Speakers Announced for 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit

Arlington, VA, June 19, 2025-Participants attending the Flooring Sustainability Summit, taking place July 16 to 17 in Washington, D.C., will gain insights on the latest developments in flooring sustainability, with participation in discussions and workshops on the evolving sustainability landscape, flooring circularity, supply chain collaboration, and more. This year’s program will also incorporate a Sustainability 101 workshop designed to prepare attendees for the event’s in-depth discussions.

At the event, Ray Anderson, founder of Interface, will be awarded the WFCA Hall of Fame award, posthumously.

The program features high-level briefings from the architectural, design, and green building communities. Keynote speakers include:

Corey Clayborne, senior vice president of knowledge and practice
Eric Corey Freed, principal and director of sustainability, Cannon Design
Elizabeth Von Lehe, chair-elect, American Society of Interior Designers
Peter Templeton, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council

These influential leaders will share forward-thinking perspectives on the future of sustainable design and standards within the flooring industry.

The program also includes numerous panel sessions and discussions:

Architectural Panel
This panel will explore the evolving role of architects and designers in driving sustainability through material choices, balancing performance, cost, and environmental impact amid shifting regulations and market demands. Panelists will share insights on key sustainability drivers, the indicators guiding design decisions, and the importance of supply chain collaboration to ensure sustainable solutions are clearly communicated, specified, and implemented across the flooring industry.

Scott Conwell, director of industry development, International Masonry Institute (Moderator)
Anica Landreneau, global director of sustainable design, HOK
Ashley Savage, interior designer, SmithGroup
Paul McKeever, principal, TVS Architecture and Design
Joshua Rubin, technical design director, Perkins&Will
Katie Mesia, director of sustainability, Gensler

Sustainability Landscape 2025 and Beyond
As we move into 2025 and beyond, the landscape of sustainability is rapidly evolving. This panel will examine the key policy drivers and market forces shaping the future of sustainability across global, federal, state, and local levels, as well as within the private sector. Panelists will dive into the latest green and healthy building standards, rating systems, codes, and procurement strategies that are shaping responsible flooring industry business practices.

William Paddock, CEO, WAP Sustainability (Moderator)
Jenna Hamilton, VP of national affairs, Green Building Initiative
Andy Kireta, president, ASTM International
Melanie De Cola, director, Climate Action Pledge Programs, American Institute of Architects
Melissa Baker, senior VP, U.S. Green Building Council

Flooring Circularity
As sustainability goals evolve, circularity has gained significant momentum as a key strategy for reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting environmental responsibility. This panel will explore how circularity is reshaping sustainability efforts in the flooring industry, with a focus on embodied carbon, durability, recyclability, and reuse within existing frameworks. Panelists will discuss the risks and rewards of adopting circular strategies across the supply chain, offering actionable insights on how businesses can align circularity with product development, procurement, and long-term profitability.

Mike Johnson, senior director of materials, International Living Future Institute (moderator)
Nelson Russom, waste and circularity program manager, Turner Construction
Jonathan North, senior director of sustainability, Mohawk Industries
Alan Solomon, managing partner, Sawkill Lumber
Jim Whitfield, director of technical services, Mapei

Supply Chain Collaboration-Sustainability Education and Awareness Across the Flooring Value Chain
This panel will bring together voices from across the flooring supply chain to explore how manufacturers’ sustainability efforts-driven by shifting policies, standards, and emerging health and environmental initiatives-are translated throughout the supply chain, from production through procurement to end-use. Panelists will highlight the importance of collaboration, education, and clear communication among stakeholders-manufacturers, specifiers, purchasers, owners, contractors, and distributors-to ensure sustainability requirements are communicated clearly and effectively in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Bill Griese, deputy executive director, Tile Council of North America (Moderator)
Scott Humphrey, CEO, World Floor Covering Association
Jack Cove, head of go-to market, Pathways Ai
William Paddock, CEO, WAP Sustainability
Elsa Mullin, sustainability director, Skanska US Building Inc.
Brian Green, board of director president, National Association of Floor Covering Distributors

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