In our previous blog, we discussed how sustainability has moved beyond a mere consideration to become a fundamental pillar of responsible design and why transparency is key to building trust.
At Karndean, we understand that authentic progress towards a more sustainable built environment goes beyond what we say about our products and that evidencing our claims is vital to being a trusted supplier. Which is why we are sharing our journey honestly and evidencing our progress through recognised independent certifications.
For architects, designers and commercial specifiers, creating truly sustainable spaces means navigating a complex landscape of ‘green’ solutions and discerning genuine commitment from greenwashing and misdirection.
Our strategy in action
Our Karndean Evolve™ plan represents our holistic approach to sustainability, setting out step by step how we are integrating environmental considerations into every facet of our global operations. It's not just a policy; it's a dynamic strategy which details our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Through our annual Sustainability Reports, we promise to share our progress, our successes and the challenges we face, holding ourselves accountable and inviting scrutiny.
Durability by design
A core element of sustainable design is the longevity of the materials used. Our flooring is engineered for exceptional durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements and offering a lasting performance that translates to a reduced environmental footprint over its entire lifecycle. In fact, our products come with some of the best guarantees on the market; a lifetime residential or up to 20-year commercial guarantee.
Credibility matters
Greenwashing doesn’t just damage brands, it weakens trust across the entire construction ecosystem. That’s why we chose to be the first flooring manufacturer to sign the Anti-Greenwash Charter, a framework designed to ensure environmental claims are clear, fair and verifiable.
Our decision wasn’t just symbolic, it was transformative. The Charter has challenged us to scrutinise every aspect of how we communicate sustainability, from the data behind our claims to the imagery and language we use, making sure everything we say about our products is backed up with proof.
By holding ourselves accountable, we’ve learned valuable lessons that apply to every design practice: always question the claims you use, back them with evidence and be as open about challenges as you are about achievements. By doing so, we can all strengthen our credibility and customer confidence.
From theory to practice
These principles can be seen in action at the new Clive Booth Student Village at Oxford Brookes University, where a vibrant and secure student community has been created in harmony with nature. Accommodation blocks sit sensitively within the established wooded landscape and conform to Passivhaus and BREEAM design principles.
Jessie Turnbull, senior associate at MICA Architects, said: “Sustainability was a key consideration for this project so we carefully evaluated the holistic life cycle of the build. We were reassured that Karndean flooring is extremely durable and so has a long life, reducing its overall life cycle carbon cost. With third party verification we could be confident that the EPD for the Knight Tile rigid core flooring was complete and accurate.”
At Karndean, we’re proud to lead by example, not by claiming perfection but by being transparent about our journey and open to challenge and collaboration. We invite the design community to join us in building a culture of authenticity, where sustainability is not just promised but proven with data. Because real progress begins when we all evolve together.
