Designing for Circularity, Carbon Reduction and a More Connected Workplace

^{Process Carpet Tile in Blended}

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

United Airlines’ renovation of 13 floors inside Chicago’s iconic Willis Tower marks a bold shift in how organizations approach workplace transformation. Designed by the team at IA Interior Architects Chicago, the multi-year project reflects a commitment to sustainability, employee well‑being and design leadership. By prioritizing reuse and low‑embodied‑carbon materials, United Airlines and IA created a dynamic, branded environment aligned with United Airlines’ long-term carbon reduction goals. At the heart of this strategy was a holistic approach to embodied carbon reduction, including careful material selection and an emphasis on circularity. Flooring played a significant role, with the project team choosing EcoWorx® carpet tile and partnering with Shaw Contract through the re[TURN]® Reclamation flooring recycling program to maximize impact.

^{Process Carpet Tile in Blended + Exchange Carpet Tile in Wool}

A Circular Flooring Strategy With Measurable Carbon Savings

One of the renovation’s notable achievements was the large-scale reclamation of existing EcoWorx® carpet tile. Through Shaw Contract’s re[TURN]® carpet tile recycling program, the project:

• Diverted 40,700 pounds of carpet tile from landfill
• Recycled 7,400 square yards of existing EcoWorx® carpet tile
• Contributed to an overall embodied carbon reduction of 49% - 73% over an estimated baseline tenant improvement project.

This effort demonstrates a shift away from the default “all new” mindset common in tenant improvement projects. IA and United Airlines embraced the principles of the circular economy by repurposing materials instead of discarding them, extending their lifecycle and dramatically reducing renovation waste. 

During the presentation “Leading the Way with Carbon” at NeoCon 2025, the United Airlines project team shared how the carpet recycling was streamlined and efficient, noting that Shaw Contract facilitated the entire take-back initiative, making it easy to integrate circularity into an already complex renovation.

The tenant improvement renovation project was recognized by Metropolis Magazine as a 2024 Planet Positive Best Embodied Carbon award recipient.

^{Form Carpet Tile in Forge Platinum} 

Low‑Embodied‑Carbon Flooring for a Lower‑Carbon Future

To support United Airlines’ broader carbon goals, IA specified low‑embodied‑carbon, carbon‑neutral EcoWorx® carpet tile. The flooring strategy focused on:

• EcoWorx® carpet tile for acoustic comfort, durability, and carbon savings
• PVC-free, fully recyclable platforms engineered for circularity
• EPD-backed and Cradle to Cradle®–certified materials to support transparency
• Modular solutions enabling future adaptability

Shaw Contract carpet tile, broadloom and LVT installed in the project include: 

• Process Tile 5T302 Carpet Tile Commercial Flooring | ShawContract
• Exchange Tile 5T304 Carpet Tile Commercial Flooring | ShawContract
• Form Tile 5T136 Carpet Tile Commercial Flooring | ShawContract
• Base Metal Woven 5A219 Broadloom Commercial Flooring | ShawContract
• Amalgam 4113V Lvt Commercial Flooring | ShawContract

Workplace Design for Experience, Wellness & Brand

The renovation reflects the broader transformation happening in workplace design, where physical space becomes a driver of brand culture, employee belonging and organizational connection. IA and United Airlines approached the headquarters redesign with a holistic lens focused on:

Experience-Centered Environments

The modern workplace demands flexibility. Layered flooring strategies combining carpet tile, hard surface and broadloom carpet define zones for collaboration, focus, social connection and restoration.

Wellness & Belonging

Flooring plays a key role in supporting acoustics, comfort and visual warmth. Biophilic influence, natural textures and inclusive design thinking help employees feel grounded and connected.

Authentic Brand Storytelling

The design incorporates unique aviation-inspired elements, including repurposed aircraft components that create “Instagram moments” and elevate the sense of place.

Flexibility & Adaptability

Modular carpet tile allows the United Airlines workplace to evolve with shifting team needs by supporting reconfiguration without unnecessary waste.

Design Leadership Through Circularity

As discussed during IA and United Airlines’ Leading the Way with Carbon session at NeoCon, every project, whether large or small, has the opportunity to advance sustainability. United Airlines’ headquarters renovation exemplifies how circular strategies, low-embodied-carbon materials and collaborative design partnerships create workplaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also inspiring and human-centered.

This project shows that when organizations commit to a better future, design becomes a powerful catalyst for change.

Next Steps

Explore the possibilities of low‑embodied‑carbon and carbon‑neutral EcoWorx® carpet tile

Learn how to recycle carpet tile in your next renovation: re[TURN]® Reclamation Program