Ambient Pro+ the Ultimate Air Purifying Paint.

Ambient Pro + the Ultimate Air Purifying Paint. How Does it Clean our Air?

Air purifying photocatalytic paints contain a special type of pigment called titanium dioxide (TiO2) mixed with the paint base. When exposed to UV light, such as sunlight, TiO2 acts as a photocatalyst.

The process begins when the TiO2 absorbs UV light energy, which activates its electrons. These activated electrons then react with water molecules in the surrounding air, leading to the formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH•). These highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can oxidise and decompose organic air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful air pollutants produced by vehicle emissions and industrial activities. When NOx comes into contact with TiO2, the photocatalytic reaction breaks down these pollutants into nitrogen and water, effectively purifying the surrounding air. These types of paints are also effective decomposing sulphur dioxides (SOx), formaldehydes and other VOCs.

How do Air Purifying Paints Absorb CO2

Ony Lime Air Purifying Paints have the unique property of being able to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air through a process known as carbonation. This absorption of CO2 is a result of the chemical reaction that occurs between the lime (calcium hydroxide) in the paint and the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This carbonation process can occur in other lime-based materials, such as mortars, plasters, and stuccos, making them environmentally friendly and contributing to their durability. It is important to note these lime renders and plasters must only be overpainted with lime based breathable paints like Graphenstone.

When lime paint is applied to a surface, it initially contains a high concentration of calcium hydroxide. As the paint cures and comes into contact with atmospheric carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction called carbonation takes place. Carbonation causes the calcium hydroxide to react with the carbon dioxide in the air, forming calcium carbonate, which is essentially limestone.

This carbonation process allows Lime Air Purifying Paints to act as carbon sinks because they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, the majority in the first 30 days after application, and convert it into a stable solid form. This not only helps to improve air quality by reducing the concentration of CO2, but it also provides a sustainable alternative to conventional paints that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and contribute to environmental pollution.

When selecting the best Air Purifying Paints it is important to consider their performance, coverage rates, applied costs and their environmental credentials. Most credible paint manufacturers independently verify their environmental credentials through EPD reports.

 

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 Air Purifying Paints Environmental Impact?

Most paint product comparisons report and assess the Global Warming Potential (GWP) during the production and transport stages (A1-3) although stages A4 transport to site and  application stage (A5), is also of significant importance. Many water based paint systems have been cost reduced by increasing the water content effectively lowering the volume solids and coverage rates in order to keep the price per litre competitive. This is a false economy as more paint is required by the consumer to complete the project and the higher volume requirements increases emissions at the A4 transport to site stage.

At the A5 application stage harmful VOCs are often emitted from paints during the drying and curing phase. The best paints are those with only trace VOCs. Lime based paints such as Ambient Pro+ excel in stage A5 as they actually absorb CO2 during this process 0.36kg/lt , the majority in the first 30 days after application, creating a significant reduction in the cradle to gate GWP. Ambient Pro Air Purifying Paint has the lowest GWP of all paints making it the most environment paint in the market.

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 is the Best Air Purifying Paint for Interior and Exterior Buildings?

Ambient Pro+   is a decorative natural pure lime paint that has been reinforced with Graphene to provide excellent washability, flexibility and adhesion. It is a lime photocatalytic paint that achieves the highest environmental standards, Air Pure Class 3 (UNE 22197) absorbing  CO2, Nitrous and Sulphur Dioxide. It is an Air Purification paint  ideal for interior and exterior walls on residential and commercial property. It has near zero VOCs,  no microplastics and meets the highest environmental standards Cradle to Cradle Gold, Material Health Gold, Global Green Tag Platinum, certified by LEED, BREEAM and WELL.

It is the Ultimate Photocatalytic Lime Air Purifying paint, a breathable class 1 finish suitable for lime renders and lime plaster. It is non combustible with an EU Class A1 fire rating important for building regulations.

 Ambient Pro+   has a low Carbon Footprint, EPD Verified with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.089 kg/m2 C02e per coat. This compares with Soldalit ME lime air purifying paint with a GWP of 0.12kg/m2 CO2e.

For every 1000m2 of  walls and ceilings painted it will produce a CO2e saving of 63kg compared to Soldalit ME , 260kg saving compared to Dulux Airsure and 846kg saving compared to Johnstones Airpure matt, due to the additional benefits of carbonation and CO2 absorption with lime paints.

What is also important when comparing lime air purifying paints is the coverage rates, which ultimately have an impact on applied costs and the carbon footprint. Ambient Pro+ is a high solids paint with a coverage rate of 18m2/lt per coat compared to Solvalit ME which has a rate of 4.5m2/lt per coat. On a project of 1000m2 this equates to using 333 litres less paint when applying Ambient Pro+, representing a significant saving in applied costs.

Ambient Pro+  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 lime  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.
• They absorb C02 at the application stage (A5) creating a significantly lower carbon footprint.
• 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.

Ambient Pro+ is the Ultimate Photocatalytic Air Purifying Lime Paint , a breathable natural lime paint cleaning your air of C02, air bourne toxins and naturally inhibiting bacteria and mould. The effectiveness of EPD Verified paints in creating healthier living environments means 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 for a safer, cleaner, greener living and working environment.