Renovation - for a brighter floor future

For years, Bona has seen the resource saving benefits of properly maintaining and renovating floors. The environmental effects of renovating rather than replacing are clear. However, few studies have quantified and verified the positive effects. Until now. Bona initiated an ambitious project together with the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, to find out the hard facts.

Renovation - for a brighter floor future

Renovating instead of replacing

The results show immense savings of energy and reduced carbon footprint when comparing refinishing versus replacing floors.

Renovation not only offers long-term benefits for the environment, but also cost savings, as well as increased floor hygiene. Additionally, modern innovations from Bona provides total design freedom, making it possible to create a new expression when renovating a floor, without the need to replace it. All to create a brighter floor future.

Saving energy and emissions

The report states a 78 percent carbon footprint reduction when refinishing rather than replacing wood floors. Refinishing resilient floor surfaces can offer up to 92 percent reduction in carbon footprint versus replacing. Additionally, the report found that by refinishing hardwood or resilient floors a minimum of 90 percent savings in resources is realized which includes transport, electricity use, consumables, and materials.

40% cost savings

When comparing costs for renovated floor with a new installation, it is important to consider all actions involved. The square metre cost of new floor is only one part of an installation calculation, so to make a fair calculation comparison you need to include labour costs for ripping out the existing floor, preparation of subfloor, removing and re-mounting skirting boards etc. A renovation of a wood or resilient floor works out to be at least 40% less expensive compared to installing a new floor.

Wooden floors

A properly maintained refinished wooden floor will last longer and extend the time between renovations, as well as providing endless possibilities to bring your floor vision to life. The IVL study makes a clear case for the extensive sustainable benefits to be gained by refinishing existing floors rather than replacing them with new ones. Refinishing contributes to both reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the use of primary energy resources.

79% CO2 savings

The environmental impact of a refinished wooden floor is equivalent to 1.4 kg carbon dioxide per m2, compared to a newly installed floor, which has an average of 6.63 kg.

95% energy savings

The results show that the use of primary energy resources can significantly be reduced. With a refinish, the total use of primary energy resources is 15 MJ / m2, including production of raw materials, resources and trips made by the craftsman. Compared to installation of a new floor, where the energy use is a total of 340 MJ / m2, the savings are 95%.

Extends the lifetime

A wooden floor is expected to last for about 15 years before it needs to be refinished or replaced. However, a wooden floor can be refinished up to 4 times, which means it can last for 60 years. Considering the significant environmental and cost savings that comes with just one renovation, the benefits are considerable when looked at from a long-term perspective.

レジリエント・フロア

For resilient floors that are damaged or heavily worn, replacement is the traditional answer. However, with new and modern methods a resilient floor can be completely restored to its original beauty and lifetime extended immensely, while lowering material and time-related costs, as well as environmental impact.

CO2を90%削減

リノベーションされたレジリエントフロアは、1㎡あたり1.14kgの二酸化炭素相当量の気候変動への影響があります。レジリエントフロアを新しく貼った場合、平均11.42kgの二酸化炭素相当量になることと比較すると、リノベーションは10倍以上も低い二酸化炭素排出量となります。この積算には、使用するすべての製品、電気、消耗品、廃棄物処理、輸送が含まれています。

A refinished resilient floor has an impact on climate change of 1.14 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per m2. Compared to a newly installed floor that uses an average of 11.42, this produces a carbon footprint that is more than ten times lower for a refinished floor. The assessment included all products used, electricity, consumables, waste treatment and transport.

90%の省エネ

リノベーションによってエネルギー資源の使用量を大幅に削減できます。リノベーションは既存の床材を継続して使用するため、一次エネルギー資源の総使用量は20 MJ / ㎡です。新しく床を貼った場合のエネルギー使用量が200 MJ / m2なので、レジリエントフロアのリノベーションは、エネルギー資源の使用量を90％削減します。この積算には、原材料や資源の生産と作業者の交通等を考慮に入れています。

The results show the use of energy resources can be significantly reduced. Since refinishing allows continued use of already available flooring materials. With a refinish the total use of primary energy resources is 20 MJ / m2. This takes into consideration the production of raw materials and resources and trips made by the craftsman. Compared to installation of a new floor, where the energy use is a total of 200 MJ / m2, the savings are 90%.

Healthier floor surface

A renovated floor also means a healthier floor. Renovating ensures that bacteria and microorganisms are eliminated – even those hiding in joints, scratches and other hard-to-reach areas. The test verified that a smooth, joint-free LVT surface can be created using Bona Deep Clean and Bona Pure, securing a hygienic floor according to the regulations of Technical Rules for Biological Agents (TRBA).

Design possibilities

Bring your floor vision to life. Bona’s solutions enables you to bring out the unique character, whether you’re looking to achieve a fresh minimalist look with white broad planks, a contemporary take on classic parquet, or a look that’s as unique as you are.