When it comes to meeting green design goals, the good news is that paints and coatings low in odor and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can help meet indoor air requirements. The bad news is that regulations keep changing, making compliance challenging.
To be classified or marketed as a low-VOC paint, government organizations, including the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), require the VOCs to be limited to 50 grams per liter for field applications. Green paints that meet these environmental standards have 20 percent to 30 percent fewer VOCs than traditional paints.
However, low VOCs should not be the only green criteria. Quality coatings also should offer performance benefits: minimal odor that allows for application in occupied spaces; longer lasting performance to minimize repainting; antimicrobial properties that resist mold and mildew on the paint film; superior stain and burnish mark resistance for high-traffic areas; and a washable, scrubbable surface that eliminates the need for harsh cleaning chemicals.
While these performance benefits make specification of quality green paints seem easy, it still can be a challenge to stay up to date on the VOC content regulations and standards that qualify a coating as green. For example, six different sets of VOC regulations are being followed throughout the United States. These varying regulations require a thorough understanding of all regional standards to ensure compliant products are specified for every project, regardless of the location.
Adding to the complexity, VOC regulations change every year. In 2009, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts and Rhode Island joined the majority of states in the Northeast following the Ozone Transport Commission Model Rule guidelines for VOC emissions. Indiana is expected to join this group sometime in 2011. Additionally, the EPA proposed a new national standard for VOC emissions that, if passed, could take effect this year. In California, which follows the
California Air Resources Board Standard, changes to VOC emissions policies took effect in January.
Because the specific details of these pending regulation changes are unknown, specifying green coatings remains difficult. It is important to stay informed as changes are implemented to build trust with customers exploring green building solutions for their construction projects. Additionally, as these rules change and become more stringent, certain types of paints used by contractors will disappear from store shelves, and new paint specifications will have to be adopted. For example, high-VOC, oil-based paints soon will be replaced by water-based or higher volume solid alkyd paints.
As technology improves, understanding how to meet new regulations will be a differentiating factor for consumers when selecting a painting contractor. Consumers are becoming smarter about the sustainable aspects of their purchases, and they want to do business with companies that exhibit a strong commitment to the environment. Contractors that stay in step with the green regulations and that provide environmentally friendly product offerings will be a valuable resource to their customers.