Which Environmental Paints for Healthier Future Homes. EPD Verified.

Which Environmental Paints for Healthier Future Homes. EPD Verified.

What is EPD Verification?

EPD stands for an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) it is a transparent and verified document that provides information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. It is based on an assessment of various factors, including raw material extraction, manufacturing processes, energy consumption, emissions and waste generation.

EPD Verification involves a rigorous process conducted by independent third-party organisations to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in the EPD. This verification process ensures that the EPD meets internationally recognized standards, such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804.

In EN 15804 the impacts of construction products are modelled over four life cycle stages:

• The product stage (A1-A3) showing the impacts of manufacture and the supply chain from the "cradle to gate".
• The construction stage (A4-A5) showing the impacts of transport and installation on site.
• The use stage (B1-B7) showing the impacts of any emissions in use, maintenance, expected repair or replacement and any energy or water consumed in use.
• The end of life stage (C1-C4) showing the impacts of demolition or deconstruction, transport to waste processing and any recovery or disposal processes "to grave".

The purpose of EPD Verification is to provide consumers, businesses, and decision-makers with reliable and comparable information about the environmental performance of products. By having verified EPDs, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to transparency and sustainability. This helps consumers make informed choices and supports the shift towards more environmentally friendly products.

In the context of paints, EPD Verification assures that the paint manufacturer has accurately assessed and disclosed the environmental impacts associated with their product. This includes factors such as carbon footprint, VOC emissions, CO2 absorption and other relevant metrics.

How Do I Compare Paints Environmental Impact?

Most paint product comparisons report and assess the Global Warming Potential (GWP) during the production and transport stages (A1-3) although the transport (A4) is closely linked to the volume solids of the paint and paint application stage (A5), is also of significant importance as harmful VOCs are often emitted from paints during the drying and curing phase. In addition some lime paints such as Ambient Pro+ actually absorb CO2 during this process creating a significant reduction in the cradle to gate GWP.

EPD Verified paints are considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly, offering a greener alternative in the market. By choosing EPD Verified paints, individuals and businesses can make informed decisions, ensuring they are contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. EPD Verification brings credibility and accountability to the claims made by manufacturers regarding the environmental performance of their products.

GWP is measured in kg/m2 of CO2 e, which is a unit given to greenhouse gas emissions as an equivalent in CO2. Comparing EPD figures across brands enables a simple mathematical calculation to assess the difference in CO2e/m2 for each product. This difference when multiplied by the surface area in square metres to be painted will give you the CO2e saving in kilos for a project.

Which Environmental Paints for Future Homes?

Grafclean   is a decorative natural mineral paint that has been reinforced with Graphene to provide excellent washability, flexibility and adhesion. Certified Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold it is a Child Safe paint ideal for interior and exterior walls on busy homes, offices, restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. It has near zero VOCs,  no microplastics and meets the highest environmental standards Cradle to Cradle Bronze, certified by LEED, BREEAM and WELL.

GrafClean can be applied to most surfaces including lime rendered exterior and interior walls, plaster, gypsum, ceramics, tile and brick to provide excellent colour and gloss retention in any environment. Grafclean has high solids (70%) with high coverage rates of 16m2 per litre per coat, reducing the quantity of paint required to complete your project, reduce A4 transport emissions to site and ultimately achieve your sustainability goals.

It has a low Carbon Footprint, EPD Verified with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.12 kg/m2 C02e per coat. This compares with Dulux Airsure with a GWP of 0.2 kg/m2 CO2e and Johnstones Airpure of 0.492 kg/m2 CO2e.

For example using GrafClean on a project of 1000m2 , requiring two coats of paint, would reduce the CO2e by 160kg compared to Airsure and 743kg compared to Airpure. Making GrafClean the environmental and economic choice compared to other Air Pure Matt emulsions and Clay paints.

GrafClean Environmental Credentials.

 

 

Air pollution is not limited to outdoor environments. In fact, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. In our quest for healthier living environments, it is crucial to address the issue of indoor air pollution. Many common household items contribute to the deterioration of air quality, heating and cooking emissions, cleaning products,  aerosols, formaldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from paints. These pollutants can have adverse effects on human health, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, asthma and other long-term health complications.

 

EPD Verified paints have gained recognition for their commitment to environmental sustainability, specifically in terms of improving indoor air quality and reducing  both GWP and VOC emissions. They are manufactured with rigorous quality control measures, ensuring compliance with strict industry standards. By opting for EPD Verified paints, you enjoy several benefits:

• Reduced VOC Emissions: EPD Verified paints contain lower levels of VOCs, which helps improve indoor air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory problems.
• Healthier Living Spaces: Using these paints in homes, nurseries, and bedrooms promotes a healthier living environment, especially for children who are more susceptible to the health effects of pollutants.
• Eco-Friendly: EPD Verified paints have a low GWP, contributing less to climate change and overall environmental degradation. By choosing these paints, you actively participate in reducing your carbon footprint.

GrafClean exemplifies the effectiveness of EPD Verified paints in creating healthier living environments. Specifiers, Architects, Interior Designers and Construction companies are now collaborating to identify these types of innovative products to help drive down embedded carbon in our buildings, offices and homes to meet the requirements of the future home standards

So when considering painting projects, choose EPD Verified paints like GrafClean for a child safe, cleaner, and greener living space.