Britta Teller, Co‑Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer at Steller Floors, recently appeared on Bridging the Gap (Episode 176, January 18 2023), hosted by Todd Weyandt. In a compelling conversation, they explored how ecology, statistics, and construction intersect to make sustainability not only vital, but practical and impactful.
Britta shared her journey from earning a PhD in ecology and climate statistics to launching a sustainable hardwood flooring company in rural Pennsylvania. She explained how the scientific rigor and modeling skills she developed in academia now inform Steller's manufacturing processes—ensuring consistency, reducing defects, and enabling transparency.
A key focus of the discussion was making sustainability relatable at the individual and team level. Britta emphasized that lofty environmental goals only gain traction when translated into daily decision-making—whether that’s choosing better-quality materials, reducing waste, or encouraging curiosity through questions. “Natural curiosity is a great thing—be bold and ask the questions that come to mind,” Todd affirmed during the episode.
One of the most notable value propositions Britta highlighted was craftsmanship-driven waste reduction. By instituting stricter quality control and replacing defective planks before shipment, Steller Floors has drastically cut installation waste—lowering overage from the industry standard of 10–15% to approximately 2.5%. This approach demonstrates how attention to detail, not just scale, can drive significant sustainability gains.
The episode also brought attention to a broader mindset: sustainable innovation requires stepping outside comfort zones. Britta encouraged, “Go break things and figure out how to fix it,” reinforcing that experimentation—even with occasional failure—is essential to progress.
Ultimately, Britta stressed that sustainability in materials and construction is no longer aspirational—it’s a strategic advantage anchored in better design, craftsmanship, and cultural mindset. For leaders, builders, and craftspeople, the lesson was clear: when sustainability is made tangible, measurable, and integral to quality, it becomes not just responsible, but smart business.
— Steller Floors Sustainability Team
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