How to Specify Floor Finishes That Align With the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge

We work with many of the Architects targeting the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. They do not need slogans. They want evidence.

RIBA’s 2030 framework sets measurable performance targets for operational energy, embodied carbon, water use and health and wellbeing. Crucially, it requires whole-life carbon assessment aligned with the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment methodology.

That means every material choice — including flooring — must be defensible in carbon accounting terms.

While floor finishes are rarely the largest contributor to embodied carbon (structure and services usually dominate), they are specified across large areas and sometimes repeated across portfolios. That makes them one of the most controllable levers available to design teams.

1. Start with verifiable embodied carbon data (A1–A3)

RIBA requires transparent, evidence-based reporting. For flooring, this begins with a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) covering modules A1–A3 (product stage).

Without an EPD, global warming potential (GWP) is an estimate. With one, it is declared and auditable.

When rubber flooring is supported by a verified EPD, its A1–A3 carbon data can be entered directly into project-level whole-life carbon models in line with RICS methodology — the same methodology referenced in the RIBA 2030 guidance.

2. Do not ignore installation (A4–A5)

RIBA’s framework requires inclusion of transport and construction impacts.

For flooring, that means:

• Declared installation waste factors
• Consideration of adhesives or fixing systems (A5)

If these are excluded, the assessment is incomplete. A robust specification should require installer waste reporting and defined wastage allowances so installation carbon is not overlooked.

3. Treat durability as a carbon strategy (B-modules)

The RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide makes clear that reducing embodied carbon depends on durability and reduced replacement cycles.

Whole-life carbon includes use-stage impacts (B1–B5). For floor finishes, that means defining:

• Intended service life
• Maintenance regime
• Expected replacement interval

If a finish requires early replacement, its carbon footprint increases through repeated manufacturing and installation impacts. A clearly defined, evidence-based service life is therefore central to RIBA-aligned specification. Circular Economies are conversation noise at this point.

4. Address end-of-life transparently (C1–C4)

RIBA requires end-of-life impacts to be included in whole-life carbon assessment.

For rubber flooring, this means documenting:

• Removal assumptions
• Disposal route
• Any verified recycling or take-back scheme, where it exists

Circular economy claims must be evidence-based. If a recovery route is documented, tried and tested then it can be included. If it is not verified, it should not be implied.

5. Align with health and wellbeing outcomes

The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge includes health and wellbeing as a core target area.

Flooring contributes through:

• Indoor air quality documentation where emissions data is available
• Slip resistance classification
• Acoustic performance relevant to the building type

These are measurable criteria, not aesthetic claims.

Why this matters for specification

Architects working to RIBA 2030 need materials that can withstand audit and reporting. A rubber flooring specification supported by:

• Third-party verified EPD data
• Clear mapping to RICS whole-life carbon modules
• Defined service life and maintenance assumptions
• Transparent installation and end-of-life information

is easier to work with in design team reviews and easier to include in carbon submissions.

The shift is simple: lets move from “sustainable flooring” as a label to flooring as a fully documented, module-mapped component within a RIBA 2030-compliant whole-life carbon strategy.

That is what should drive real specification decisions.



Please speak to our team directly if you would like to discuss your scheme, specification or ideas.
We write our blog for informational purposes only.

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