As each year passes we become increasingly aware of the need to reflect upon the impact that we place on the environment caused by construction. Advances in chemistry and on-site methodology continue to shape the future of the products that we install. Simply put, it is our responsibility to preserve and protect our environment for future generations to come.

Exposed concrete floor finishes are becoming a large part of the sustainable future. The combination of colours and textures for concrete surfaces provides an almost limitless expression of creativity for architects and long term durability for owners. Please review our presentation on Architectural Finishes for further information.

The CFCA continues to develop sustainable solutions through a number of initiatives:

• We recommend the design of floors with steel fibres to minimize slab thickness, optimize cement materials usage and enhancing performance.
  
• We recommend the replacement of cement in ready mixed concrete with up 25% slag or 15% fly ash in hot weather conditions and up to 10% cement replacement in cold weather conditions (<10C).
  
• We recommend the use of concrete floors as a final finish using pigmented surface hardeners, stains & dyes and polished concrete systems.
  
• We recommend the design of floors include consideration of future maintenance and lifespan.
• We recommend reinforced concrete floor designs for toughness and maximum performance.
• We recommend the use of light reflective surface hardeners to reduce energy usage and improve surface durability.
  
• We recommend the use of water based floor sealer products to eliminate solvents.
  
• We recommend the use of structural dome flooring systems for brownfield environments.
  
• We recommend the recycling of wood, paper and cardboard construction and packaging products.
• We recommend reducing the number of site mobilizations to reduce transportation emissions.

If you have any concerns or other suggestions, please feel free to call or e-mail.

The Concrete Floor Contractors Association RPO DUNDAS NEYAGAWA, PO Box 30021, Oakville, ON, L6H 7L8 Tel: (905) 582-9825 Fax: (416) 981-3913