that you will need to replace your flooring less. Less flooring replacement equalsa lower carbon footprint. It means you will be consuming less, and manufacturers will be creating less. It puts the "reduce" in "reduce, reuse, recycle." Rubber flooring has an estimated lifespan of 15 years or more, depending on the use. It will last far longer than other fitness gym flooring types.
Energy Efficiency
Rubber has the natural ability to slow down electrons and the transfer of air, which makes it one of the best electrical and heat insulators in the world. Concrete, which makes up many subfloors in commercial buildings, is not. It's a porous material that allows water and air to pass through it, which is why it's normally damp and cold in basements and commercial buildings. When you cover that subfloor with rubber flooring, you seal the space and prevent energy loss. Whether you're trying to keep your gym warm in the winter or cool in the summer, your rubber flooring will help you. It can reduce your energy usage and even help decrease your energy bills! Your rubber flooring can also absorb noise and vibration, which can make your gym a quieter and more comfortable place to be.
Low Maintenance
Rubber is an easy material to clean, and also keep clean. This means you don't have to use harsh chemicals or cleaners, which can be toxic and give off unpleasant odors. All you need to clean rubber flooring is a mild detergent mixed with water. It's simple, safe, and good for the environment.