In this directory we follow—with some slight modification—the definition of Environmentally Preferable Products given in the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes programme. As this programme changes (and particularly as the Canada Green Building Council develops its own version), the criteria here may also be expected to change.

Acceptable flooring types

1. Forestry Stewardship Council approved timber flooring (see http://www.fsc.org/en/about/accreditation)
2. reclaimed timber flooring
3. cork flooring
4. bamboo flooring
5. linoleum (but not PVC)
6. wool carpet complying with the criteria set by one of the following:
   1. the Green Label Plus programme of the Carpet and Rug Institute (California),
   2. GUT (Gemeinschaft umweltfreundlicher Teppichboden, Germany / Belgium / Netherlands / France),
   3. the Australian Voluntary Environmental Labelling Standard,
   4. Wools of New Zealand.

These standards limit offgassing of volatile organic compounds (e.g. from glue), and restrict the amount and type of pesticides used.