Painting & Renovating

Print This Page

Affordability

The selection and affordability of sustainable paint, flooring and other materials has increased in recent years. Many paint companies, including internationally recognized brands, offer paints made with low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). As well, an increasing number of hardware and flooring retailers sell sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood flooring, “green” alternatives such as linoleum or marmoleum, and, for high end locations, there are choices such as cork and bamboo.

Cost savings

While many sustainable options for painting and flooring are still priced higher than conventional products, the health benefits of eliminating toxic off-gassing (release of chemicals) will likely save you money down the road. VOCs and other chemicals in carpeting, manufactured wood products and paint, can cause headaches or decreased energy in the short-term, and many are known to cause cancer and other serious illnesses. In fact, studies show that clean air in businesses results in a two to six percent increase in productivity, and in retail businesses, increased sales.

Environmental considerations

Like paint colours, there are different “shades of green” in the sustainability of product choices. To find products that are the “brightest green”, look for those that are ecologically certified (Eco-Logo, Forest Stewardship Council), that have zero VOC emissions, and that are made with renewable resources, reclaimed wood, organic cotton and wool or Panda-safe bamboo. Support companies that are making quality products with a sustainable bottom line.

What you need to know

Paint
Flooring
Other renovations

• Fortunately, the product choices that are best for the environment, tend to be the best for your health too.

Paint

• Buy only paints that have no or at least low, VOCs to protect your employees’ health and the environment.
• Light House Sustainable Building Centre has a great online guide to sustainable building supplies, including low VOC and natural paints.
• Check out Eco-logo’s online guide to the building materials and paints they certify.
• The U.S. based Greenguard Environmental Institute also has a good product guide to help you find products with no VOC’s.
• If you cannot find no or low VOC paint in your local stores, look online. There are numerous retailers in Canada (link to paint in Buyer’s Guide) you can order from or you might find there is one near you. Many online paint retailers will send you chips for colour testing, which are larger than traditional swatches and make colour selections more accurate.
• Light paint colours and higher gloss sheens reflect daylight, meaning your space will need less overhead lighting, saving energy and money. Check out our Make the Most of Natural Light tip in our Business Lighting guide for more information.

Flooring

• Ensure you buy products that are no, or at least low, VOC to protect your employees’ health and the environment.
• Use the online sustainable building products guide from Light House to help decide on the best flooring for your workplace.
• Avoid carpets and any other fabrics that have stain guards in them. These chemicals can cause short-term health effects such as headaches and have been linked to longer-term illness like cancers as well.
• A high percentage of industrial carpet and carpet underlay is made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which release dioxins during manufacture, use and disposal. PVC has been linked to kidney disease, cancer and reproductive ailments in laboratory experiments. Opt for PVC alternatives.
• Laminate floorings are also likely to off-gas VOC’s and other chemicals. Look for no VOC laminates or go with a different flooring option.
• The U.S. based Greenguard Environmental Institute has a good product guide to help you find VOC free flooring.
• The healthiest and most sustainable materials tend to be the most natural ones. In B.C., in makes sense to use sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood, or an alternative such as ceramic tile, linoleum or marmoleum. Bamboo and cork are also greener alternatives for flooring, though they are expensive, imported and may not meet the needs of a business environment. Discuss the characteristics of wear for various types of flooring with your retailer to find the one that best suits the traffic flow in your workplace.
• With whatever flooring you buy, ensure you want to use it for a long time. On average, carpet sits on a floor for eight to 13 years but will spend 20,000 years in a landfill. Similarly, while products like marmoleum come from natural sources, they cannot be recycled, burdening the environment in landfills. Wood floors last and are biodegradable. Another option is a “click” flooring, like marmoleum click, that snaps together and then can be taken apart and laid elsewhere if you move your workplace.

Other renovations

• Seek out sources of materials that are used or sustainably harvested and do not contain toxic chemicals. Be especially careful when purchasing plywood, particleboard and fibre board. Ensure you get formaldehyde-free products.
• Light House Sustainable Building Centre has an online resource to identify Green Building Products and one for Green Building Professionals.
• If you are renovating your office, take the opportunity to layout your space to best capture daylight where it is needed adding energy-efficient light fixtures, more ability to light only small areas at a time (instead of the entire floor) and enhanced task lighting, “while you are in renovation mode.”

FAQ

Bamboo flooring looks good, but does it last?
Good quality bamboo is comparable to or even more durable than oak or red maple. It is durable, resistant to chemicals and fire and can be stained to suit your taste. However, there are more than 700 kinds of bamboo so quality varies widely. Purchase from a reputable retailer who offers a solid product guarantee. Bamboo can also be an expensive flooring choice and so makes the most sense for a business that requires a high-end look their office. For most businesses, sustainably harvested or recycled wood flooring, tile, PVC-free carpeting or marmoleum are likely more affordable alternatives.

What is the cheapest green flooring option? We do not want to spend a lot on flooring as we have a short lease and might be leaving it behind in a couple of years.
Linoleum or marmoleum flooring can be the least expensive option in many circumstances, but another option that can be cost effective and waste reducing, is click-together flooring, also called floating or quick lock. There are wood laminate options (ensure they are VOC free), as well as marmoleum and even carpeted tiles. You can lay it down, and they easily take it apart and reconfigure it for your new location.