Contractors and homeowners, aware of their social responsibilities are increasingly veering toward the use of eco-friendly, green products including flooring. Hence more and more people are opting for green flooring. Some types of flooring can't be considered "green" unless the flooring itself and all accessories that go with it are eco–friendly as well. This would include the underlayment, adhesives, surface finishes and sealants.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor pollution poses one of the four greatest risks to human health. A World Health Organization (WHO) study indicates that globally 30% of remodeled and new buildings encounter problems with indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality costs business $60 billion annually by way of lost productivity and illness. These alarming statistics have fuelled a demand for an increased use of products with low emission levels.

Many floor adhesives, finishes and sealants contain potentially harmful VOC's that adversely affect indoor air quality and prove a health risk. When possible it is advisable to choose a floating floor like floating hardwood or cork floors which requires no flooring adhesive at all. If this is not possible then choose a VOC–free adhesive or one with the lowest possible VOC content. All consumable products should have the VOC content marked on the Material Safety Data Sheet.