Windmoeller Inc., creator of bio-based polyurethane, announced the launch of a new continuing education unit (CEU) titled "Innovations in Resilient Flooring."

This introductory-level course is designed to educate designers, specifiers, end users, and facilities managers about the materials, performance, and sustainability of PVC-free resilient flooring.

With the market for PVC-free resilient flooring expanding rapidly amid increasing environmental and health concerns, there is a pressing need for clarity and education. This course seeks to demystify PVC-free resilient flooring, providing participants with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions. Participants will earn one CEU credit, recognized by AIA LU/HSW, IDCEC CEU/HSW, ICC CEU and GBCI CE, upon successful completion.

Course Learning Objectives:

  • Define “PVC-free” in flooring materials and discuss their health and safety benefits for building occupants.
  • Describe the significance of industry testing standards for flooring performance and gain familiarity with applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) product specifications.
  • Specify PVC-free resilient flooring materials confidently, matching their attributes to commercial environments and projects that are pursuing green certification.
  • Utilize third-party sustainability tools to evaluate PVC-free resilient flooring materials.

Hosted in the Floor Trends & Installation and Architectural Record Continuing Education Center Course Library,  the continuing education article is structured into four sections, each addressing one of the learning objectives. In addition to the educational article, the course includes case studies and a 10-question quiz. A score of at least 70% is required to receive credit.

Vinyl flooring, while popular for its affordability and versatility, faces increasing scrutiny due to the environmental and health concerns associated with PVC. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) prioritization of vinyl chloride for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) underscores the need for alternatives.

The course covers various aspects of sustainability, emphasizing the importance of specifying healthy flooring materials. Participants will learn to evaluate materials using third-party certifications such as Declare Labels, Health Product Declarations (HPDs), and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These tools ensure that materials are assessed for human health, environmental impact, and lifecycle sustainability.

“Clarifying the confusion and ambiguity surrounding PVC-free flooring materials is critical for the industry,” said Tim Cole, director of sustainability and technical services at Windmoeller Inc. “This new course provides the essential knowledge to distinguish between truly sustainable flooring options and those that simply lack PVC. By understanding the composition, performance, and environmental impact of these materials, professionals can make more informed decisions that benefit both their projects, the building occupants, and the environment.”

Take the course: continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/windmoeller-inc/innovations-in-resilient-flooring/?p=1. 

For more information or to register, contact Tim Cole, director of sustainability and technical services at Windmoeller Inc., at tim.cole@windmoellerinc.com.