We take our responsibility to the environment very seriously. Developing innovative products that meet all regulations and certifications are important to us and our customers. There are real environmental and cost benefits to making sure that our coatings meet all regulatory challenges. Providing a full line of tested and approved chrome-free primers for all applications is one of the many ways in which Valspar is doing its bit to minimise its environmental impact.
A few facts:
Regulatory Associations:
- REACH
- RoHS
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
Many factors affect the indoor temperature of a building and ultimately the comfort of the building’s occupants. Environmental factors such as direct sunlight and the “heat island” effect impact a building envelope, causing increased interior temperatures. The first line of defence for a building is the materials selection in the building envelope.
Cool metal roofing is one way to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Roofs with higher reflectance have lower surface temperatures, which help reduce ambient air temperatures. Highly infra-red emissive and solar-reflective roofing surfaces can help save money in air-conditioning costs because less heat is transferred into the building.
Two key properties that are important to the temperature that a roof will reach in direct sunlight are:
A cool roof with a higher solar reflectance and a high thermal emittance will have a lower surface temperature compared with that of a roof with a low solar reflectance and low emittance. A lower surface temperature translates into less heat gain into the building below, resulting in a cooler air temperature.
At Valspar, we use solar reflective (SR) pigments that have been altered physically and chemically to reflect infra-red radiation, while still absorbing the same amount of visible light, allowing the coating and roof to stay cooler. Our products containing solar reflective pigments are available in a variety of formulations: 70% PVDF and Polyester. When our SR coatings are used, the result is an environmentally friendly building product that can lower energy costs without sacrificing the features and benefits that owners have come to expect: field-proven durability, performance and beauty.
At Valspar, we are committed to innovation and new product development. In addition to developing products that have improved weathering resistance, we are also focused on products that save our customers time and money. Coatings with high-volume solids, reduction of solvent content, in excess of 60%, provide higher coverage rate with less waste.
As a joint effort between the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR programme is a positive boon for the safety of our planet, as well as energy efficiency in general. And by partnering with us, it allows Valspar to do both.
Want to learn more about ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR Cool Roof >
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an eco-focused verification programme developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). From design to construction, and operations to maintenance, every aspect of a building's life cycle is analysed to make sure that it conforms to the most up-to-date environmental standards.
And as an independent, third-party partner, it pushes Valspar to keep green design at the forefront throughout our coil and extrusion coating process.
Want to learn more about LEED? LEED Roof Requirements >
As an independent, charitable, national initiative, the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) works to implement fair, accurate and credible radiative energy performance ratings for roof surfaces. Their precise methodology and excellent quality control are known throughout the roofing industry.
And as a Valspar partner, they’ve helped us show residential and commercial building owners how green roofing products can save home-owners money.
Want to learn more about CRRC?
Cool Roof Calculator > CRRC Association >