by Brianna Crandall — October 14, 2015—With no recent updates or tools in the last 12 years to provide current and reliable documentation for builders, facilities managers, architects and designers to assess the cost-effectiveness and lifecycle value of soft vs. hard surface flooring for their projects, commercial carpet tile manufacturer Interface commissioned an objective third-party researcher, Dr. Debra Harris, to conduct a lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) of hard, resilient and soft flooring.
Now well-armed with updated data, the company has also developed an online LCCA Calculator that is accessible, along with the study’s results, on the Interface Web site. The results are said to be conclusive: soft flooring — in particular, carpet tile — is the most cost-effective flooring option available. In addition to being one of the least expensive to purchase and install, it comes with fewer and lower equipment costs, and costs less to maintain.
Interface shared the LCCA report and its new calculator last week with IFMA World Workplace attendees.
LCCA findings
Dr. Debra Harris, CEO of Austin, Texas-based RAD Consultants and a leading expert in evidence-based design, conducted the lifecycle cost analysis, using third-party data from RS Means. Internationally renowned for her research in building performance and occupant outcomes, she has written extensively on healthcare facilities design, including an article on her floor coverings comparison study for the Journal of Hospital Administration in May. But Harris noted that the data collected was not specific to a single building type and has applicability to all types of commercial property.
In her results summary, Harris wrote: “A typical process for evaluation of flooring selection is to consider the initial costs as the only impact on the current budget. A systemic view considers the cost of ownership over the lifetime of the system and its impact on well-being, safety, durability, aesthetics, cleanliness, acoustics and sustainability to gain a comprehensive view that contributes to the return on investment and effect on the triple bottom line — the social, environmental and financial impact on an organization.”
According to Harris, this updated study was sorely needed. “Lifecycle economics is critical to the continued viability of a facility. Having the evidence to make informed decisions can save significant costs over time.”
LCCA Calculator
The Interface Lowest Cost Calculator was designed to be an indispensable tool for decision makers responsible for the floor-covering choices of new construction or renovation projects. Accessible online, it creates a customized life-cycle cost comparison between Interface carpet tiles and other flooring options being considered, factoring in the key variables of a job.
A proven time-saver, the calculator and report clearly delineate not only the initial product costs, but also long-term maintenance and equipment costs, says Interface. Interior designers, architects, project managers, and facilities managers all stand to benefit from having access to these critical numbers all in one place, with the ability to make informed decisions that will affect initial and long-term costs and budgets.
“The Lowest Cost Calculator has the potential to help save thousands of dollars on a project short term — and millions over the building’s lifetime — and substantiates for a business all the right reasons for choosing Interface carpet tile,” said John Bradford, chief innovations officer for Interface. “The case for specifying carpet tile is even more compelling and inarguable when presented with Dr. Harris’s LCCA findings.
“While there are a host of other reasons that enter into the flooring selection process — aesthetics, wellness benefits, availability, and sustainability — often times it boils down to budget. So, the combination of the new LCCA report and the Lowest Cost Calculator now provides the dollars and sense justification that’s been missing for far too long.”
