How To Make Sustainable Paint Choices

Paint manufacturers discuss the reasons sustainable paint choices matter in facilities

By Mackenna Moralez, Assistant Editor


Sustainability is a high priority in all institutional and commercial facilities, and it’s no different in healthcare. Facility managers are looking for the most environmentally friendly products that will help lower their facilities’ carbon footprint.

Paint an coating manufacturers have created and updated formulas that use sustainable materials while still ensuring long-term performance. In this manufacturer roundtable, Healthcare Facilities Today talks with paint professionals on the benefits of using sustainable paints and coatings.

What are the benefits of using sustainable paints?

A paint with low or no VOCs compared to a higher VOC paint can help improve the quality of the air in any room by reducing a source of VOCs, which is crucial for professionals to consider in healthcare facilities. As a company, our mission is to supply the highest-value coating products and services in the world and to accomplish this. We develop and acquire the appropriate resources to continuously improve the performance of our products, services and people.

— Rick Watson, director of product information and technical services, Sherwin-Williams

VOCs are organic chemical compounds that can significantly affect the environment and human health negatively. For a more environmentally friendly option, we recommend paints with low or no VOCs to not only benefit the environment but for those occupying these spaces. Individuals continuously exposed to VOCs are at a higher risk of developing respiratory issues. In buildings that especially need to maintain good air quality like schools and hospitals, it is crucial to use the most environmentally friendly paints. Eco-friendly paints are easy to clean with soap and water and have a lower odor.

— Arianna Cesa, Associate Manager, Color Marketing and Development, Benjamin Moore Co.

VOCs can impact the respiratory health and comfort of patients, particularly those with asthma or respiratory ailments. They can also make their way into the bloodstream and cause dizziness, headaches and more severe reactions. A healthcare facility should be particularly sensitive to VOC content with not only the health of the patients in mind but the health and comfort of staff, as well. The majority of Behr’s products are low VOC. Scuff Defense meets the most stringent VOC regulations nationwide with less than 50 grams per liter, excluding colorants.

— Paul Baik, product manager, Behr Paint Co.

Mackenna Moralez is assistant editor with Healthcare Facilities Today.



January 10, 2022


Topic Area: Sustainable Operations


Recent Posts

The Most Read Healthcare Facilities Today Articles of 2024

Healthcare Facilities Today continues to be a resource for the facilities industry.


Cybersecurity, Generative AI Among Top Risks for Healthcare Organizations in 2025

Ensuring compliance with a number of federal healthcare regulations was also identified as a concern by this recent study.


Facility Condition Assessments and the Bottom Line

Assessments can give managers critical tools they need to transform facilities from cost centers into revenue centers.


NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Completes Energy Efficiency Upgrade

These upgrades will generate more than $400,000 in annual energy savings.


Saint Vincent Hospital Upgrades Its Security Systems

Case study: The facility upgraded its security systems to comply with the new patient health and safety law, Laura’s Law.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.