Legislation was recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives promoting the use of green building products in our nation’s schools. The “Green Schools Modernization” bill was amended to include language that would “require agencies receiving grant funds to disclose whether any flooring installed as from renewable resources.”
The bill specifically recognizes the environmental attributes of hardwoods and authorizes more than $6 billion for new and renovated school construction projects throughout the United States. In addition, as originally passed by the House Education and Labor Committee, the bill allows for the use of building products that meet LEED, Green Globes, Energy Star or equivalent standards. Hardwood is awarded points under all these programs.
The National Wood Flooring Association worked closely with the Hardwood Federation to draft and support this legislation, and will continue to support hardwoods as a green building material in an effort to help preserve our environment.