Interface Launches Sustainable Consulting Firm

NASA, Wal-Mart, General Mills, and Sara Lee have already piloted the concept.

by Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 9/28/2006

Carpet manufacturer Interface has unveiled a new firm dedicated to sustainability. InterfaceRAISE, the carpet manufacturer says, was founded as a resource to “raise" awareness and reinforce the importance of integrating sustainability into core business strategy.

As a key sustainable player in the manufacturing industry, Interface has informally acted as a consultant for over a decade, assisting companies including NASA and Wal-Mart, which, together with General Mills and Sara Lee, piloted the concept.

"People and companies need to look at their ability to make change in the world,” says Andy Ruben, vice president for corporate strategy and sustainability at Wal-Mart. “Interface has value for being a living model that continues to evolve its sustainability practice.”

With a focus on sustainability education, cultural transformation, and innovation, InterfaceRAISE will help companies implement environmental consciousness throughout all corporate practices. The resource will also support internal Interface sustainable programs, such as the Biomimicry Retreat which recently took place at Shelburne Farms in Vermont.

"At a time when historic trends are reshaping the competitive landscape and encouraging more businesses to take notice, InterfaceRAISE provides the ideal platform for educating stakeholders on the full scope of sustainability and its virtues for adding value to the bottom line, says Neel Bradham, vice president of business development for Interface.

More information on the company is available online.