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Paint – make an educated specification


Universities and student accommodation providers have long recognised the contribution high quality, sustainable practices can bring to creating world-class student experiences. For student accommodation providers in particular, there are a number of ways to make a positive impact, as Peter Howard, National Sector Manager for Healthcare, Education & Property Management at Dulux Trade explains


T


HE student housing sector is continually looking for ways to make buildings standout to enhance


student experience, attract students and appeal to parents. With an increasingly sophisticated market expecting everything from the latest technology to inspiration, comfort and sustainability, the student housing sector is in need of bespoke specifications that help to deliver these ever increasing needs. Material specification plays a key role and


manufacturers are increasingly working in partnership with both universities and student accommodation providers to drive value. Universities will achieve a much better return on investment from having an estate that attracts students while having a low environmental impact, reduced operating costs, longer maintenance cycles and less wasteful maintenance programme. Furthermore, creating spaces that can have a positive impact on the well-being of occupants is also becoming increasingly important. Looking at decorative coatings in


particular, manufacturers such as Dulux Trade are keen to work closely with university and student accommodation project teams to ensure they can make an informed choice that maximises the potential benefits of decoration. Starting with the fundamentals, all universities and student accommodation providers are looking to creative well-designed attractive spaces that suit their brand. Once the colours are decided it is about


selecting the best finish for the space and surface. Ideally the paint chosen should always have low volatile organic compound (VOC) and embodied carbon levels. This


will help to minimise both environmental impact but also odour, which means spaces can be occupied quicker. From an environmental compliance perspective it is often important to achieve compliance to a set standard such as BREEAM, SKA Rating or even WELL, which most Dulux Trade products comply with. These are environmental assessment methodologies and benchmark standards to provide the assurance that major projects, whether new construction or interior fit-outs / refurbishments meet sustainable guidelines. Moreover you may wish to check that a supplier can demonstrate BES 6001 accreditation for responsible sourcing. Another important factor to take into


account is the desired maintenance cycle. Here the durability of the paint and coatings is crucial. The majority of areas across educational estates – from crowded lecture rooms to busy corridors - will need to cope with high levels of traffic and need frequent cleaning. For student accommodation in particular, mould resistance in high humidity areas, for example, kitchens and bathrooms, is often needed. Finishes can also help rooms look and


feel larger. Using Lumitec technology, light that would normally be absorbed by conventional paint colours is instead reflected back. The effect goes beyond simply making the room lighter and brighter – study rooms and corridors will also seem more spacious. This means an astute paint specification can consequently save an average of 22% of lighting energy, by allowing lower wattage lamps to be used. Sustainability and lowering


environmental impact also means thinking


about waste and recycling. Working with an experienced specification team will ensure that the paint chosen is fit for purpose, the correct preparation is made to substrates, and all factors considered so that the project goes right first time. And whilst it might sound obvious, making sure that painting contractors are the last trades on site will help to avoid costly call backs to retouch or repaint areas marked or damaged by subsequent work. When it comes to recycling, there are a


number of initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of any painting work. Specifiers should always stipulate that all empty paint cans containing water-based products are recycled and most paint manufacturers are able to facilitate this requirement. Schemes such as Dulux Trade’s Community RePaint also collect reusable, leftover paint and re-distribute it to local individuals, families, communities and charities in need, ensuring every drop of paint purchased can be put to good use transforming spaces. Universities and student housing


providers often have their own set of design, performance and eco requirements and there are a multitude of factors to take into account when it comes to the specification of paint. By working with a manufacturer that is geared towards high quality, sustainable delivery and maximising the opportunity colour, design and finishes can bring, facilities really can reap long-term rewards.


www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/support/ education


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