In a time where so many brands and organizations are joining the green movement, Harris Wood was already there. Being a substance that is green by its very nature, wood is undeniably ecological. In fact, almost no other product comes closer to the essence of green.
Harris Wood manufactures its flooring from carefully selected domestic species. As a result, the company claims to provide one of the most environmentally sound flooring options available today. Its floors are made exclusively from timber harvested from sustained forests, managed through strict preservation and replenishment programs that ensure continuous environmental compliance and improvement.
Beyond the LEED point and environmental benefits from the use of wood over man-made products, Harris Wood produces its solid and engineered hardwood flooring in America. Utilizing products that have not wasted precious resources by being shipped halfway around the world is also part of the company’s green story and can contribute to LEED points.
The Harris Wood team has been FSC trained and the factories have been chain of custody certified to handle FSC wood. Jason Webb, a Harris Wood product manager, is on the HPVA National Committee for updating the ANSI Standards for Engineered Wood Flooring that will include new regulations for formaldehyde emissions. Of course, that means that Harris Wood is focusing on meeting or exceeding those guidelines.
Hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced, preserving them for generations. Unlike most other material choices for flooring, wood is a natural and renewable resource and the ultimate environmentally friendly building material. Harris Wood’s products are also durable and hypo-allergenic as well as biodegradable.
The effort continues in the company’s plants through energy-efficient processes. It recycles sawdust and remnants of wood as a fuel for its boilers, providing energy for its plant to operate. From its factories, Harris Wood recycles its solvent waste, cardboard, metal and plastic bindings, stain drums and even its cotton wiping rags. Old gearboxes and motors are recycled or reused by a local metalworking company. And over the past few years, its manufacturing group has converted its finish coatings to 100% solid stains, which makes them virtually VOC and HAP free.
Harris Wood also has an employee recycling program for cans and paper. All the revenue from this program goes straight back to the employees in the form of frozen treats during the heat of summer. Harris Wood will continue to commit to preserving the environment; from the replenishment of the forests to the smallest of the products it recycles in its offices.
