Boise South Junior High School Turns Flooring Waste into a Sustainable Future

^{Article written by: Frances Phillips, Senior Content Marketing Manager | Published by Shaw Contract}

Each summer, schools across the country undergo renovations that breathe new life into aging facilities. Fresh paint, updated furniture and new flooring signal a fresh start for students and staff. But behind the scenes, these upgrades often generate thousands of pounds of waste, much of it destined for already overburdened local landfills.

In Boise, Idaho, one school district is flipping that script.

The Boise School District (BSD) is setting a new standard for sustainable renovation practices through its partnership with Shaw Contract. At the heart of this effort is South Junior High School, where a recent flooring renovation became a model for how schools can reduce environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.

A Fresh Look with a Deeper Purpose

When South Junior High School planned its summer renovation, the focus wasn’t just on aesthetics. The school’s leadership, in collaboration with Shaw Contract and local flooring dealer Dillabaugh’s Flooring America, saw an opportunity to make a meaningful environmental impact.

The school’s principal worked closely with the local Shaw Contract account manager to select a carpet tile design that reflected the school’s colors and spirit. The result was a custom version of Disperse EcoWorx® carpet tile that reinforced school pride while supporting a larger sustainability mission.

In total, 4,000 square yards of new Shaw Contract carpet tile was installed throughout classrooms, the media center, and auditorium. But the real story lies beneath the surface.

^{Boise South Junior High School classroom featuring a custom color of Disperse carpet tile.}

Renovation Recycling Made Simple

The existing carpet tile, also manufactured by Shaw Contract, was removed and prepared for recycling through the re[TURN]® reclamation program.

Dillabaugh’s Flooring America removed the old carpet at South Junior High, palletized it on-site and transported it to their warehouse. From there, Shaw Contract picked up the material and shipped it back to Georgia where it entered the re[TURN] program to be transformed into new EcoWorx carpet tile. In total, 22,000 pounds of carpet tile became part of a circular economy with the goal of reducing landfill consumption in the Boise area.

This project was made possible by EcoWorx PVC-free carpet tile backing. For more than 20 years, Shaw Contract has invested in material health through EcoWorx, the first flooring product to be Cradle to Cradle Certified®. Since its inception in 1999, 6 billion square feet of EcoWorx has been installed globally, with 1 billion pounds reclaimed and recycled since 2006.

“The entire process was incredibly easy,” said Beau Yates, Facilities & Operations Site Support Specialist and Hazmat Coordinator for BSD. “We were already aware that Shaw Contract recycles flooring, and this project reinforced how simple and impactful that partnership can be.”

BSD strives to select materials that can be easily and effectively recycled rather than sending them to landfills. Knowledge of a product’s lifecycle helps simplify the design and bid / procurement process, said Alison Ward, Boise School District Sustainability Supervisor.

“Our goal is to design each project with maximum benefit to students and staff, while keeping costs as low as possible for materials and installation, as well as minimizing environmental impact. We aim to work with vendors who reliably deliver these goals,” Ward said. “We are very conscientious in our construction design and bid process. EcoWorx aligns with our procurement criteria and goals that, when possible, help us select products with a long-life span, that are safer materials for human health and the environment and are part of a closed-loop manufacturing.”

Partnering in a Circular Economy, Reducing Landfill Consumption

In partnership with Shaw Contract, BSD chose to recycle 45,000 pounds of EcoWorx® carpet tile from school renovations since 2023, roughly the weight of two yellow school buses. Through the re[TURN]® reclamation program, BSD and Shaw Contract participated in a circular economy with the goal of reducing landfill consumption in the Boise area. The recycled carpet will become new Shaw Contract EcoWorx carpet tile. 

Existing EcoWorx® carpet tile is removed from the school renovation and checked to ensure the material contains no excess adhesive, vinyl or asbestos.

EcoWorx® carpet tile is neatly sorted and stacked onto pallets at the school.

The flooring dealer removed the old carpet at South Junior High and transported it to their warehouse. From there, Shaw Contract picked up the material and shipped it back to Georgia where it entered the re[TURN] program to be transformed into new EcoWorx carpet tile.

Sustainability in Action

This project is more than a one-off success. It’s a tangible example of the BSD’s 2025–2030 Sustainability Action Plan in motion. Developed in collaboration with the Green Schools National Network and supported by Shaw Contract, the plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to embed sustainability into every layer of the educational experience, from curriculum to campus operations.

As an active participant in the community and as a steward of public resources, the BSD has a responsibility to ensure not only that students fully understand the academic and scientific value of living sustainably, but that leadership holds these same standards. BSD is committed to sustainability through strategic investments that benefit students, schools and the community, according to Dan Hollar, Public Affairs Administrator, Boise School District.

“This is a bridge between leadership, instructional teams and facilities,” Ward said. “It’s about making informed decisions that reflect our values and support our students’ future.”

The district’s Green Teams, student-led environmental groups at each school, are already engaged in recycling, composting and energy-saving initiatives. The South Junior High project adds another layer to these efforts, showing how infrastructure decisions can align with educational values.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Shaw Contract’s People Together, Planet Forever platform aligns seamlessly with BSD’s sustainability goals. Together, Shaw Contract and BSD demonstrate how design and education can work together to create inclusive and environmentally responsible learning environments.

“At Shaw Contract, we believe that when education and design move forward together, they create lasting impact,” said Sara Hudson, Shaw Contract Education Marketing Director. “Our partnership with Boise School District reflects a shared mindset where sustainability is not a side initiative but a foundation for a better future.”

This shared purpose is evident in every aspect of the project — from material health and carbon impact to circular economy practices and inclusive design. BSD’s focus on healthy, high-performing learning environments mirrors Shaw Contract’s commitment to safe, transparent materials and closed-loop manufacturing.

The South Junior High School renovation is a powerful reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With the right partners, recycling carpet tile during school renovations is simple, effective and often incurs no additional expense.

For K-12 facilities teams, architects, designers and flooring dealers, the message is clear: consider how partnering with Shaw Contract can help your district meet its sustainability goals and be part of a circular economy.