INTRODUCTION
Paint, is one of the core materials, used extensively in all projects. Paint contributes significantly to help improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) by using low-VOC formulations and toxic chemicals, withstanding extreme levels of UV light, various levels of humidity and corrosion and other environmental pollutants.

Image credits: Shutterstock

OVERVIEW
The Future Build is a green portal for products and news for local architects, engineers and contractors, developed by Masdar City, with the aim of advancing the adoption of ‘green’ building products.

Paints and coatings shown in the portal have followed the Masdar City product assessment process and can be used on its projects. Masdar City also requires paint manufacturers to pass their supply chain code of conduct and has established sound supply chain practices.

CASE-IN POINT

The challenge:
Paint being a chemical-based product, is difficult to manufacture without VOCs and toxic chemicals.

Solution:
Jotun supplied 50,000 litres of Fenomastic Emulsion Gold, JotaFloor coating, Steel master and powder coating for Masdar Institute.

Jotun, has developed its internal emulsion paint (Fenomastic Emulsion Gold) free from Formaldehyde and APEO to ensure that it meets the high standard set by Masdar City to improve IAQ. Jotun, continues to further improve its green product portfolio by developing low-emitting internal paint and heat reflecting energy-efficient external paint systems.

Result and other positive outcomes: Cradle to grave analysis
Masdar City supply chain team has helped Jotun to understand how to make their supply chain more sustainable. Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) helped them look at ways to make their products greener, while reducing their carbon footprint. The results achieved were impressive with water-based thermal insulation coating producing 66% less carbon compared to solvent-based epoxy coatings.

Supply chain improvements
Masdar City supply chain team has helped Jotun to look at the whole supply chain and the lifecycle impact of a product through LCA analysis. This has helped the company improve against their key performance indicators.

CONCLUSION
Paint, as a construction material, has a significant role to play in aiding the protection of the local and global environment. Moreover, Masdar City is helping to bring certified paints to the UAE, working closely with both local and international paint manufacturers. To be sustainable is much more than just developing green products.

(Source: www.thefuturebuild.com)

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.