What to Look for When Hiring Green-Friendly Commercial Painters
Posted Aug 31, 2020 by Dave Scaturro
Going green means effort and due diligence, even from businesses and who they decide to break bread with in maintaining their facilities. Choosing an environmentally-friendly commercial or industrial painting contractor means exposing your staff and customers to fewer harmful fumes and chemicals, sure, but it should also mean that the paints and treatments used come from sustainable sources.
It is important to note, however, that many companies will claim to be eco-friendly because it is the smart thing to do right now, but may only be fronting their business as such. This is called "greenwashing," and most times, the fakery is not as easy to spot as spying a "gluten-free" label slapped on a company's logo. As you vet your options, make sure these three points are on your checklist:
Are they compliant with LEED standards?
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating system for eco-friendly painting, construction, renovation,etc. Put forward by the US Green Building Council, its standards are the most widely adhered to in the world.
Are they using low-VOC paints and seals?
VOC, or volatile organic compounds, are present in many paints, finishes, and treatments, and they evaporate in the air as a coat dries -- air that people breathe. Check the labels. A green-friendly commercial painter will use paints labeled low-VOC, no-VOC, natural paint, or non-toxic stain.
Are they eco-friendly during preparation?
An experienced, environmentally conscious commercial painting firm won't just bring green materials to the work site. Every surface they paint should be prepped to high standards, which can include removing paints that are already there that are not eco-friendly. Do you have this company's guarantee that they thoroughly prep and prime their surfaces before they get to work?
A green-friendly commercial painting contractor will meet the above standards and have a wealth of options for you to choose from as well. Contact Alpine Painting today to discuss our green options.
