Flooring brings beauty and confident footing to our everyday lives. It has the power to make spaces feel more expansive, comfortable or sophisticated. Paint colors, backsplashes and decor may attract the bulk of the attention, but flooring can have a dramatic impact on the overall mood and aesthetic of a space. This can even function as a statement piece; for example, intricate mosaics add artistry and personality.
However, all this comes at a cost, not strictly in terms of finances. Beyond this, there are numerous societal and environmental concerns to consider. Depending on where materials are sourced or how they are integrated into existing homes, flooring can contribute to everything from carbon emissions to biodiversity loss.
Thankfully, creative solutions are available. Using the most eco-friendly materials along with durable strategies, designers can usher in a more eco-friendly era, complete with beautiful styles that look sophisticated but limit the impact on the natural world.
Why Choose Sustainable Flooring?
Sustainable flooring materials offer advantages from both a personal and an environmental perspective. These benefits should be prioritized when selecting styles or materials. If decisions are made exclusively on the basis of aesthetics, flooring runs the risk of contributing to environmental harm — not to mention limited durability that can also be harmful from a personal finance perspective. Advantages of environmentally friendly flooring include:
Environmental Benefits
Unfortunately, many flooring materials have a documented track record of harming the environment. The sources of environmental damage are numerous: For instance, hardwood flooring could potentially contribute to deforestation, although ethical sourcing certainly matters. Meanwhile, flooring sources such as vinyl are not biodegradable and, due to limited recycling opportunities, may end up in landfills.
Carbon emissions must be considered, too, though these vary substantially from one flooring material to the next. A cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment (LCA) from the United States Forest Service indicates that every square meter of hardwood flooring emits up to 26.65 kg of CO₂ equivalent. In addition, findings from the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) indicate that manufacturers underreport CO₂ emissions from vinyl flooring production, with some sources emitting up to 34.65 kg of CO₂ equivalent per square meter.
Health and Well-Being
Large-scale environmental issues are worth addressing, but many flooring materials also spark documented problems regarding human health and well-being. These are discussed by the previously mentioned CEH, which highlights the various risks associated with PVC production. The hardworking individuals responsible for producing these materials have a high risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Significant risks also exist within the home. For example, vinyl floors contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which tend to off-gas within the home and can damage indoor air quality. This, in turn, contributes to headaches or dizziness, even exacerbating asthma symptoms in some people. These issues are most easily avoided by opting for low VOC flooring. Some materials also contain known endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, which can prompt a wide range of hormone problems, including developmental concerns in children.
Long-Term Economic Advantages
Cost is a priority when selecting flooring materials, with many people opting for the lowest available sticker price. Unfortunately, this can prove more costly in the long run, both from an environmental perspective and in terms of personal finances. Certain flooring materials are simply more durable and less likely to need repairs or replacements over time. Stylistically speaking, some materials will remain more relevant from an aesthetic perspective as well.
Among the most durable and cost-effective solutions are hardwood and concrete. Some sustainably produced materials can also be quite economically advantageous, including bamboo and cork. These often hold up well to moisture and also tend to resist common problems such as dents and scratches. Bamboo in particular is incredibly hard and, with proper maintenance, can last several decades (thereby delivering a considerable return on investment).
Popular Eco-Friendly Flooring Options
Many stylish flooring options help interior designers and homeowners blend aesthetic preferences with environmental ideals. Below are several natural flooring options:
Bamboo Flooring
As a uniquely renewable resource, bamboo grows far faster than the trees used to produce even the most sustainable hardwood flooring. This means that bamboo can be more readily harvested without contributing to issues like deforestation. Bamboo is uniquely durable, not to mention easily integrated into versatile interior spaces. Favored in Zen-inspired designs, bamboo floors have a minimalist yet refined appeal that lends itself well to contemporary aesthetics. In living spaces, comfort can be enhanced with natural fiber rugs.
Cork Flooring
Like bamboo, cork represents one of today’s most sustainable solutions, harvested from bark that regenerates rapidly without the need to cut down trees. This durable material is favored for its comfort; it is naturally cushioned and, therefore, an excellent option for spaces in which long hours of standing may be required. Other unique qualities include thermal insulation and sound absorption. Aesthetically speaking, cork is appealing because it delivers natural beauty with its warm tones and unique texture.
Reclaimed Wood Flooring
There is no need to abandon the vision of pristine hardwood floors when striving for maximum sustainability. Eco-friendly solutions are available, including attractive reclaimed options that keep hardwood out of landfills. This remains an underutilized option, in part, because (as research verifies), most people have limited knowledge of reclaimed wood’s availability or use cases. Reclaimed wood offers a variable option for satisfying the modern consumer’s desire for “sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, sustainable” materials.
Linoleum and Natural Marmoleum
Constructed from renewable resources (such as linseed oil and cork dust), linoleum is a great option for high-traffic areas like kitchens, where its durable construction allows it to avoid scratches and dents while resisting water damage. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, this material is versatile enough to complement various aesthetics, from minimalist to downright intricate designs. Marmoleum is similar but references a specific brand name, known for its exceptional durability and vibrant color options.
Natural Stone and Recycled Tile
Elegant, classic and beautiful, natural stone is an ideal option for a refined interior that stands the test of time. Sustainability largely depends on sourcing, but stones from local quarries can be surprisingly eco-friendly — given that this flooring can last decades or even centuries.
Limestone can be a sustainable option, particularly if sourced from quarries that place a strict emphasis on eco-conscious mining. Recycled tile is just as beautiful and even more sustainable, offering the chance to breathe fresh life into previously used ceramic, porcelain or glass tiles.
Innovative and Emerging Sustainable Flooring Solutions
Often, classic materials are the most effective for minimizing environmental damage while also promoting sophisticated style and durability. Still, it can be fun to explore innovative solutions that offer a fresh feel and may take eco-friendly efforts a step further.
Recycled and Upcycled Flooring
Reclaimed wood ideas abound, but this is just one strategy for bringing new life to previously used materials. Many other materials can also be recycled to create flooring solutions that are sustainable, durable and beautiful. Recycled rubber flooring, for example, works especially well in home gyms or other environments that call for excellent shock absorption. Other upcycled flooring solutions involve burnt bricks or even oyster shells.
Bio-Based Flooring
Some people are eager to capture the sophisticated appeal of natural stone and other high-end materials but worry about sourcing or budgetary constraints. Bio-based solutions may offer a viable alternative without sacrificing the increasingly common desire for non-toxic flooring options. These may be constructed from bio-based resin but can achieve a polished appearance that many discerning designers and homeowners find appealing.
Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Flooring
There is no single correct approach to promoting sustainable interior design. With flooring, in particular, many factors must be considered beyond emissions alone. Ideally, designers will advocate for not only present-day sustainability but also durable solutions that will later limit the environmental impacts of flooring replacements. Geographic concerns should be top of mind, too, with locally sourced materials used whenever possible — but while also acknowledging regional concerns such as humidity and the potential for warping.
Assessing Sustainability Certifications
Sustainability certificates and certifications can provide powerful insight into the environmental (or health-focused) impact of various materials and how this can differ between vendors or providers. For example, indoor air quality (IAQ) metrics such as the FloorScore can be useful when assessing various hard surface materials. Similarly, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) offers plenty of guidance, especially through its rating system information.
Matching Flooring Options to Your Lifestyle
Environmental concerns matter, but functionality should also be a priority. Flooring solutions must match the primary purpose of the spaces in which they are featured. For example, kitchen flooring should be durable and easy to clean, while mud room flooring should withstand high traffic. Other flooring concerns vary on an individual basis; homeowners with kids or pets, for instance, may opt for more durable solutions, whereas those who entertain frequently may strive for flooring that appears both elevated and welcoming.
Budget and Longevity Considerations
Many sustainable materials appear, at first glance, to be more expensive than the industry’s most affordable solutions. That being said, budget-friendly options abound, and as discussed, the long-term pricing can actually be more favorable once wear and tear are taken into account. For maximum ROI, look into long-lasting yet reasonably cost-effective options such as bamboo or reclaimed wood.
Case Studies: Successful Sustainable Flooring Installations
Inspiring real-world examples can reveal the aesthetic diversity of today’s sustainable flooring solutions, plus how sustainable home renovations can bring about enhanced style while also supporting eco-friendly ideals.
Residential Examples
Budgetary concerns and personal stylistic preferences are often top of mind for homeowners as they seek flooring replacements. Draw inspiration from these sustainable design ideas:
- Zero-carbon Victorian house – Climate scientist Jonathan Gregory’s home was constructed in 1873 but has been successfully retrofitted to avoid emitting carbon dioxide. Fitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, this space conserves heat by incorporating insulation beneath the floorboards. This demonstrates the need to not only select the right flooring material but also implement other flooring-related strategies that limit energy usage in everyday life.
- Concrete-focused eco house – Offering mesmerizing views of New York’s Peconic River, the eco house designed by architect Vibeke Lichten reveals the “intersection between control and speed, prosaic and polished.” Prominently featuring concrete, this home reveals the power of minimalist design to support sophisticated, sustainable styling.
Commercial and Public Spaces
In an effort to appeal to eco-conscious consumers and even achieve LEED certification, businesses across industries have committed to improving eco-friendliness via strategic flooring decisions. Inspiring examples include:
- Patagonia’s Amsterdam location – Often described as an eco-conscious brand, Patagonia strives to support a love of the outdoors through ethical sourcing and eco-friendly production. This extends beyond clothing to the brand’s retail stores, with its Amsterdam location featuring flooring constructed entirely from reclaimed wood. Offering a simple rustic appeal, this beautiful flooring reflects Patagonia’s commitment to style and sustainability.
- Google’s Spruce Goose office – As a reimagined hangar, Google’s Playa Vista office is a true sight to behold, with compelling textures and plenty of natural light. This structure has achieved LEED Gold status. It features concrete flooring, which complements its sleek, contemporary style.
- San Diego Central Library – Prominently featuring Durapalm flooring, San Diego’s flagship library pays homage to a beachside landscape while bringing a warm glow to important areas such as reading tables and the art gallery. This gorgeous library was designed by architect Rob Wellington Quigley, who strives to reinforce the “synergy of human interaction.”
Interviews With Interior Designers
Several of today’s most talented interior designers prioritize sustainability without compromising their aesthetic ideals.
- Jessica Helgerson – Focused on responsive design, Jessica Helgerson explains, “What began as a love for green building has morphed into a desire to just not mess anything up and have it ripped out again.” She enjoys bringing new life to historic homes while playing up the sophistication with limestone floors and other timeless details.
- Robin Wilson – Drawing from a “clean home” philosophy, designer Robin Wilson hopes to alert everyday homeowners to the many toxins to which they may be exposed on a daily basis. She is passionate about sustainability and believes there is a strong need to “eliminate some of the plastic pollution in the waterways.”
- Laura Britt – Eager to bring warmth to spaces that sometimes appear too stark, interior designer Laura Britt strives for creative solutions that feel true to the Austin community in which her design firm is based. Focused on sustainable design, she has created a low-VOC furniture line and favors stylistic designs that are both eco-conscious and comfortable.
The Future of Sustainable Flooring
Sustainable flooring has come a long way in the past few years, attracting greater attention among interior designers and homeowners alike. Many promising materials are readily available, reflecting a diverse array of price points and aesthetic preferences.
Innovations in Material Science
As researchers uncover new insights into how various materials behave, they also reveal new ways to make the most of previously overlooked solutions. For example, biodegradable polymers have come a long way, offering an affordable means of achieving sustainable home improvement, especially for those who might otherwise be drawn to vinyl. Advancements in adhesive technology have also arrived, allowing for limited VOCs while enhancing installation processes.
Increasing Demand and Industry Trends
Flooring trends come and go, but sustainable flooring appears to have staying power, with surveys showing that sustainable design is a clear priority among a significant subset of homeowners. Many recognize the financial advantages of sustainable flooring options but are also drawn to the aesthetic appeal of bamboo, cork and natural linoleum flooring.
How RMCAD Can Help You Pursue Your Passion for Sustainable Design
Sustainable design is a priority at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, where we are proud to push boundaries with our CIDA-accredited interior design degree program. Offering opportunities for online and in-person instruction, we aim to inspire while exploring the principles and applications of sustainable design. Request more information so you can pursue your passion for interior design.
