CLEVELAND—Times may be tough, but one area that continues to show both growth and opportunity is the environmental movement, and flooring is and will be a major benefactor.

The proof comes from a new study, “Green Building Materials,” by research firm The Freedonia Group, which shows between 2003 and last year, the demand for green floor coverings rose 13.4% annually, the largest of the six categories it looked at—floor coverings, concrete, roofing, windows, doors, other—and that through 2013 demand will rise 5.6%.

In fact, the 251-page study points out the U.S. market for green building materials generated sales of almost $57 billion in 2008, up from $39 billion in 2003. This market is projected to expand 7.2% annually to over $80 billion in 2013, outpacing the growth of building construction expenditures over that period.

And floor coverings continue to account for the largest chunk of sales. In 2003, sales of green flooring products were $11.8 billion (30%); in 2008 they were $22.2 billion (39%), and by 2013 sales are projected to be $29.1 billion (36%).

Even used flooring, specifically carpet, has potential, according to the report, due to the anticipated growth of concrete made from recycled materials. As the study notes, “The use of recycled materials in concrete not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but often enhances [its] performance.”

This is good news for the carpet industry as it pushes to find alternative uses for post-consumer products so they do not end up in the landfill. Concrete had the second largest share of green building materials demand in 2008, accounting for over 15% of the market total.

Going forward, Fredonia stated demand for concrete made from recycled materials is forecast to grow 8.4% per year to $14.3 billion in 2013, accounting for an increasing share of total concrete used.

Other green flooring products

Fredonia expects significant growth from are certified wood products. The study referenced the Forest Stewardship Council as it is currently the main third-party certifier in the world though others exist and are starting to be acknowledged by the various green building and green materials rating systems.

For the term green when it came to flooring, Fredonia said it includes Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label Plus-certified carpets and products made from rapidly renewable resources (e.g. bamboo and cork flooring).

For more information on the “Green Building Materials” study or to purchase a copy, call Fredonia at 440.646.0484.