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48 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 Resilient Flooring the source. Abpure Infinity is perfectly aligned with the industry's desire to improve its carbon footprint by contributing to buildings' embodied and opera- tional carbon footprint reduction. On the one hand, carbon-neutral materials help to reduce the carbon incorporated into buildings. On the other hand, a durable floor covering that is easy to maintain and disinfect without aggressive chemicals such as wax, also helps to reduce the operational carbon footprint of buildings, which is the case with Abpure. An elegant tone-on-tone visual in 20 earth-cen- tric colours, the Infinity colour system was designed to create a timeless collection of neutral shades, perfect for crafting comforting environments. "The palette features a range of foundational field colours, from light to dark that ensures harmoni- ous tonal combinations," says Aubé-Comeau. "It includes a sophisticated selection of quintessential greys and beiges, environmental blues and greens, and uplifting accent colours. This nature-inspired collection offers soothing colours specifically tai- lored for modern care environments." Altro, a global leader in commercial floors and walls innovation, is making headlines with a groundbreaking installation designed to enhance neurodiverse learning environments. Schools encompass a variety of spaces, each with unique demands. From classrooms and corridors to faculty lounges and science labs, these areas require tai- lored solutions that offer lasting value. Designing classrooms with neurodiversity in mind is a transformative approach that archi- tects use to help improve education. Every student deserves an equal, accessible, and supportive learn- ing environment. Creating such spaces leads to happier, healthier lives beyond school. The Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center in Quincy, MA, aimed to craft a supportive space for students needing significant assistance in com- munication, academics, and social-emotional development within small, specialized classrooms. "Considering the unique needs of this population, great care was taken to ensure that the flooring was environmentally friendly and easily maintained with a maximum life expectancy," says Linda Works, Wessling Architects interior designer. "Of addi- tional importance was the reduction of sound and increased protection from vibration resulting from the movements of furniture and activities of young children. Altro vinyl sheet was selected as the floor- ing for all classrooms, corridors, therapy, and staff rooms for meeting these criteria as well as providing a smooth, comfortable, and slip-resistant surface." She says the feedback from the school has been remarkable. "The students are more engaged and comfortable, and the themed neighbourhoods have created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere." The Quincy Public School Department asked that each of the five floors of classrooms have a different themed "neighbourhood" that the children could identify with. These neighbourhoods – Storybook, Seasons, Rainforest, Garden, and Waterworld – are defined through the use of colour, materials, and patterns in classrooms and corridors. Altro's wide range of colours and design flexibility ensured that each neighbourhood would have its own identity. Elements such as curves in the flooring layout of classrooms and corridors encourage a sense of calm. Angular patterns are used where children will be permitted to be more active. In September 2024, Tarkett, known for its sustain- able flooring and sports surface solutions, announced the renowned sustainability rating platform EcoVadis awarded the company a Platinum Medal. Each year, EcoVadis evaluates companies' environmental and social maturity – including ethics, sustainable pro- curement, labour, and human rights. Tarkett joins the top one percent of the over 130,000 companies assessed by EcoVadis across 180 countries. Tarkett is the only company in the flooring and sports surfaces industry to achieve this level of ESG rating at EcoVadis. With sustainability at the heart of its strategy, the company surpassed its previous achievements, improving its score from 77 to 81/100. "This recognition confirms that we are on the right path for our ambitious 2030 sustainability roadmap," says Arnaud Marquis, Tarkett's chief sustainabil- ity officer. "In a collaborative spirit with our teams and partners, we will continue delivering this level of excellence to offer the most circular solutions with the lowest carbon footprint in our industry." In early 2023, Tarkett's climate roadmap was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Since 2023, the company has been included in the annual Europe's Climate Leaders Ranking by Financial Times and Statista. Additionally, CDP, regarded as a reference for environmental report- ing, has awarded Tarkett's climate action with a leadership level A- score for the last two years. A Fire Rated Swing Operators by NABCO to help complement the door panel + framework and other associated hardware bring accessibility through the opening! Our GT(8)710 + GT8400 + GT600 + GT8500 series of swing operators have all been tested and UL listed for fire rated applications. RICHMOND HILL ONTARIO NABCO CANADA INC. OVER 60 YEARS AS A MULTINATIONAL AUTOMATIC DOOR COMPANY 905.771.5043 info@nabcoentrances.com NABCO.indd 1 NABCO.indd 1 2024-11-11 8:22 AM 2024-11-11 8:22 AM

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