Tikkurila Blog

How do you pick paints and coatings for a green building project? Tikkurila’s Technical Development Manager Sakari Leimi answers architects’  frequently asked questions.

LEED, BREEAM, and RTS are environmental certification systems for construction projects that all consider interior air quality and material emissions. When selecting coatings, pay attention to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and limit the quantity of volatile compounds emitting from paint products.

Which coatings can be used on green building sites? There is no simple answer, as there are numerous environmental certificates and emission classifications. The most commonly used classifications – LEED, BREEAM, and RTS – all have their own criteria for scoring the products used.

Tikkurila is committed to the goals of the international Green Building Council and wants to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly design, such as making sustainable development a natural part of all aspects of the real estate and construction industry.

According to estimates, the global population will reach nine billion by 2050, which means an ever-increasing need for construction. Even at the current level, construction uses more raw materials than any other industry – about 50% more when measured by weight.

Wood is the most environmentally friendly construction material due to its renewability, long life, biodegradability, and energy efficiency. A wooden building also stores atmospheric carbon dioxide, acting as a long-term carbon sink.

What should an architect know about fire protection before planning a building project involving wood? Olli Prättälä from Siparila reveals all.

In wood construction, just like in almost any other type of construction, the choice of finish matters. The right type of paint can help a wooden surface last longer – and reduce the need for maintenance painting.

Known for designing the Kamppi Chapel in Helsinki and an expert in wood construction, architect Mikko Summanen sat down with us to discuss the possibilities, challenges, and future outlook of building with wood in Finland.

The increasing use of water-borne coatings in industrial applications is expected to gain pace in coming years, with companies driven by tightening global and local regulations that restrict VOC emissions and hazardous air pollutants. Consumer pressure is also growing, with greater awareness of sustainability and green building issues leading to increased manufacturer responsibility and improved user safety.