Flooring Sustainability Summit Takes Place in Washington, D.C.

The NWFA was a co-host of the Flooring Sustainability Summit. Pictured here are (Left to right) John Hammel of Nature Flooring, Elizabeth Baldwin of Metropolitan Floors, Stephanie Owen of NWFA, Adam Scouse of Metropolitan Floors, Brenda Cashion of UCX, Heather Lindemann of Bona, and Kirk Roberts of Bona.

The 2026 Flooring Sustainability Summit was held July 15-16 at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Co-hosted by leading flooring industry associations, including the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), the Flooring Sustainability Summit brought together leaders from across the flooring industry and the broader built environment to share knowledge, identify solutions, and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.

“The conversations throughout the Flooring Sustainability Summit reinforced that wood flooring has one of the strongest sustainability stories in the built environment, and we should continue highlighting the qualities that set it apart, including its durability, longevity, and renewability,” said Stephanie Owen, president and CEO of NWFA. “As an industry, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to communicate those benefits more effectively, so architects, designers, and consumers better understand the long-term environmental benefits and lasting value of real wood floors.”

Kirk Roberts of Bona (second from left) speaks during a panel titled, “Flooring Manufacturers’ Voyage: Navigating Sustainability in Carpet, Ceramic, Laminate, Stone, Vinyl, Wood, and Other Surface Coverings Journey.”

Kirk Roberts, senior vice president of strategic development for Bona and NWFA board member, participated in a panel titled, “Flooring Manufacturers’ Voyage: Navigating Sustainability in Carpet, Ceramic, Laminate, Stone, Vinyl, Wood, and Other Surface Coverings Journey.” The discussion centered around how different flooring sectors are addressing today’s sustainability priorities. Panelists also discussed the challenges they’re facing and the innovative approaches they’re taking to meet the evolving expectations of architects, designers, building owners, and the marketplace.

Other sessions included Inside the Architect’s Studio: Sustainable Flooring Decisions and Bridging the Gap: A Panel-Led Open Forum Bringing Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, and Installers Together to Strategize Next Steps, as well as briefings from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ASTM International, U.S. Green Building Council, American Society of Interior Designers, and more.

For additional information, visit flooringsummit.com.