Carbon Net Zero Doesn't Have to Be Complicated: Start with Floor Mats

Carbon net zero can be an overwhelming topic for many organizations, including residential and commercial property professionals. Even the term "carbon footprint" is relatively recent, first introduced in 1999—only 25 years ago. The concept of carbon net zero is even newer, gaining traction in the late 2000s. Understanding this concept takes time, and taking action can take even longer.

Given the newness of these terms, it’s no surprise that decision-makers might feel unsure about where to begin. However, starting somewhere—anywhere—makes the process easier. The key lies in understanding the issue and choosing a manageable starting point. A simple but effective example is floor mats.

Why Floor Mats Matter for Safety and Sustainability

First, ask a few basic questions about how floor mats are used in the facility. Floor mats may not always be top of mind, but they are as essential as a facility's doors or counters where visitors are greeted. Many property managers overlook their importance, often viewing floor mats as a minor inconvenience. While it’s true that a facility can function without them, floor mats play a crucial role in preventing slips and falls, which could result in costly lawsuits. In fact, having floor mats can save significant money by avoiding legal fees and potential compensation claims.

Beyond safety, floor mats can also reduce cleaning efforts and costs. Imagine a condominium without entrance mats. Given Canada’s climate, excessive water, grime, and debris would regularly enter the property, leading to higher cleaning demands. Staff would need to spend more time keeping entrances clean, which means more labor, cleaning supplies, and energy use. Floor mats, on the other hand, can significantly reduce the time and effort required to maintain clean and safe spaces while also enhancing the facility’s professional appearance.

Purchasing vs. Renting: Why Rental Programs Make a Difference

With the importance of floor mats established, the next question is whether the mats are purchased or part of a rental program. Mat rental programs offer cleaning and maintenance services, ensuring that mats don’t need to be replaced every few months. Instead of mats ending up in landfills, rental companies clean, dry, and return them, making the system more sustainable and cost-effective.

But not all mat rental services are created equal, especially when it comes to sustainability and carbon net zero commitments. A facility’s supply chain plays a crucial role in its Scope 3 emissions, which often make up 80% of its total carbon footprint. This means every service and product used, including floor mats, can significantly impact a company’s journey toward carbon net zero. Choosing a mat rental provider that aligns with these goals is essential.

How the Right Mat Rental Provider Can Help Reduce Scope 3 Emissions

At Executive Mat Service, for example, we use innovative technology that drastically reduces carbon emissions. Instead of conventional washing and drying methods, which consume large amounts of water and natural gas, our CDF mat cleaning machine eliminates the use of natural gas, reducing the carbon intensity of washing nylon mats by over 90%. This system also recycles almost 100% of the water used in the cleaning process. According to the TRSA (Textile Rental Services Association), traditional mat cleaning produces 0.366 pounds of CO2 per pound of matting cleaned. In contrast, the CDF system emits just 0.018 pounds of CO2 per pound of matting. From 2018 to 2022, this technology helped us reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25,076 metric tons across Canada.

Material Matters: Why Choosing the Right Mats Is Important

Material choice also matters. Does the mat provider use recycled materials? Do sales representatives have in-depth knowledge of the environmental impact of their products? At Executive Mat Service, our signature bi-level Weather Stopper mats are made from PET and natural rubber, boasting the lowest embodied carbon footprint in the industry. With a carbon emission factor of just 0.28 kg CO2 per square foot—compared to 1.61 kg for traditional carpet-top mats—these mats outperform conventional options in controlling dirt, debris, and moisture.

Efficient Delivery Systems: Reducing Emissions Beyond the Mats

Delivery logistics also play a role in carbon net zero efforts. Companies should consider how their service providers optimize delivery routes. At Executive Mat Service, we use Advanced Route Scheduling Software to ensure the most efficient travel paths are used, reducing fuel consumption and travel time.

Start Small, Think Big

This article highlights just one example—floor mats—of how making thoughtful choices can help organizations move toward carbon net zero. However, this mindset should apply to every element of a facility’s supply chain. While it may seem challenging, it is not the responsibility of a single individual. Forming a dedicated sustainability team can help ensure that each decision, no matter how small, contributes to larger carbon reduction goals. Achieving carbon net zero doesn't have to be a daunting task. By starting with small, manageable changes like switching to sustainable floor mats, organizations can make a meaningful impact. Every step counts, and even decisions as simple as choosing the right mat provider can contribute to reducing Scope 3 emissions and supporting broader sustainability goals.