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Dulux Trade Paint proves the sustainable option for the University of Reading
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From the start of its £49 million building programme, the University of Reading set out to create a new breed of university accommodation that sets the standard for sustainability. As part of this aim, the University of Reading tasked construction partner and leader in sustainable construction, Morgan Ashurst, with considering the carbon footprint of the project and using environmentally friendly building methods and products, every step of the way.
Sustainability was therefore a particular focus when it came to selecting coatings for the project, with the University, Morgan Ashurst, Crowthorne Property Maintenance and Dulux Trade Contact Partnership painting contractor, A C Beck & Sons, seeking a coatings manufacturer that could deliver genuinely sustainable products. The project partners also sought to work with an organisation that would support and enhance its environmental practices and help lower the scheme’s carbon footprint.
Emma Mallett, Quantity Surveyor at Morgan Ashurst, explains: “Although selecting a high quality, cost effective product was critical for the University of Reading project, sustainability was paramount. Because of this, we wanted to work with a painting manufacturer that shares our sustainability vision.”
With this in mind, Morgan Ashurst conducted a detailed specification review for the painting project, which challenged manufacturers to meet the programme’s sustainability objectives. ICI Paints AkzoNobel rose to the challenge, and as a result, Dulux Trade was chosen as the preferred paint brand.
Dulux Trade was selected for the project, as it was able to provide Morgan Ashurst with sustainable ways to dispose of the paint used, which supported the contractor’s waste management and recycling objectives. Morgan Ashurst was particularly impressed by the Dulux Trade Environmental Wash System. The first of its kind in the UK, the Dulux Trade Environmental Wash System provides an environmentally responsible way of washing out painting tools, such as brushes and rollers. The revolutionary machine converts water-based paint washings into clear water and solid waste, allowing for easier and safer disposal.
Beyond environmental services and support, product quality was a further factor in the decision to work with Dulux Trade. For the new halls of residence, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt was selected as it is ten times tougher than conventional vinyl silk emulsions and can be wiped clean easily, without affecting the matt finish. What’s more, Diamond Matt has a maintenance cycle of five years, which is not only ideal for a high traffic area like student accommodation but, by eliminating the need for more regular redecoration, meets sustainability goals and provides longer term best value.
Emma continued: “Work began on the new halls of residence in March 2009, and the support provided by Dulux Trade is already proving invaluable in enabling us to achieve a truly ‘green’ project, whilst demonstrating how well our company sustainability strategy works.”
Commenting on the University of Reading project, Chris Garrow, Safety, Health and Environment Advisor for Morgan Ashurst, said: “We have been particularly impressed with the envirowash system available, which has allowed us to re-use water, thus reducing our impact on natural resources, as well as being able to safely dispose of waste paint as a non hazardous material.”
Steve Beck, from A C Beck & Sons, added: “Working with Dulux Trade has made sustainability simple. As well as helping us support the University in choosing the best coating for the job, Dulux Trade has made it easy for us to manage our waste on site.”
The University of Reading’s new halls of residence will comprise 965 new study bedrooms, along with catering, laundry and social facilities
