Environmentally friendly building materials and designs increase worker productivity and even raise test scores in children, according to a pair of recent studies. So why don’t green projects sell themselves? The answer probably has a lot to do with consumers’ lack of green product knowledge.

Misconceptions about prohibitive costs and scant information about coating options continue to hinder the adoption of green products. To close this knowledge gap, set the stage for your next project with some of the compelling research available on green products.

Researchers point to an array of positive effects on people living in and using green buildings, including reduced costs, improved energy-efficiency and diminished pollutants.

A study by the U.S. Green Building Council, the foremost coalition of building industry leaders promoting earth-friendly construction practices, claims that children in green schools have 20 percent better test scores, and hospitals using environmentally sound technologies discharge patients 2-1⁄2 days earlier than traditional hospitals do. On the retail side, the study reports that consumers linger longer and spend more money in green buildings.

Green building is making real inroads into mainstream construction markets — 60 percent of U.S. property owners involved in construction used energy-efficient designs in the past year, according to data from construction consulting firm PinnacleOne, as reported in The Wall Street Journal.

Why paint makes a difference
Adding compelling, end-user-focused details to your next proposal can mean the difference between a successful pitch and a missed opportunity. Consider highlighting these points:

• Health matters. Select the environmentally preferred options such as no- or low-VOC paints. Take careful precautions to avoid compromising indoor air quality and your health.
• Bright equals natural light. Select paint shades that brighten indoor spaces and naturally reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy.
• Durability pays off. Choose products for their durability and appeal. They will last longer and cost less to maintain in the long run. The upfront expense of high-quality paints and premium paint supplies is well worth the investment, because they can be applied more efficiently and yield better results. Durable formulations mean you’ll repaint less often, which helps minimize environmental impact.

Choosing zero-VOC or low-VOC paints
Apart from being the environmentally responsible choice, no- or low-VOC paint is a contractor’s dream. The paint’s low amount of airborne chemicals makes it possible for construction crews to work alongside painting crews, reducing job time. In addition, low-VOC paints help workers and occupants avoid asthmatic and allergic reactions, and reduce VOC contributions to smog. The EPA requires manufacturers to list paint’s VOC content. In general, pick paint that meets your needs with the lowest VOC level possible.

Air Apparent
Green is in, and Sherwin-Williams has the green products your customers are asking for. One of these products is ProGreen™ 200, a construction-grade paint that meets clean-air and green performance standards at a competitive price.

A low-VOC, low-odor formula makes ProGreen 200 ideal for painting occupied areas, while its durability and cost-effectiveness are perfect for new commercial construction applications. It’s available in Primer, Flat, Eg-Shel and Semi-Gloss sheens, allowing you to deliver an attractive, uniform finish while meeting stringent GS-11 criteria and demanding budgets.

Benefits include:

• Low VOC (50g/l)
• Low odor
• Meets or exceeds GS-11 standards
• Can be applied in occupied areas
• Formulated without silica

Good Housekeeping Seal
You’re no doubt aware that the Good Housekeeping Seal, an emblem of Good Housekeeping magazine’s focus on consumers, is a widely recognized symbol of high-quality goods. What you might not know is that four Sherwin-Williams products have earned the seal.

Duration Home^®, a low-VOC, low-odor interior latex paint renowned for its superior washability and burnish resistance, is available in more than 1,400 colors, including bold, vivid accent colors, and has antimicrobial properties to resist mildew.

Harmony^®, a zero-VOC, low-odor interior latex product, permits immediate occupancy in newly painted spaces. It has antimicrobial properties to resist mildew and is formulated without silica.

Duration^® Exterior Latex Coating — the most durable exterior coating available for resisting peeling and blistering — enables one-coat application on repaints and self-priming (two coats) on new work.

Builders Solution^® system is formulated especially for new residential spaces. The surfacer hides minor surface imperfections, and the topcoat permits seamless touch-ups.

Good Housekeeping research indicates that a majority of consumers are more likely to purchase a product that has earned the magazine’s seal. Letting your clients know that you specify products backed by the seal can help you build a case for higher-quality coatings.

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1. Even More Harmonious
2. Behind the Scenes: Sherwin-Williams Outrageous Green (SW 6922) Ad Shoot
3. Floors Meet Walls