Home » What Makes a Carlisle Wood Floor » Built Green FAQ
The term Green Building has a wide variety of meanings, depending on who you ask. In general, Green Building applies to the process of incorporating sound environmental consideration into the design, planning, and construction of building decisions. Whether it stems from the perspective of energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, land use or natural resource management, the Green Building approach encompasses every aspect of the process and encourages responsible decision-making.
Is Carlisle Wide Plank Floors a Green Building supplier?
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors is a Green Building product supplier. Our ongoing efforts to preserve natural resources and reduce pollution & waste have been recognized by Built Green Colorado. In April 2006, we were recognized by this organization as a responsible provider for Green Building products.
All of our woods are procured through environmentally responsible practices. Our Old Growth Woods are selectively and sustainably harvested from well-managed forests, while our Antique Woods are reclaimed & recycled from historical structures, including factories and barns. In addition to our judicious acquisition processes, we also recognize the importance of reducing waste and pollution. We are constantly working towards improving upon our manufacturing practices to minimize discarded materials, as well as to lessen resulting by-products. Moreover, we at Carlisle Wide Plank Floors have been proactive in reducing the level of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in our finishes. While government regulations are moving in the right direction, we are working to stay even further ahead of the guidelines.
Why should I build green?
There are a number of reasons for building green. On a fundamental level, many people who choose to build green are inspired by feelings of social and environmental responsibility. In contrast, other participants in Green Building programs are motivated by state and local tax credit programs. Depending on the jurisdiction in a particular area, tax credits and incentive programs are available for qualifying projects. For more information on these programs, please contact your local building department.
Is Antique Wood the only type of green flooring Carlisle offers?
No, Carlisle offers both Antique and Old Growth woods as options for Green Building. Here at Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, we recognize the importance of responsible harvesting. Our Old Growth woods are harvested with selectivity and sustainability in mind. This means that our sawyers carefully evaluate each tree to determine the age and growth pattern before deciding whether or not to harvest the tree. If the decision is made to harvest the tree, our sawyers will then take into consideration how to do so while neither causing trauma to surrounding trees, nor negatively affecting wildlife habitats.
In order to maintain and protect the forests where we obtain our wood, we employ harvesting techniques that date back over generations. For example, we only saw Pine during the winter months when the New England ground is frozen and subject to less damage. In Alabama - where we harvest our Heart Pine - we use controlled burns every 15 to 20 years to remove dense brush and dead trees from the forest floor.
Should I be concerned that you cut down old growth trees?
Absolutely not! Our selective harvesting techniques, which include only these large mature trees, help to manage new younger growth in the forest - allowing for more prosperous growth. Because of our sustainable harvesting techniques, these trees and saplings will now get the proper amount of sunlight and nutrients to grow and later mature. It's a circle of life that we support and successfully maintain our rich and resourceful woodlands so that in the future, our children and grandchildren will continue to enjoy the vast beauty our forests provide.
For additional questions on building green with Carlisle floors, please call our Denver showroom at 866.595.9663.
