Sustainable Hardwood Flooring And Cabinetry From Armstrong Featured Throughout The VISION House® In INNOVENTIONS At Epcot® Presented By Green Builder® Media

LANCASTER, Pa., June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- We all love to bring things home from vacation.  This year, in addition to the usual trinkets and T-shirts, how about bringing back a few practical ideas and products to live a greener, more sustainable lifestyle, many of which you can put into action almost as soon as you get home?  

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The VISION House® in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® presented by Green Builder® Media (GBM) in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering is designed to provide real solutions for contemporary green living. Since living green begins at home and a "green" kitchen is becoming a priority for many homeowners, it's one of the focal points of the exhibit which incorporates flooring and cabinet products by Armstrong World Industries.

Kids Learn Earth-Friendly Tips

The exhibit represents a modern 21st century home, designed with sustainable products and intelligent systems. Throughout the exhibit, children and adults are encouraged to consider how they can reduce their personal impact on the planet.  The experiential exhibit highlights the very best in green residential design, including high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, whole-home automation systems, and products like hardwood floors and wood cabinets.  

The hardwood floors are not just beautiful; they're also durable and long lasting. "This type of flooring from Armstrong allows people to enjoy wood's natural beauty, while knowing it was derived from a carefully managed renewable resource," said Mara Villanueva-Heras, vice president, Marketing, Armstrong Residential Flooring.

150 Years of Innovation and Sustainability

In its 150 years of doing business, Armstrong® has a history of innovation and wise use of resources.  Its interior products business began by recycling cork waste to make linoleum flooring for homes and commercial buildings. One hundred years later, the company is still making linoleum with  natural ingredients, and now markets the most extensive portfolio of residential floor products available – genuine hardwood, laminate, linoleum, vinyl sheet and tile – as well as cabinets and ceiling products. 

As the world's largest hardwood flooring company and a manufacturer of wood cabinetry products, Armstrong has a vested interest in protecting the forests where the raw materials originate. "Our commitment to sustainability requires that we protect the communities where we extract, process and manufacture our wood products," said Villanueva-Heras.  

Trees Are a Renewable Resource

Hardwood is typically a big part of the discussion for homeowners who want to live a green lifestyle and play a part in preserving the world's natural resources. The floors are beautiful and long-lasting, and hardwood flooring typically does not emit appreciable levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  All Armstrong hardwood flooring comes pre-finished for a no fuss, no muss installation. There's no dust from sanding, no fumes from chemicals, no waiting for the finish to dry.  Since hardsurface flooring is durable and easily cleanable, it is typically a good choice for people sensitive to allergens and dust.

Cabinets are a major factor for any home remodel, especially in the kitchen. "Armstrong Origins™ cabinets not only look beautiful, but they are low in VOCs because they use a urea-formaldehyde free, soy-based adhesive," said Howard Maymon, Vice President, Finance & Strategy – Armstrong Cabinet Products.

"The exhibit focuses on helping homeowners reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort. Armstrong is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Green Builder® Media to show how every day, accessible products and technologies can make a huge impact," said Villanueva-Heras. "The exhibit is built on the idea that we all have the power to make positive changes to our home environment. Every little step makes a big difference."

INNOVENTIONS cast members lead guests at the VISION House® through a guided tour, featuring building science fundamentals, integrated design elements, green prod­ucts, and intelligent systems that aim to enhance the home's sustainability. Visitors are then directed into a post-show area, which contains interactive kiosks that contain further information about sustainable living. Throughout the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to consider how they can reduce their personal impact on the planet, as well as make changes in their own homes to make them more sustainable and durable.

About Armstrong World Industries

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets. In 2011, Armstrong's consolidated net sales totaled approximately $2.9 billion. Based in Lancaster, Pa., Armstrong operates 32 plants in eight countries and has approximately 9,100 employees worldwide. Established in 1860, Armstrong celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2010.

About Green Builder® Media, LLC

Green Builder® Media, LLC is the leading media company in North America focused on green building and sustainable living. With a comprehensive suite of print and digital media solutions, demonstration projects, case studies, online training, and live events, Green Builder® Media assists building professionals in preparing themselves for the new green economy and helps homeowners understand how to live more sus­tainably.

About INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®

INNOVENTIONS is located in the heart of Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Creativity and imagination abound as guests celebrate inspiration and the innovations that improve their lives and expand their horizons. Hands-on, interactive exhibits allow children and adults to be immersed into ideas that inform, entertain and inspire.

About VISION House® in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®

The VISION House® in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® is a ground-breaking green show home exhibit presented by Green Builder® Media in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering. This experiential exhibit in the heart of Epcot® highlights the very best in green residential design and sustainable living. Visitors should leave with a greater understanding of green design, technology, and products as well as a host of sustainable living ideas that they can incorporate in their lives the minute they get home from vacation.

In addition to Green Builder® Media other sponsors for this exciting project include SIEMENS, GM, Ingersoll Rand, Armstrong, Boral, Hanwha Solar, Kohler, National Fire Protection Association, Panasonic, Pella, and Schott. 

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SOURCE Armstrong World Industries, Inc.