Paints and Coatings In Step with the Green Building Movement

By Cynthia Challener

The concept of green building has been open to many different interpretations. Despite this-and even though coatings only count for a very small fraction of the materials used in any type of building construction-the green building movement has had a significant influence on the paint and coatings industry. Coatings formulators and their suppliers have developed products and processes designed to meet the standards of the many groups that certify construction materials and/or the buildings made with them. These specifications continue to develop, and have moved beyond the initial focus on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This evolution is expected to continue, and the hope is that some consolidation of the various certification requirements will occur as well.

A number of raw materials and coatings manufacturers spoke with JCT Coatings Tech about how the green building movement has influenced both the industry in general and their specific product development and manufacturing activi­ties. Their thoughts follow.