• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
  • AWARDS
  • EDUCATION
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Breaking Flooring News
  • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
  • Carpet & Area Rugs
  • Hardwood
  • Installation Products
  • Installation Tools & Equipment
  • Laminate
  • Resilient
  • Specialty
  • Tile & Stone
  • MARKETS
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • AWARDS
  • Installation Awards
  • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
  • Continuing Education
  • Webinars
  • MEDIA
  • FLOOR Podcast
  • Videos
  • TISE 2025 Videos
  • Product Spotlights
  • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • Product Spotlights
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Breaking Flooring NewsShows and Events for Flooring

Nine Key Takeaways from Flooring Sustainability Summit

By FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
Flooring Sustainability Summit 1.jpg
July 26, 2024

The recent Flooring Sustainability Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to address critical challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainable building practices within the flooring sector. Two hundred and twenty-five key stakeholders convened in Washington, D.C. to discuss pressing issues and formulate actionable strategies to drive positive change across the supply chain.

Day 1 of the Summit included a packed program of expert-led panel sessions and interactive workshops designed to increase dialogue across a broad group of flooring industry stakeholders. Day 2, held at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, included high-level briefings by leading authorities on government procurement, green building standardization, and design specification. Here are the Summit's top takeaways:

Consensus on Terms and Definitions: Participants stressed the urgent need to standardize terms and definitions related to sustainability in flooring, particularly around embodied carbon. Despite significant market attention, there lacks an agreed-upon definition, and accounting methods vary widely. Clear, standardized terminology and reporting practices will improve communication and understanding across the industry.

Radical Collaboration: Mike Johnson of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) highlighted the importance of building partnerships and fostering open dialogue among stakeholders. More specifically, he stressed the need for “radical collaboration.” This theme resonated with other speakers and attendees. “It’s such a relief to not be talking amongst ourselves, in our own silos and disciplines,” said Cheryl Durst, CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). “If we are to solve the problems and challenges that face us as a culture, as organizations, and as an industry, we have to have these larger conversations with one another. I’m appreciative to [the Summit] for bringing us together.”

Alignment Across the Supply Chain: There was a strong call for alignment across the entire supply chain. This includes education, simplification of terminologies, and effective communication to ensure all stakeholders are working towards common sustainability objectives.

Demand Driver Alignment: Participants recognized the need for aligning market demands with sustainable practices. Understanding and responding to consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products will drive innovation and market competitiveness.

Standardization Alignment: A critical focus was placed on standardization across various aspects, including cradle-to-grave sustainability assessments and owner awareness of service life impacts on both carbon footprints and fiscal accounting. “Durable, sustainable materials result in operational savings,” noted Elliot Doomes, Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service at the U.S. General Services Administration.

Multi-Attribute Considerations: The Summit underscored the importance of considering multiple attributes in product development and design to avoid carbon tunnel vision. Manufacturers were encouraged to balance ingredients to create durable, healthy, low-carbon products, while designers should consider budget constraints, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and durability.

Holistic Assessments: Kathleen Lane of the American Institute of Architects challenged architects to look holistically at product selection across five categories of holistic health impacts: human health, ecosystem health, climate health, social health and equity, and a circular economy. Cheryl Durst added, “Building performance transparency is now a much larger conversation, considering the context of how a building performs in its neighborhood and city. Comfort, safety, clarity, simplicity, and wherewithal are five words that will resonate over the next few years. Telling the story of carbon from a hyperlocal standpoint is also critical.”

Role of the Distributor: Participants emphasized the critical role of distributors in the supply chain, highlighting their responsibility in effectively promoting and delivering sustainable flooring solutions to the market.

Relationships Matter: The Summit concluded on the significance of fostering strong relationships throughout the industry. Collaborative relationships built on trust and shared goals will be pivotal in driving sustainable practices forward.

Following the event’s success, the 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit has been announced for July 16-17, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

KEYWORDS: sustainability

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • resilient flooring

    The 7 Types of Resilient Flooring

    The resilient flooring category is comprised of many...
    Resilient Flooring
    By: Resilient Floorcovering Institute
  • QuickDrain USA’s ShowerLine linear drain

    Tips for Curbless Shower Installation Using a Linear Drain

    Consider these four tips when planning for a curbless...
    Installation How-To
    By: Darryl Jones
  • 2024 New Flooring Product Guide

    2024 New Flooring Products Guide

    We explore this year's introductions in area rugs,...
    Commercial Flooring
    By: FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

close

1 COMPLIMENTARY ARTICLE(S) LEFT

Loader

Already a Registered User? Sign in now.

Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Takeaways from the 2024 AHSG Convention & Member Outlook for 2025

Takeaways from the 2024 AHSG Convention & Member Outlook for 2025

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

More Videos

Popular Stories

Schluter waterproofing system

Waterproofing Wet Areas: Three Essential Methods to Protect Your Bathroom and Shower Installation

kitchen floor

Regrouting Caution for Cement Grouts

Starnet 2025 Carlsbad CA

Future-Proofing Success: How Starnet Members Are Building Resilient Flooring Businesses


Download the Free Moisture Meters Guide

Events

June 9, 2025

NeoCon 2025

A trade show for the commercial interior design industry.

December 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Flooring Groups

Flooring retailers, do you belong to a buying, marketing or franchise group?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

See More Products

FLOORtalk podcasts - Listen Now

Related Articles

  • Fuse Women Leaders 2023.jpg

    Members Share Key Takeaways from the Fuse Annual Conference

    See More
  • 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit Logo

    North American Laminate Flooring Association Backs 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit

    See More
  • Flooring Sustainability Summit

    Flooring Sustainability Summit Panel Aims to Seek Alignment on Embodied Carbon

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 9781622700158_c-15_.png

    Flooring and Floor Covering License Examination (C-15) - QuickPass Study Tool Book with Online Interactive Software

See More Products
×

We’re rolling out the red carpet of flooring knowledge!

Stay in the know on the latest flooring retail trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • Product Spotlights
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP