According to an article in the June 2007 issue of the UK publication, “What’s new in building.”, vinyl flooring has superior “green” credentials to most alternatives, including so-called natural flooring. The article notes that vinyl (PVC) flooring uses less energy in manufacturing, transportation and installation than natural flooring products - which often have to be transported from developing countries. It also “scores extremely well” in life-cycle analysis of the “in use” phase, since it has a decades-long life span and manufacturers have eliminated the need for costly chemical cleaning agents, seals and polishes. The article reports that vinyl also scores well in terms of hygiene because it is naturally waterproof and can be hot welded to form a continuous, non-porous surface which inhibits the growth of micro-organisms, bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew.