More than 1,500 years ago, Italian artisans learned to mix marble scraps—waste material from other projects—with cement to create beautiful flooring designs for lobbies, plazas, and other public spaces. The reuse of materials is as important today as it was centuries ago. Modern-day terrazzo uses recycled materials that can be locally sourced, making it a great choice for projects that need to use LEED-certified design practices.

Not only does a terrazzo design get you LEED-credits, the recycled materials can bring color and radiance to your space.

In 2004, Chicago Public School System set forth an initiative requiring all new schools to be LEED Certified. For Albany Park Middle School, in Chicago, IL, terrazzo was the clear answer. Recycled post-consumer glass composition, low-emission epoxy, and regional manufacturing all helped to make terrazzo one of the biggest contributors to the school’s LEED certification.

This environmental design was modern and stylish. The visually interesting geometric patterns with striking colors make the space lively and captivating.