Impact of Terrazzo for Green Buildings

Impact of Terrazzo for Green Buildings

Impact of Terrazzo for Green Buildings

Green buildings offer great benefits to the world. Today, the concept of sustainable architecture involves incorporating green building materials in the design, construction, and operation of projects. Terrazzo, like many other green building materials, meets certain criteria that many builders are seeking.

 

These benefits include greater design flexibility, improved health and productivity, and fewer replacement costs over the lifetime of a building.

 

Green Building Practices in Modern Buildings

The dynamics of our buildings are ever-changing, but according to the USGBC, there is a strong interest in green building options from architects and construction professionals. We are starting to see more projects seeking LEED certification once the buildings are completed. LEED is now a rating system surrounding sustainable design, with more points awarded to buildings that find ways to conserve our natural resources. This system is used throughout the globe in countries like the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada, and Qatar, in hopes that the construction of green buildings reduces costs, saves our environment, and has a positive influence on how their people interact within the space of the building.

 

Studies have shown that around the world we waste millions of materials each year, depleting the Earth’s resources which will likely end up in a landfill after its use. Now, the use of materials like terrazzo is highly sought after to reduce the amounts of waste produced.

TERRAZZCO Brand Epoxy Resin

Terrazzo as a Green Building Material

 

So how exactly can a material like terrazzo help this green building initiative?

 

For starters, terrazzo has a high resource efficiency. In the 15th century, Venetian marble workers reused old scraps to build patios in their terraces. They would use the marble pieces and grind the material to a smooth finish. Throughout the centuries, new technologies have evolved the material, but the one thing to know about terrazzo is its use of recycled content. Post-consumer content like recycled glass, porcelain, or concrete is all options when designing a terrazzo floor, counter-top, or stair. Even when it comes time to demolish the terrazzo, it can be dismantled and reused all over again.

 

But you wouldn’t need to dismantle terrazzo right away. Terrazzo is quite durable, often lasting longer than the building itself. If you browse the internet, you can find some remarkable stories on how some homeowners have unknowingly found terrazzo beneath their previous floor. Instead of adding a new flooring system, some have decided to restore the terrazzo floors with a new grind and polish. Ultimately, their decision is cost-effective and they can enjoy a nice flooring the requires few replacements or repairs over the years.

 

Some materials are shipped from overseas, but there are many different terrazzo contractors around the world that supply material regionally or locally. What this does is actually save costs on transportation and resources. Even better, it reduces the carbon footprint left from cross-country travel.

 

Even after the terrazzo floor is installed, there are more benefits to reap over. The USGBC has done studies showing that spaces that contain fewer harmful chemicals can lower health risks and increase productivity. Throughout the years, terrazzo manufacturers have researched new ways to produce environmentally friendly products. Today, many epoxy resins associated with terrazzo have zero VOC-producing chemicals. Many terrazzo floor systems are also able to combat moisture and bacteria. All these factors improve the indoor air quality of buildings.

South Bay Hospital - Zinc Divider Strips in Terrazzo Floors

To wrap up, choosing the right material for a project should take careful research and selection. We recommend reviewing technical data information to understand how a green material will play a part in the overall design of a project. By doing so, you can better educate yourself and prepare on executing the project’s plan.

 

What does the future of green building bring? It is highly likely that many architects and owners will transition to using new materials to help this cause. This does not exactly mean that buildings will look entirely different than before, but rather there will be a focus on creating an environment that is inviting and engaging through the use of green materials.

 

Green Terrazzo

Try Our Green Terrazzo System

Concord Terrazzo Company developed the Green Terrazzo System, offering healthier terrazzo products for architects and designers to select for their building projects. Green Terrazzo is an epoxy terrazzo system made from renewable ingredients that are not Red Listed. This terrazzo product has zero VOCs as well. Green Terrazzo produces a high performing and decorative terrazzo floor that will last the lifetime of any building structure.

Is it your first time hearing about terrazzo or green building, and want to learn more? Here at Concord Terrazzo Company, we can be a resource for you in learning more about LEED and how terrazzo may be the material that you have been searching for. We can answer any questions you may have or provide a sample for your evaluation. We are just a short contact away. Email Concord Terrazzo Company for more information: Contact Us