Good news: Painting one of the most toxic and polluting sectors of the construction industry, leading to contamination of water and air using poisonous and unhealthy chemicals is matter of the past! New products available in the market will greatly reduce the problem.
A new campaign is underway to promote sustainable paint and painting techniques. The campaign, launched by not-for-profit organisation Green Painters will target painters, architects, builders and consumers, with the aim to increase the awareness of sustainable paints and coatings, and the implementation of environmentally-sensitive trade practices.
The project is a result of the recent push towards eco-consciousness where many consumers and tradesmen have become more aware of the consequences of using conventional paint systems. Consumers are being urged to consider the environmental impacts of the paints they use.
Environment and health safe products
‘Painting has been one of the most toxic and polluting sectors of the construction industry’, says Daniel Wurm, Managing Director of GreenPainters. ‘Not only has painting led to contamination of water after cleaning up, and off-gassing into the atmosphere of poisonous and unhealthy chemicals, but has also contributed to health issues affecting both tradesmen and consumers. The good news is that there are new products available that will greatly reduce the problem.’
The GreenPainters Sustainable Painting Program features DIY Sustainable Painting Workshops, which will be available from selected retail outlets, and seminars designed for architects and builders looking to increase their knowledge of paints and coatings for the green building industry, which is forecast to grow at 4.8% this year. A series of brochures have also been released that provide painting hints and tips to help DIY consumers minimise their impact on the environment, and help tradesmen improve their trade practices.
Course for sustainable painting
GreenPainters are also working with Sustainability Victoria, Holmesglen TAFE and Master Painters Association of Victoria to develop an accredited Course in Sustainable Painting, which will begin a pilot scheme mid-year to up-skill painting contractors for the green building industry, and improve their sustainability. The course will focus on waste-water management, EPA guidelines, choosing sustainable paints and coatings, and how to inform consumers of the benefits of using the new paint technology.
Most natural and low-VOC paints meet or exceed Australian standards, and may have higher durability.”, comments Mr Wurm. “You can have any color as long as it's 'green'! Using eco-preferable paints doesn’t mean you can’t have the latest fashion colours. There are also some really exciting developments in the industry, including paints which reflect solar radiation using nano-technology, which can cut cooling costs by 40%, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ”
GreenPainters is a non-profit program, established to provide advice, knowledge and skills to help the painting industry go green. Their web-site provides objective summaries of sustainable paints and coatings and information to help builders and renovators achieve the look they want while being environmentally sensitive and health-conscious.
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