washable for a long-lasting finish. Available in thousands of colors with an eggshell and semi-gloss finish, it was developed in
partnership with DSM, a global leader in sustainability and bio-renewable science. Natura Renew is the first product to market
with a low odor, zero emission paint made with plant-based renewable ingredients.
PPG Industries offers a number of low-- and zero-VOC products, including PPG Architectural Coatings products, PPG Pitt-Glaze WB1, SPEEDHIDE zero and Pure Performance. PPG
Pitt-Glaze WB1 provides maximum protection and service life
in high-traffic areas. With its low-VOC content and low-odor,
this waterborne acrylic epoxy is ideal for use in renovation and
new construction of commercial and institutional facilities and
ensures the service needed to avoid facility disruptions, the company reported. There is no mixing or measuring necessary and
has an unlimited pot life.
PPG SPEEDHIDE zero Paint is PPG’s professional line of
zero VOC interior latex base paints that not only allows users
to meet green specifications, but provides outstanding durability, ease of application and good hide and coverage on the job.
Speedhide zero’s low odor allows painters and maintenance
professionals to paint in occupied spaces with very little disruption to everyday activities. Speedhide zero paints meet the LEED
VOC standards and complies with MPI, GREENGUARD and
the Collaborative for High Performance Schools Standard.
PPG Pure Performance zero-VOC paint’s low-odor formula
is ideal for schools, hotels, hospitals, office buildings, retail spaces, home residences, and more.
Applications
Low- and zero-VOC products are most sought after in interior
applications. “Specifically, in residential homes it is usually chil-
dren’s rooms or family rooms,” said Sinatra. “In professional
areas, Benjamin Moore offers Ultra Spec 500, a zero-VOC paint
designed to make a job go smoothly via outstanding application
properties and excellent durability. Opportunities in the hospi-
tality, recreational, educational and retail segments are where
this product is the ideal choice.”
“Today our R&D efforts go beyond just zero-VOCs,” add-
ed Sinatra. “We have focused our attention on emissions and
bio-renewable technologies. In fact, we recently introduced
the first premium bio-renewable product with zero emissions,
Natura Renew.”
AkzoNobel’s sales forecasts show that the balance of growth
is shifting. “First observed last year, we see increased growth
in waterborne wall paint products in all regions globally,” said
Veneman. “With regards to our Decorative Paints products,
we are introducing reformulated products with significantly
reduced and virtually zero-VOC content. This reduction trend
will continue in the future. Our Performance Coatings business
sees increasing demand for low and zero-VOC products from
the transportation and building segments.”
“Driven by customer, market and societal needs, more
than two-thirds of our RD&I investments ($516 million in
2013) is channeled towards producing environmental in-
novations in the form of new and improved products, new
and cleaner or lower footprint processes, and customer ap-
plications with less environmental impact,” said Veneman.
“Our research and development efforts are focused on fur-
ther VOC reduction, lowering other emissions that impact
the planet and reducing embedded carbon. The introduction
of new technologies such as “water in oil” and improvements
in water-borne products have already led to a reduction in
average VOC per liter of 20 percent from 2009 to 2012. We
continue to push for further reductions in this area from both
new technological innovation and market education – a real
challenge in some markets.”
“Embedded sustainability is a core component of our company strategy,” said. “Our focus is on generating more value
from fewer resources, as part of our Planet Possible sustainability strategy. To implement this, we are working internally across
functions and externally with suppliers and customers on specific focus areas such as VOC reduction, eco-premium solutions,
packaging/end-of-life and own operations.” CW
What is LEED?
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class
building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve
different levels of certification. Prerequisites and credits differ for each rating system, and teams choose the best fit for their project.
Each rating system groups requirements that address the unique needs of building and project types on their path towards
LEED certification. Once a project team chooses a rating system, they’ll use the appropriate credits to guide design and operational decisions.
There are five rating systems that address multiple project types: Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, Building Operations and Maintenance, Neighborhood Development and Homes.
Each rating system is made up of a combination of credit categories.
Within each of the credit categories, there are specific prerequisites projects must satisfy and a variety of credits projects can
pursue to earn points. The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification.
LEED certification is recognized across the globe as the premier mark of achievement in green building.
For more information go to www.usgbc.org/leed.
