Terrazzo Sustainability

LEED® Credit Information and Point Chart

MRc1.2 “Building Reuse—Maintain Interior Nonstructural Elements”

LEED points may be awarded by re-using a portion of existing non-structural elements, including floors. Terrazzo floors typically last the life of a building structure. Many renovation projects can restore the original terrazzo floor with low-cost repairs and refinishing. By restoring a terrazzo floor over replacement, not only does it reduces overall floor costs but contributes to LEED credits.

MRc2 “Construction Waste Management”

LEED points may be awarded by recycling or salvaging nonhazardous construction and demolition debris. If a project requires demolition of an existing structure with terrazzo flooring, terrazzo components may be salvaged for reuse or recycled. Those same components can be later installed in a new terrazzo floor, particularly the aggregates. A qualified terrazzo contractor can assist in the salvaging process.

MRc4 “Recycled Content”

LEED points may be awarded for using recycled content in a terrazzo floor or other surfaces. Sources of recycled content include post-consumer recycled glass, and also post-industrial stone or marble salvaged from construction buildings and crushed and processed to be used again in a new terrazzo floor.  A floor incorporating 100% recycled glass aggregates could contain as much as 75% recycled raw material by volume. Aluminum strips may also contain recycled metal.

MRc5 “Regional Materials”

LEED points may be awarded if a portion of the project building materials is extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project. The calculation is based on the cost of raw materials. Manufacturers supply materials throughout the United States. Materials like marble chips, glass aggregates, and cement and epoxy resin are manufactured by terrazzo contractors in every region. See the NTMA members list for a full list of contractors. Terrazzo can contribute to points if raw material suppliers are located within 500 miles of the project site.

IEQc4.1 “Low Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants”

LEED points may be awarded if the terrazzo installation does not include adhesives and sealants that contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in excess of certain limits. Both cement and epoxy terrazzo contains zero VOCs. Many of today’s epoxy resin suppliers use a 100% solids formula, eliminating any VOCs in the material. Certification of compliance can be obtained from epoxy resin manufacturers.

IEQc4.3 “Low-Emitting Materials – Flooring Systems”

LEED points can be awarded if sealers do not contain VOCs in excess of certain limits. Sealers used in terrazzo floors will generally comply. For schools, flooring elements must meet the testing and product requirements of the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 Addenda. Generally, epoxy terrazzo products will comply.

IDc1 “Innovation in Design”

Additional LEED points may be awarded under the Innovation in Design category for innovative performance in categories not specifically addressed by LEED or for achieving exemplary performance in an established LEED credit.

NTMA Resources:

Download: NTMA – Green Terrazzo: The Environmental Impact of the Use of Cement and Epoxy Terrazzo 

Download: NTMA – LEED® Case Study