A sustainable painting course has been developed to improve environmental awareness amongst painting contractors.
The course has funding from Sustainability Victoria, and was developed by Holmesglen TAFE in collaboration with Greenpainters . The sustainable painting course is designed to prepare painters for the needs of the green building industry, eco-conscious consumers, and to improve environmental management in the industry in general.
Due to the recent move toward eco-consciousness, many consumers and tradesmen have become more aware of the consequences of using conventional paint systems. Consumers are demanding less toxic products, but may need assistance in making sustainable choices.
Daniel Wurm, Managing Director of Greenpainters said that many people require advice about what products are suitable for use around people with allergies, or children. Painters that complete the sustainable painting course will be able to recommend products that can protect indoor air quality, leading to healthier places to live, work, and play. Consumers will be able to have their house or building painted with virtually no fumes, and may even be able to use new paint technology such as heat-reflective nanoceramics to reduce cooling costs.
Many painters already avoid using the new low-VOC products because of perceived higher cost, and unfamiliarity with them. The Greenpainters sustainable painting course will also demonstrate that using these products will improve their health in addition to helping the environment.
The soon-to-be accredited sustainable painting course also focuses on waste-water management, EPA guidelines, Green Star requirements, and new paint technology, and will be run as a pilot on June 27th, Holmesglen TAFE, Victoria. Painters that complete the training may be listed on the Greenpainters website.