GETTING AN EDGE - PaintSquare

EDGE from page 10of lead risks before remodeling. (See“The New Lead Rules: What YouMust Know Now,” page 24.)The rule requires that contractorsof any trade become trained and certifiedin lead-safe work practices iftheir work will disturb a minimalamount of paint in these buildings.Violations can bring fines of up to$37,500, and the EPA is launching amajor public awareness campaignabout the rules.Publicity about the new rules offersan excellent opportunity forgreen contractors to tell and selltheir story. But it may also intensifythe competition as more contractorsearn their certification and are inspiredto make their companiesmore eco-friendly.Being greenIt’s beyond the scope of this articleto discuss what makes a companygreen. Every contractor mustdetermine how green he or she canafford to be. And the process is ongoingfor each company.PaintGreen, a San Diego-based residentialand commercial paintingcompany, is among those evolving.“The more I research, the more I talkto people, the more I learn,” saysowner Jon Ray.That’s why, although some contractorsmay misrepresent their company,most should hesitate to pointfingers at someone else’s efforts andlevel charges of greenwashing (see“Avoiding Greenwashing,” page 16).Better to promote your own effortsand let them speak for themselves,the experts say.Resources and educationEducation and networking areboth critical to promoting your greencompany, advises Peter Yost, directorof residential services for Vermont-basedBuildingGreen LLC(www.buildinggreen.com). Themember-supported company is anindependent source of green buildinginformation.“Get educated,” says Yost. “Makesure the client doesn’t know moreabout this than you do.”Resources for contractors abound.BuildingGreen produces thenewsletter Environmental BuildingNews and the GreenSpec product di-Keeps Paint Out.Keeps Lines Sharp .FrogTape ® is the only tape treated with PaintBlock ®Technology. PaintBlock forms a micro-barrierthat seals the edges of the tape, preventing paintbleed. This means less time spent prepping andtouching up, and more time for other jobs.Visit FrogTape.com to see PaintBlock in action,get painting tips and more!877-FROGTAPE(376-4827)FrogTape.com©ShurTech Brands, LLC 2010/42115Circle No. 31 on Reader Service Card12 PWC MAY/JUNE 2010