Green terrazzo – Sustainability and Leed
Environmentally friendly
A common belief in the community is that a material cannot be considered eco-friendly unless it is 100% natural, which excludes epoxy terrazzo due to its synthetic components. We aim to address this misconception and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about sustainable flooring options.
Terrazzo flooring has a long history dating back over 1500 years and is considered one of the original recycled products. It was initially created by Venetian workers who used waste chips from slab marble processing. Today, terrazzo flooring remains popular due to its durability and low maintenance, often lasting the lifetime of buildings. These qualities, coupled with advancements in terrazzo production, make it a sustainable flooring choice.
Defining whether a material is eco-friendly has been made easier by the US Green Building Council through its “LEED Standards.” Terrazzo can contribute to USGBC credits for new construction and LEED certification, a globally recognized green building rating system.
Terrazzo installation involves natural aggregates, recycled glass or plastic, and processed cement or epoxy binders. The binders make up approximately 25%-30% of the volume of terrazzo floors, while the rest consists of aggregates, fillers, and pigments. Initial life cycle assessments of embodied energy have indicated that terrazzo is environmentally friendly due to its endurance and low energy usage for cleaning.
Recycling Content
Some glass aggregate suppliers currently provide post-consumer recycled glass to the market. Additionally, some slab marble and granite quarries have supplies of post-industrial stone left from slab granite and marble processing. Plastic chips typically contain up to 20% recycled plastic, and aluminum divider strips may also incorporate recycled metal.
VOC Off-Gassing
Both cement-based and thin-set epoxy systems consist of zero VOC building materials. Terrazzo shows little or no off-gassing over the life of the bent floor. The non-porous terrazzo finish does not support microbial growth or allow moisture to accumulate, promoting a mold-free environment with healthy indoor air quality.
Local Sourcing
Terrazzo is applied on-site, reducing post-commercial waste and transportation costs. Depending on how other materials used on the project contribute towards these credits, terrazzo as a flooring option could help contribute up to 5 LEED® points.
In summary, terrazzo flooring is aesthetically pleasing, durable, and has a long history of sustainability. It is also a great choice for environmentally-conscious construction projects and has the potential to contribute to USGBC credits.
Thanks to modern technology, we now have the option to produce epoxy terrazzo for sustainable and green architecture.
Our commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond the products we offer. Our manufacturing processes are designed to minimize waste and reduce our carbon footprint. We use advanced equipment and techniques to ensure that our products are produced with the highest levels of precision and quality while still adhering to eco-friendly standards.
To learn how terrazzo can contribute to LEED® credits on your next project, please contact us or visit the National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA) website at ntma.com.