Education
Carpet is Good
“Carpet is Good” is a grass-roots coalition that brings together an unprecedented group of companies within the flooring industry. They have united under a common goal: to inform key industries, specifically the education segment, on the benefits of carpet.
Confusion surrounding carpet in schools has threatened the beneficial existence of soft floorcovering in schools. The objective of Carpet is Good is to provide simple and straightforward facts and information - supported by statistical data and analysis - showing how carpet “makes the grade” in schools.
The benefits of carpet in schools includes, but is not limited to:
Health benefits for students and teachers
- Increased traction that results in less slips and tripping
- Reduced risk of injury due to trip-and-falls
- Better acoustics through a reduction in the level of ambient noise
- Glare reduction
- Reduction in fatigue for teachers on their feet
- Improved indoor air quality
Maintenance and Cost Benefits
- With preventive and routine maintenance, carpet lasts longer and remains newer in appearance
- The long life of carpet contributes to lower life cycle costs, saving schools money
Design Benefits
- Carpeted floors expand the learning environment to the floor
- Attractive colors, textures and patterns available in carpet create a more dynamic learning environment, which increases student interaction and teacher retention
For more information on Carpet is Good or to request a tutorial CD, please contact Customer Service at 1-877-5ANTRON or email us.
Carpet is Good Q & A
What is “Carpet is Good”?
Carpet is Good is a grass roots initiative formed by flooring industry partners to promote the simple fact that “carpet is good.” Backed by supporting research, Carpet is Good launched a national initiative to educate and inform various parties about the benefits of using carpet in schools. What makes this initiative unique is the fact that it brings together flooring industry competitors for one cause: informing the education segment on the benefits of carpet.
What is the goal of Carpet is Good?
The goal of Carpet is Good is to increase awareness on the benefits of carpet in schools - which vary from better acoustics to the reduction of injuries due to slipping and falling on hard surfaces. Members of Carpet is Good will educate and inform, backed by comprehensive research, on the benefits of carpet as part of an ideal learning environment.
What is Carpet is Good’s key message?
The key message of Carpet is Good is that carpet is an important element in creating an ideal learning environment that enhances students’ performance in schools. An ideal learning environment is one that is safe and healthy for students and teachers, encourages interactive learning and promotes student/teacher interaction.
Who does Carpet is Good plan to target with their message?
Carpet is Good plans to reach out to a variety of organizations and individuals who are concerned with materials specifications in schools. This includes teachers, parents, facility and maintenance managers and school administration. Research and messaging that targets their specific concerns will address the benefits of carpet in schools. This will be achieved through the dispensation of collateral material designed to educate and inform.
How do they plan to spread their message?
The Carpet is Good team launched their program as a united group at the National School Board Association (NSBA) trade show in April 2003. The team, which includes Antron® carpet fiber and charter mills (Lees, Bentley Prince Street, Mannington and Interface), will then incorporate the messages and materials into their own displays and booths at future shows, continuing to spread the Carpet is Good message.
Carpet is Good has developed collateral materials, such as pamphlets, press kits, presentation materials and a CD-ROM to spread their message and provide support to those interested in the initiative.
How were charter members selected?
Antron® extended an invitation to all mill partners to discuss the situation in the education segment (i.e., carpet is being removed from schools.) The attending mills, along with Antron®, decided to create the Carpet is Good initiative as a result of that meeting.
Who are the members of Carpet is Good?
Antron® carpet fiber and partner mills Lees, Bentley Prince Street, Mannington and Interface have joined forces to make this campaign happen. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has also joined this effort, which functions as a source of information and a supporter of the initiative.
Can additional mills come on board?
Yes. Charter members have put up financial commitment for messaging and distribution systems (e.g., brochures and CD ROMS.) All are willing to expand this initiative to qualified partners willing to support the cause.
What are the benefits of carpet in schools?
The benefits of carpet in schools includes, but is not limited to:
- Increased traction that results in less slips and tripping
- Reduced risk of injury due to trip-and-falls
- Better acoustics through a reduction in the level of ambient noise
- Glare reduction
- Reduction in fatigue for teachers on their feet
- Improved indoor air quality
Maintenance and Cost Benefits
- With preventive and routine maintenance, carpet lasts longer and remains newer in appearance
- The long life of carpet contributes to lower life cycle costs, saving schools money
Design Benefits
- Carpeted floors expand the learning environment to the floor
- Attractive colors, textures and patterns available in carpet create a more dynamic learning environment, which increases student interaction and teacher retention
What are the strengths of the Carpet is Good initiative?
Carpet is Good provides a unified message from all of its members - a unique feature considering that the coalition is composed of competing businesses. In addition to extensive research provided by Carpet is Good members, third party supporting research backs up the claims made.
What is the third-party support for carpet in schools?
Carpet is Good cites various case studies, as well as industry experts that support the use of carpet in schools. Support comes from individuals such as Gaye Elliot, design associate at the nation's largest school design firm, Fanning & Howey Associates, the State of California and a 2002 case study of the Charles Young School in Washington D.C. Many studies are also provided by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI.)
