GECA Seeks Input on Environmentally Preferable Products Standard

GECA is in the process of developing a new product standard with the working title 'Environmentally Preferable Products'. As part of the development of this standard, GECA is seeking input from industry professionals including manufacturers, construction project teams, consultants, academics and environmental organisations.

The new standard will cover products that demonstrate "environmental preferability". Products should show environmental improvements or have characteristics that reduce environmental impact compared with other equivalent products, such as through reductions in energy use, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, or through other means.

To help ensure a meaningful, thorough and robust standard is developed, GECA is calling for participants to be a part of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for the standard. Please feel free to contact us on standards@geca.org.au or on phone number 02 9699 2850. Read more

What you should know about paints and coatings

Paints and coatings can have significant impacts on the environment and human health, depending on what ingredients and components they contain. For example, if a paint uses organic solvents rather than a water base, it will release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the surrounding air. Solvent-based paints can also contain about 50 percent more embodied energy.

VOCs are detrimental to indoor air quality, and their minimisation is one way to achieve possible Green Star credits. Exposure to VOCs can trigger headaches; irritation to eyes, nose and throat; damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous systems; and loss of coordination. They're also suspected to cause cancer in humans and have been associated with "sick building syndrome", according to The Fifth Estate. Read more

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