Hardwood Floors October/November 2024

Sustainability (Continued)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NWFA

Bill Griese, deputy executive director for TCNA and summit chairman, addresses attendees at the Capitol Visitor Center.

In addition to these prominent groups, attendees participated in two full days of presentations from organizations that included the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ASTM International, International WELL Building Institute, U.S. General Services Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Habitable, International Living Future Institute, Gensler (a large architectural firm), WAP Sustainability, Carbon Leadership Forum, U.S. Green Building Council, industry manufacturers, and industry trade associations. Following each presentation, attendees broke out into facilitated workshop groups to discuss topics in more detail. Topics included Alignment on Embodied Carbon, Green Building Standardization, Health and Material Reporting, EU Initiatives and Their Impact on Flooring, Architecture and Design Initiatives, and Federal Procurement. Two networking receptions were held as well, providing attendees with opportunities to make meaningful connections and establish relationships with sustainability experts from across the globe. Green building conferences generally focus on broad topics, but this summit is the first time sustainability leaders have met to discuss how flooring specifically fits into the broader sustainability narrative. “We know that real wood flooring has a great sustainability message and checks all the boxes from a green 26 hardwood floors hardwoodfloorsmag.com

building perspective,” says Michael Martin, president and CEO of NWFA, “but there is a big disconnect between consumers wanting environmentally friendly products and cost. All things being equal, consumers want products that do no environmental harm, but they also need products that fit their budget.” Educating consumers about environmental issues, as well as the long-term value of real wood

Dates for the 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit are set for July 16-17 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. More information is available at FLOORINGSUMMIT.COM.

is a major objective for NWFA, which is why it is advocating for standardization for cradle-to grave environmental declarations as opposed to cradle-to-gate. “Wood has the best environmental story to tell,” says Martin, “and our industry needs consensus in how we tell that story so that consumers can make educated buying decisions.” John Forbes, director of manufacturer services for NWFA,

participated on the panel for Health and Material Reporting. Forbes shared information about the NWFA’s Environmental Product Declarations for solid and engineered wood flooring, the NWFA’s Engineered Refinishable Program, the NWFA’s Responsible Procurement Program, and the NWFA’s education opportunities, including hands-on training, online courses, and continuing education courses for architect and design professionals. “The caliber of attendee at this first-year event was truly impressive,” he stated. “I was able to have one-on-one conversations with leaders from the world’s largest architectural firms, designer groups, green building programs, and even government policy agencies. These relationships will help NWFA fine tune its future sustainability focus and messaging. We already are looking forward to next year’s event.”

Anita Howard is chief operating officer for the National Wood Flooring Association in St. Louis. She can be reached at anita.howard@nwfa.org.