The inaugural Flooring Sustainability Summit that took place in Washington, D.C., back in July brought together different segments of the flooring industry and key stakeholders to address critical challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainable building practices and formulate actionable strategies to drive positive change across the supply chain.

Here are the summit’s top takeaways: 1Consensus on terms and definitions: An urgent need emerged to standardize terms and definitions related to sustainability in flooring, particularly around embodied carbon. Clear, standardized terminology and reporting practices will improve communication and understanding across the industry. 2 Radical collaboration: Mike Johnson of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) highlighted the importance of building partnerships and fostering open dialogue among stakeholders – “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.”

Mike Johnson (with microphone) urges “radical collaboration” among stakeholders and all segments of the industry during the Education on Green Building Standards panel. Also on the panel were (l. to r.) Webly Bowles, WAP Sustainability, moderator; Jenna Hamilton, Green Building Initiative; Melissa Baker, U.S. Green Building Council; Johnson; Rodolfo Perez, International WELL Building Institute; and Brittany Storm, MAPEI, representing mindfulMATERIALS.

3Alignment across the supply chain: There was a strong call for alignment across the entire supply chain to ensure all stakeholders are working towards common sustainability objectives. 4Demand driver alignment: Aligning market demands with sustainable practices is key. Understanding and responding to consumer preferences for environmentally-friendly products will drive innovation and market competitiveness. 5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.

6Multi-attribute considerations: Considering multiple attributes in product development and design is critical to avoid carbon tunnel vision. Manufacturers were encouraged to balance ingredients to create durable, healthy, low-carbon products, while designers were urged to consider budget constraints, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and durability. 7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. 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.”

8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. 9Relationships matter: Strong collaborative relationships built on trust and shared goals will be pivotal in driving sustainable practices forward. The 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit will take place July 16-17, 2025, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Visit FlooringSummit.com for more information.