To be considered a green facility, it should possess features that promote sustainability. This can be in the form of procedures and practices to conserve and reduce water use, lessen the building’s dependence on greenhouse gas-emitting electricity, and adopt renewable sources of energy. Another important feature of a sustainable facility is that it uses green materials in its construction and maintenance, such as low- to zero-VOC green coatings.
Green building materials may include plant-based materials such as bamboo or lumber, which come from sustainably-managed plantations and forests. Recycled stones and metals, adobe, clay, sand stone and other products that emit no toxins, come from renewable sources, and can be recycled, are also used in a sustainable facility. Concrete is also considered a sustainable product, together with reused industrial by-products such as coal ash, demolition debris, recycled paper and the like.
When it comes to green coatings application, the sustainable facility lessens environmental impact by making sure there is minimal green coatings wastage during application. The use of green coatings with no toxic emissions is also preferred. Even the machines and equipments used to apply the green coatings are environment-friendly. At project end, disposal of unused green coatings is done in the proper way, with environmental protection in mind.
The sustainable facility is often on the lookout for new technologies and materials that promote sustainability efforts. It keeps abreast of developments and adapts to the changes, in tune to any trends and advisories from professional trade organizations, the EPA and other authoritative bodies.
