Green Building - Professionals' choice

We support sustainable development and the Green Building Council's goals, aiming to guide you on the best paints and coatings for sustainable construction.

Professionals’ choice - Designed for the wellbeing of people and properties

Buildings have a significant impact on our environment, contributing substantially to total greenhouse gas emissions. That's why we advocate for products that deliver verified, lasting performance. By choosing our paints for Green Building standards, you contribute to cleaner air without compromising on durability or colour.

Your choice of paints makes a difference

When it comes to building a sustainable and healthy property, the right paint makes all the difference. Our eco-friendly paints help you design for better living, achieve higher performance, and leave a lasting impact—while meeting green building standards.

Improved indoor air quality

Our paints are backed by environmental certifications, ensuring they meet strict standards for low VOC content and minimal emissions related to indoor air quality. Choose our certified paints for a healthier, more sustainable space—without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

Environmental product declaration(EPD)

Using EPDs we can offer more transparent information on the environmental impact of our paints have in building sustainable cities and communities of tomorrow. We are committed to taking nature's limited resources into account in our business and want to openly share the environmental impacts of our products.

Durable and lasting facades

Company’s strategic goal is sustainability throughout the whole process and lifecycle of building, providing guidance on making sustainable and durable choices to protect and beautify the spaces we live and work in line with the requirements of green building assessment methods including BREEAM and LEED.

Low emission paints are better for health and the environment

One of the most widely used classifications for building material emissions is M1. Developed and published by The Finnish Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (Sisäilmayhdistys) in 1996, the M1 classification sets limit values for the emission of VOC, formaldehyde and ammonia.

What differences are there between LEED and BREEAM classifications?

Selecting a paint or coating suitable for green building always depends on the site and the environmental certificate used. LEED and BREEAM are the two most common environmental certificates used in Europe. While all environmental certification systems are designed to ensure responsible, eco-friendly, and low-emission construction, the systems are not identical.

Why can't the paint or coating simply say LEED or BREEAM certified?

LEED and BREEAM certificates are always granted to a building or a residential area – not to an individual construction product. Environmental certification logos also have rights that limit their use.This is why a LEED or BREEAM logo cannot simply be slapped onto a paint can.

However, the product data sheet can state that the paint or coating meets the LEED v4 (for projects outside the USA as per approved methods) and the BREEAM, BREEAM-SE and BREEAM-NOR classification system requirements. The changing criteria of green building projects poses another challenge. In BREEAM, for example, the demands vary in different building projects. This means that the criteria vary depending on whether the site is:

a new building,
a building already in use, or
a building to be renovated.

This is why it is not possible to provide universally applicable guidelines. For the best advice when selecting paints and coatings, refer to the construction project’s environmental certification consultant who will consult designers and contractors. When the specific criteria are known, we at Tikkurila are happy to help you pick the right product.

Which characteristics indicate that a product is suitable for green building?

Low emission and durable are the two characteristics that products suitable for green building have in common. As each repaint further stresses the environment, a long maintenance painting interval adds value to a product. The environmental certificates also stress low VOC content and indoor air quality criteria-related emissions.

Sustainable development and clean indoor air

The sustainable development of built environments and products that promote good indoor air quality play a particularly important role at the moment. This is why we strive to develop products with a long maintenance painting interval and minimal impact on the environment. Proactive product development and uncompromising quality control ensure that we can meet the demands of the industry now and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about green building

How do I know which products meet the requirements of my project?

LEED and BREEAM certification systems vary by country and project type, making it impossible to provide universal guidelines for suitable products. The choice of coatings depends on the specific project, but as a general rule, VOC content and emissions should be minimized. For project-specific requirements, consult the environmental certification consultant, who will have access to a database of low-emission coatings, including relevant Tikkurila products.

What are emission and VOC content requirements?

VOC emissions contribute to ozone in the lower atmosphere. Depending on the certification system, you must calculate the product's VOC content (using ISO 11890-2:2006 or gas chromatography) and ensure it meets the relevant limits, such as those in the VOC directive 2004/42/EC or the system's specific values. Some systems also restrict volatile compound emissions, with varying limits and measurement times. Consult a Tikkurila expert and the project's environmental certification consultant to ensure compliance and product selection.

Which combinations of treatments and paint products are suitable for my site?

Suitable treatment and paint combinations depend on the specific project and certification system (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, RTS, Nordic Swan). Each system focuses on different product aspects, and restrictions on chemicals like Bisphenol A, chrome, lead, or cadmium vary. Therefore, suitable products must be identified on a project-by-project basis.

Can a product be LEED or BREEAM certified?

LEED and BREEAM certificates apply to construction sites, not individual products. Products must meet the certification system’s group requirements, which vary by site. A manufacturer’s statement is often needed to confirm compliance. To get help from a coating expert, provide the following information: Is it a LEED or BREEAM project? Are there specific product requirements for contractors or architects? If not, consult the project’s environmental certification consultant for the relevant paint product requirements. Then, we'll help you choose the right product.