Solid hardwood flooring scores high for low environmental impact. This was the finding of a recent Life Cycle Analysis study from the National Wood Flooring Association Industry Research Foundation.

Specifically, solid wood flooring was found to show little to no emissions of greenhouse gases and allergens, and offered low water and “the least amount” of energy consumption to produce. Additionally, solid hardwood flooring “compared favorably” to other flooring types in product longevity, the NWFA said.

The study analyzed the environmental impact of solid hardwood when compared to other surfaces including vinyl, linoleum and carpet. The full report and supplement analysis is available through the “What’s New” link on www.nwfa.org.