While environmental awareness and commitment to sustainability is a growing factor in our society, Long Islanders seem to be embracing eco-friendly flooring options that enhance the beauty of their homes and minimize their ecological footprint. With a wide variety of sustainable flooring materials, it’s easy to make environmentally conscious choices without compromising style or quality.
Sustainable Flooring Materials for Environmentally Conscious Homes
Some sustainable wood flooring materials that are eco-friendly include bamboo flooring, cork flooring, and reclaimed wood. Bamboo grows fast and matures quickly, making it a great sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. Cork flooring is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which can be harvested without killing the tree. Cork flooring is sustainable and provides natural insulation and a soft feel that’s great for rooms where you may be on your feet a lot. On the other hand, you can opt for reclaimed wood. Salvaged from old warehouses and buildings, barns, and factories, reclaimed wood may be more expensive due to the extra labor required, but it can be repurposed as beautiful flooring that adds character and history to your home.
Considerations for Green Flooring Installations
When installing eco-friendly flooring, it’s important to keep sustainability in mind throughout the whole process. Here are some things to look out for:
Certifications
Look for certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or FloorScore®, for example, to ensure the flooring materials meet environmental and indoor air quality standards.
The Forest Stewardship Council
Certification is just one way we put the sustainable forestry standards at our core to work. In partnership with a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders, we’re developing new solutions focused on:
- Responsible Sourcing: Helping businesses work with forests responsibly
- Conservation: Maintaining and enhancing forest value
- Restoration: Accelerating forest recovery
–FSC
What is FloorScore®?
FloorScore® is the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification standard for hard surface flooring materials, adhesives, and underlayments. Developed by SCS with the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), a leading industry trade association of flooring manufacturers and suppliers, it qualifies for many green building schemes including LEED v4.1, WELL, BREEAM, CHPS, and Green Globes.
–SCS
Installation Practices
Look for eco-friendly, non-toxic adhesives, finishes, and installation techniques that minimize the use of harmful chemicals.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Flooring on Long Island
Opting for eco-friendly flooring offers numerous advantages for both homeowners and the environment:
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Sustainable flooring materials often have a lower environmental impact during production and transportation, reducing carbon emissions.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Most eco-friendly materials are naturally hypoallergenic and emit less volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving indoor air quality.
Longevity and Durability
Eco-friendly flooring materials are designed for longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and conserving resources in the long run.
