Designing an efficient airport seating system with cost efficiencies is already challenging, but when the requirement for the use of fully recyclable materials is included, it may or may not become any easier. Airport seating must be designed and constructed so that they are robust, reliable and durable enough to be used by millions of passengers every day. They should be comfortable, so the designer is faced with the challenge of finding and using materials that withstand heavy use or abuse, while the provide comfort and support.
All aspects of the design, construction and installation of the airport seating system must also center on the fact that it should be very low maintenance. This adds another dimension to the requirement of materials. The manufacturing process must minimize the use of locations, such as stitches that can help dust to accumulate. At the same the model or manufacture must avoid the appearance of being mass produced. Since the seating system is meant to last for long periods, designers and manufacturers are now adopting a different approach to the design process.
The costs of making the systems are being reduced are more recyclable materials are being included. Products made with recyclable steel, aluminum, foam and textiles that have been tested, are used to create products that meet or exceed all of the requirements for environmental sensitivity. One of the benefits is that at the end of the life of the products, the seating system can easily be disassembled, and the products can be reused, so that the life cycle is in fact extended.
The combined words of airport seating and comfort may appear to a bit of an oxymoron to many people, who may have been forced to sleep overnight or for extended periods in airport terminals, but travellers can take some comfort in knowing that the seats on which they sleep has been tested, and found to meet all the requirements to be classified as low emitting product. Many manufacturers are also substituting natural based products such as foams and textiles for synthetic ones.
The natural based and recyclable material have all proven to be as safe, and passes all emission standards as required for compliance to the indoor air quality regulations, as set by the ANSI and BIFMA organizations. The environmentally friendly seating systems are helping many airports receive LEED credits. LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design. It is an organization that provides certification for the design, performance, construction and operation of green buildings.
Credits and Prerequisites are distributed in five categories that contribute to better environmental and human health. The Certification is granted after an independent review, and is based on the total score achieved in the five areas. There are 4 certification levels that include general certification, silver, gold and platinum.