Participants attending the Flooring Sustainability Summit, taking place July 16-17 in Washington, D.C., will gain insights on the latest developments in flooring sustainability, with participation in discussions and workshops on the evolving sustainability landscape, flooring circularity, supply chain collaboration, and more. This year’s program will also incorporate a Sustainability 101 workshop designed to prepare attendees for the event’s in-depth discussions. 

The program features high-level briefings from the architectural, design, and green building communities. Keynote speakers include:

• Corey Clayborne, Senior Vice President of Knowledge and Practice at the American Institute of Architects 
• Eric Corey Freed, Principal and Director of Sustainability, Cannon Design
• Elizabeth Von Lehe, Chair-elect, American Society of Interior Designers
• Peter Templeton, President and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council 

These influential leaders will share forward-thinking perspectives on the future of sustainable design and standards within the flooring industry. 

The program also includes numerous panel sessions and discussions:

Architectural Panel
This panel will explore the evolving role of architects and designers in driving sustainability through material choices, balancing performance, cost, and environmental impact amid shifting regulations and market demands. Panelists will share insights on key sustainability drivers, the indicators guiding design decisions, and the importance of supply chain collaboration to ensure sustainable solutions are clearly communicated, specified, and implemented across the flooring industry. 

Speakers:

• Scott Conwell, Director of Industry Development, International Masonry Institute (Moderator)
• Anica Landreneau, Global Director of Sustainable Design, HOK
• Ashley Savage, Interior Designer, SmithGroup
• Paul McKeever, Principal, TVS Architecture and Design
• Joshua Rubin, Technical Design Director, Perkins&Will
• Katie Mesia, Director of Sustainability, Gensler

Sustainability Landscape 2025 and Beyond
As we move into 2025 and beyond, the landscape of sustainability is rapidly evolving. This panel will examine the key policy drivers and market forces shaping the future of sustainability across global, federal, state, and local levels, as well as within the private sector. Panelists will dive into the latest green and healthy building standards, rating systems, codes, and procurement strategies that are shaping responsible flooring industry business practices. 

Speakers:

• William Paddock, CEO, WAP Sustainability (Moderator)
• Jenna Hamilton, VP of National Affairs, Green Building Initiative
• Andy Kireta, President, ASTM International
• Melanie De Cola, Director, Climate Action Pledge Programs, American Institute of Architects
• Melissa Baker, Senior VP, U.S. Green Building Council

Flooring Circularity
As sustainability goals evolve, circularity has gained significant momentum as a key strategy for reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting environmental responsibility. This panel will explore how circularity is reshaping sustainability efforts in the flooring industry, with a focus on embodied carbon, durability, recyclability, and reuse within existing frameworks. Panelists will discuss the risks and rewards of adopting circular strategies across the supply chain, offering actionable insights on how businesses can align circularity with product development, procurement, and long-term profitability.

Speakers:

• Mike Johnson, Senior Director of Materials, International Living Future Institute (Moderator)
• Nelson Russom, Waste and Circularity Program Manager, Turner Construction
• Jonathan North, Senior Director of Sustainability, Mohawk Industries
• Alan Solomon, Managing Partner, Sawkill Lumber
• Jim Whitfield, Director of Technical Services, MAPEI

Supply Chain Collaboration—Sustainability Education and Awareness Across the Flooring Value ChainThis panel will bring together voices from across the flooring supply chain to explore how manufacturers’ sustainability efforts—driven by shifting policies, standards, and emerging health and environmental initiatives—are translated throughout the supply chain, from production through procurement to end-use. Panelists will highlight the importance of collaboration, education, and clear communication among stakeholders—manufacturers, specifiers, purchasers, owners, contractors, and distributors—to ensure sustainability requirements are communicated clearly and effectively in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Speakers:

• Bill Griese, Deputy Executive Director, Tile Council of North America (Moderator)
• Scott Humphrey, CEO, World Floor Covering Association
• Jack Cove, Head of Go-To Market, Pathways Ai
• William Paddock, CEO, WAP Sustainability
• Elsa Mullin, Sustainability Director, Skanska US Building Inc.
• Brian Green, Board of Director President, National Association of Floor Covering Distributors

Additional event program details and registration information can be found at flooringsummit.com.