Choose flooring made from natural or rapidly renewable materials
Using products made from fast-growing and underutilized materials puts less strain on forests.
Bamboo, a fast-growing member of the grass family, can be made into flooring and paneling. Cork flooring is made from the bark peeled periodically from a species of oak. Linoleum contains wood and cork flours, colorants, and linseed oil. Using products like these means less high quality lumber must be used. Choose locally produced products if possible.
Green points
LEEDLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. -H: A maximum of 8 points for using environmentally preferable products, 1/2 point per product (MR 2.2).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: Up to 8 points for using engineered wood, bamboo, cork or other "biobased" materials (606.1)
Learn more in the Green Product Guide
Further Resources
Profiled in our Product Guide
