Sustainability as a fundamental goal

Thanks to innovative new products that promote sustainable building, we can embrace progress without compromising the environment. Your choice in flooring material is a crucial component in any home renovation. Not only does it help improve your indoor environmental quality but it also supports responsible forestry and recycling practices.

When shopping for your home, be sure to look for both post-consumer recycled and flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC, an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organization established to responsibly manage the world’s forests. The majority of quality mills now exclusively purchase lumber approved by the FSC.

Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. By buying FSC hardwoods you provide incentives for responsible forestry and you can enjoy your new flooring knowing it has not contributed to the destruction of the world’s forest, or come from companies involved in human rights abuses.¹

In addition, ask your flooring contractor about water-based, environmentally-friendly dye, finish and adhesive options.

To help you navigate these choices, there are a select number of like-minded, environmentally-conscious contractors in Idaho who banded together under the umbrella of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Being a member allows your contractor to participate in promoting sustainable building practices. The USGBC uses LEED (LEADERSHIP in ENERGY and ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN) “points” as a national standard to measure the design, construction and operation of green buildings.

Choosing one of these contractors ensures you get the maximum access to current trends and products in line with sustainability while helping you qualify for tax credits affording green homeowners.

In this time of economic downturn, there is opportunity to bring change to the established environment, to preserve our climate and to fulfill a vision of sustainability. Challenge yourself to go green in your existing building—identify the low-cost/no-cost improvements, and get on the path to greater gains!

And, if you are in the market for new flooring, consider these factors when making your decision:

1) your health,

2) the health of the environment,

3) the health of the economy.

Stromberg Moore Hardwoods, a Bellevue hardwood flooring contractor, is a member of the Idaho Chapter of the USGBC and can help you choose the right flooring for your environment. Visit their website at www.strombergmoorewood.com for additional information on healthy flooring options.

1 Source: www.fsc.org
2 Source: www.usgbc.org

Stromberg Moore Hardwoods, 208.788.7360, www.strombergmoorewood.com