In order to evaluate a flooring contractor’s claims about their environmental impact, consumers and general contractors need to understand terms used by organizations in the flooring industry that certify environmental and/or economic sustainability. Because Ray’s Flooring Specialists, Inc. strives to be a resource for our industry partners and consumers, we have provided a glossary of terms.
Certified Wood: Wood content that complies with sustainable forestry practices under the guidance of wood and forestry organizations (like Forest Stewardship Council [FSC]).
Chain of Custody: In relation to forest certification, this is the path taken by raw or processed materials and products from the forest to the consumer. This includes all stages of processing, transformation, manufacturing and distribution.
Greenwashing: Marketing or communicating unsubstantiated or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology or company practice. The consequence is a diluted green message and loss of credibility towards the source.
LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Established by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC), it has gained widespread support in the commercial arena:
- “LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. All certified projects receive a LEED plaque, which is the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.” (www.usgbc.org)
Reclaimed Wood: Often used interchangeably with the term “salvaged wood.” However, reclaimed wood usually refers to already manufactured wood products that are remanufactured into new ones. Examples of this process include timbers from the deconstruction of old buildings that are re-milled or more unusual sources, such as old crates and pallets. An example of a reclaimed hardwood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council includes remanufactured railroad ties from Southeast Asia. Tropical hardwood railroad ties are being replaced with concrete ties in that region, and the old ties are then milled into flooring and other products.
Recycled Content: The weight of recycled material in a product, which is figured by combining post-consumer and pre-consumer material, divided by the overall weight of the product.
Salvaged Wood: Often used interchangeably with the term “reclaimed wood.” However, salvaged wood frequently refers to the direct reuse of wood products (salvaged doors) or logs that can be salvaged from a variety of sources such as street trees, river and lake bottoms, orchards, and even forests (diseased and dead wood or small diameter trees that are thinned out as part of fire prevention measures).
Sustainable: A way of life in which the use of natural resources does not destroy them for future use.
Call (505) 883-1967 or message us here to learn more about green innovations in the flooring industry from your local flooring
Albuquerque, New Mexico Sustainable Flooring
Ray’s Flooring Specialists, Inc. takes environmental sustainability very seriously. We make it our business to stay on top of developments in the industry to decrease our carbon footprint and minimize our negative impact on future generations while delivering quality products and installation services. As a local family-owned and operated business in Albuquerque, NM for more than 40 years, Ray’s Flooring Specialists, Inc. is also doing its part to enhance economic stability in our community. To work with a flooring contractor dedicated to customer satisfaction without compromising the future, contact us.
A New Mexico Family Tradition of Quality Materials and Professional Installation since 1972
