Sustainable Timber Flooring: A Guide to PEFC, the Blue Angel & Healthy Homes

"Sustainable" is an easy word to print on a brochure. But what should you actually look for in a timber floor that's genuinely responsible — for the forests it comes from and the home you live in? Here's how to cut through it.

Responsibly sourced timber (PEFC)

The first thing to check is where the wood comes from. PEFC certification guarantees timber is sourced from responsibly and sustainably managed forests. HARO was the first parquet brand in Europe to achieve 100% PEFC certification — and uses the whole tree, recycling wood waste in its own combined heat-and-power station.

Low-emission, healthy living (the Blue Angel)

A floor lives in the air you breathe. The Blue Angel — the world's first environmental seal — recognises products that are low-emission and healthy for indoor living. It's reassurance that you get the warmth of real timber without a cocktail of harmful substances. (More on this in our healthy living guide.)

Made to last is sustainable, too

The most sustainable floor is one you never have to replace. A genuine oak wear layer over a stable core, backed by a 30-year warranty, means decades of life — far less waste than cheaper floors that need replacing. Engineered construction also uses precious hardwood efficiently.

Buy once, buy well

The most sustainable purchase is the one you make once. Choosing a floor built to last decades — rather than one replaced every few years — is one of the most meaningful sustainability decisions in a home. Read more about our commitment and certifications.