ECO by Cosentino, an innovative line of eco-friendly countertop and surfacing material composed of 75 percent recycled material, recently announced a new partnership with Make it Right in New Orleans, founded by actor and activist Brad Pitt. This exciting venture underscores Cosentino Group’s commitment to social responsibility and the advancement of sustainable architecture and design.

When more than 4,000 homes were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, Pitt toured the deserted and devastated neighborhood and promised the families he met there that he would help make it right. He founded the Make It Right foundation with the goal to build 150 affordable, green storm-resistant homes for families to return to the area. Now, with donations from ECO by Cosentino, the kitchens in the remaining homes will be fitted with state-of-the-art Cradle to Cradle certified kitchen countertops.

“We are proud to be collaborating with such an important organization and mission,” said Lorenzo Marquez, Vice President of Marketing for Cosentino North America. “Make It Right is working hard to help families return to New Orleans post-Katrina. More than that, they are building homes of the future with the latest green technology and material innovations. The site is a showcase for sustainable architecture worldwide.”

From its inception, the Make It Right project relied on the generosity of acclaimed local, national and international architects who donated their cutting-edge designs for single-family homes and duplexes, including Gehry Partners, GRAFT, and William McDonough + Partners. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, “Make It Right is building the largest, greenest neighborhood of single family homes in America.” Make It Right homes have earned the highest distinction for energy efficiency and sustainability, LEED Platinum, by integrating and aggregating a variety of cutting edge construction materials and techniques.

“On behalf of Brad Pitt and Make It Right, we are thrilled to be a part of ECO by Cosentino’s endeavors,” said Tom Darden, Executive Director of Make It Right. “We rely on the generous product donations from companies like Cosentino and cannot thank them enough for helping us to rebuild this great city.”