n o v/d e c • 2 0 0 8 - Subscribe

Green Solutions
Using environmentally-responsible
building materials, across the board,
is proven to have a positive effect on
the users of these facilities. Some of
the benefits include reduced operating
costs, improved energy-efficiency and
diminished exposure to pollutants.
In fact, numerous studies have found
that student performance rates can
increase by as much as 25 percent in
environmentally sustainable buildings,
and The Commission for Architecture
and the Built Environment recently
reported that a hospital’s discharge rates
improved by 21 percent as a result of
green renovations made to the building.
On the retail side, a study completed by
the Heschong Mahone Group found that
store performance can increase at rates
as high as 40 percent when green design
practices are put to use.
Choosing zero or low-VOC paints won’t
compromise indoor air quality or the
public (and planet’s) health. What’s more,
high-quality, environmentally responsible
paints may also contain antimicrobial
properties which resist mildew, bacteria
and other microbes while maintaining
durability and a fresh appearance longer.
In addition to being low odor, low VOC
and antimicrobial, the highest quality
coatings that meet the most stringent
environmental standards also prevent
stains from penetrating, resist burnish
marks and withstand repeated washings
with no visible paint wear, which makes
them ideal even for high-traffic areas.
Selecting a Low or Zero VOC
Coating
Here are a few things to keep in mind
when selecting a low or zero VOC
“green” coating:
Consider scrubability and burnish
resistance. The paint should offer a high
degree of washability, scrubability and
burnish resistance. These criteria can be
validated through testing methods such
as those provided by ASTM International.
The critical combination of washability,
scrubability and burnish resistance will
help ensure durable, great-looking
surfaces that will remain free of scuff
and burnish marks longer. Repaints will
be reduced when using a high-quality,
durable environmentally-responsibile
coating. There are also new technology
washable paints available that don’t
require scrubbing to remove stains. These
coatings also resist water spotting or
streaking which keeps the finish looking
better longer.
Look for paints that have high-hiding
characteristics. These paints use a
high film build to mask minor drywall
imperfections and are self-leveling, which
minimizes brush or roller marks and leaves
a smooth, uniform finish in fewer coats.
Fewer coats result in reduced emissions
and create less waste.
Consider mildew resistance and odor.
Paints with anti-microbial properties help
prevent mold and mildew from forming
on the paint film. Typically, low or zero
VOC paints are also lower in odor than
traditional coatings and there are zero
VOC coatings on the market with almost
no odor.
Select the sheen carefully. When
selecting any interior coating, keep in
mind that sheen may also affect the paint’s
durability. In general, when comparing a
flat finish to a gloss, flats are the least
durable, and durability increases as gloss
increases. However, a flatter finish does
a good job at hiding imperfections.
There are also newer technology paints
with matte finishes that offer the same
durability as glossier sheens. VOC’s can
also vary by sheen, so check to be sure
the sheen you have selected meets the
desired VOC level.
Talk with an expert. Be sure to talk with
a reputable painting contractor or coating
representative about green coating
options. They can provide specific product
information and technical performance
data that will help you to select coatings
that deliver maximum indoor air quality,
appearance, performance and value.
Choosing sustainable materials, including
paint, is easier than ever. Manufacturers
across the board in every sector of the
building industry—from appliances to
cabinetry and furniture, and of course,
paints—are revising their product
offerings to meet green building needs.
It is essential to stay in step with paint
technology to ensure you can keep up
with and even outpace the competition.
As technology improves and we all
become even more aware of our global
footprint, the green trend will soon simply
be the green standard.
SP_ArchiPaint_1-3pg_DECO_03_1008:2008 8/2
AIR ON THE
SIDE OF SAFETY
Survivair SAR-CF Continuous
Flow Supplied Air Respirators
At Sperian Protection, we have the industry’s most compre -
hensive line of supplied air systems, with an emphasis on
products that convert easily for specific applications. Our
Survivair SAR-CF Continuous Flow Supplied Air Respirators are
available with a variety of facepiece options including half
masks, full facepieces and a Tyvek ® hood. All of our half masks
and full facepieces convert to APR applications. In addition,
we offer several facepiece options that convert to PAPR
applications. Our unmatched variety and product flexibility
ensure that we are always meeting your changing needs.
For more information on the Survivair SAR-CF Supplied
Air Systems or any of the other head-to-toe personal
protective equipment available from Sperian Protection,
call 866.786.2353 or visit www.sperianprotection.com.
pdca.org |
65