Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official definition of “green”? What are the standards that are sometimes used to determine “green”? What is a VOC? How does PPG determine which of its paint products it designates green? What is Green Seal® Certified? What is LEED®? What are the benefits of LEED® certification? Where does paint fit into the LEED® equation? Can products be certified under LEED®? What are the VOC requirements of EQ 4.2 under LEED NC v2.2? What is CHPS? Where does paint fit into the CHPS equation? Does green cost more? How can I stay up to date with the latest regulatory changes? Where can I find a list of Pittsburgh and Porter "green" products?
Is there an official definition of “green”?
No. Many different measures or standards can be applied to designate a practice or a product as “green”. For construction, remodeling, or DIY projects, “Green” currently references the incorporation of practices that decrease impact on the environment. This can include, but is not limited to, the use of low VOC content paint products that have reduced VOC emissions.
What are the standards that are sometimes used to determine “green”?
While there is no single authority on what makes a product green, three different types of standards are often used. They include governmental regulations, the widely accepted United States Green Building Councils’ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System™ and independent certifying bodies such as the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS).
What is a VOC?
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the solvents in most paints that evaporate and react with other elements in the air to create ground level ozone (smog). VOCs are also a part of the odor in paint that is offensive and continues to off-gas which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
How does PPG determine which of its paint products it designates green?
At a minimum, all PPG-designated green products meet LEED® NC 2.2 requirements. In addition, PPG uses the most stringent regulatory laws as product development guidelines. Therefore, if a PPG product bears this symbol (put in new ecological logo), you can be sure it has been formulated to have no, or minimal VOC content and is among the greenest paints in the industry. 
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What is Green Seal® Certified?
Green Seal® is an independent non-profit setting standards for environmentally responsible products. Green Seal® certification is based on VOC content, the absence of chemicals (www.greenseal.org), durability, performance and manufacturing practices.
What is LEED®?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. The LEED® rating systems are developed by the US Breen Building Council (USGBC) committees, in adherence with USGBC policies and procedures guiding the development and maintenance of rating systems. The LEED® Rating System was created to transform the built environment to sustainability by providing the building industry with consistent, credible standards for what constitutes a green building.
What are the benefits of LEED® certification?
LEED® certification is third-party validation of a building’s performance. LEED® certified projects blend environmental, economic, and occupant-oriented performance. They cost less to operate and maintain, are energy- and water-efficient, have higher lease-up rates than conventional buildings in their markets, and are a physical demonstration of the values of the organizations that own and occupy them.
Where does paint fit into the LEED® equation?
Paint is one many categories of building materials, construction practices and building footprints that contribute and can impact a buildings overall LEED® certification. Paint requirements are found in section EQ 4.2 under Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings.
Can products be certified under LEED®? Back to top No. LEED® applies to green building projects. Individual products can contribute to points under the rating system; LEED® criteria are performance-based. In attempting to meet these requirements, LEED® practitioners identify products that have desired attributes. However, some LEED® criteria do require specific product data as a part of a successful submittal.
What are the VOC requirements of EQ 4.2 under LEED® NC v2.2?
• Flats: <50 g/L
• Non-Flats: <150 g/L
• Anti-corrosive and anti-rust: <250g/L
• Clear wood finishes: Varnish <350 g/L; Lacquer <550 g/L
• Floor coatings: <100 g/L
• Sealers: Waterproofing Sealers <250 g/L; Sanding Sealers <275 g/L; All Other Sealers <200 g/L
• Shellacs: Clear <730 g/L; Pigmented <550 g/L
• Stains: <250 g/L
What is CHPS?
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) “Low Emitting Products” criteria Section 01350 was developed in California to oversee the nation’s first green building rating program especially designed for K-12 schools. The mission of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools is to facilitate the design, construction and operation of high performance schools
Where does paint fit into the CHPS equation?
Paint requirements are found under Indoor Environmental Quality Credit EQ2.2. CHPS EQ2.2 credits are offered for products meeting testing method and emission limits criteria defined in the CDHS Standard Practice.
Does green cost more?
Not always, in fact, many of our products that builders and DIYers have trusted for years meet guidelines and standards for building "green".
How can I stay up to date with the latest regulatory changes? Back to top
You can stay up to date with the latest regulatory changes by going to the specific regulatory body’s web site which applies to your region. You can also check the Certifications & Regulations area of our website.
Where can I find a list of Pittsburgh and Porter "green" products?
Use our comprehensive online Green Systems Guide to find green paint products to meet your specific project needs.