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.