Sustainability sets Eco.Decorators apart | Stuff.co.nz

More than 250 eco-friendly specialist painters are now available across New Zealand, thanks to an innovative programme, introduced by Resene. 

Since the Resene Eco.Decorator programme was introduced in 2008, thousands of homes and businesses have now been painted in an eco-friendly way by certified decorators who must demonstrate eco-friendly practices in their work from the beginning of a project to its completion.

Only the best selected as Eco.Decorators

Not just anyone can be accredited, says Resene Eco.Decorator manager, Ben Solly.

Painting contractors must be invited to join, and Resene selects only those able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible, quality-focused practices – which include waste management, project plans and project signoff processes, which are all audited on an annual basis.

“Sustainable decorating is more than just choosing an Environmental Choice-approved paint,” Solly says.

“It is also making sure that it is applied in an environmentally-responsible manner following sustainable principles.”

Peace of mind

Solly says homeowners who use a certified Resene Eco.Decorator, can be confident they are committed to sustainable principles in their work processes.

Alongside professional quality painting service, sustainable paint systems are used, including waterborne paints and Environmental Choice-approved products (where possible), to minimise smell, harm to the environment and enable water wash-up.

Waste products are responsibly managed too. Through the Resene PaintWise programme, empty paint tins or unwanted paint and packaging are returned to Resene ColorShops for recycling.

More opportunities for decorators

Becky Trow, commercial manager of Auckland-based Contract Coatings Ltd, says being a Resene Eco.Decorator means more projects to tender for.

“It demonstrates to our clients that we are responsible, competent tradespeople familiar with materials and techniques specified with established health and safety systems, committed to providing continuous improvement and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our people.”

Trow – whose company has been certified for nine years – says the scheme has been beneficial to the environment, but also to Contract Coating as a business.

“We have made significant cost savings recycling all of our water-based liquid waste in-house using the Resene WashWise system, reducing our impact of liquid waste on the environment, and that’s something we are very proud of.”

Trow, a 35-year veteran of the painting industry, says the company has noticed a huge shift in people’s attitude and expectation towards sustainability and the environment.

“As a company we have adjusted too – we are involved in numerous Green Star NZ and Home Star projects which are driven from the client to the contractor which demonstrates the client’s desire for environmental initiatives.”

Quality offerings

Christchurch-based Finesse Painting and Decorating Ltd became a certified Resene Eco.Decorator five years ago, motivated by the programme bringing together quality and environmentally-focused contractors.

“We saw it as an excellent opportunity to improve our offering to our clients, and commitment to sustainable practices,” says managing director Peter Dalman.

“It’s a commitment to doing our bit to keep New Zealand clean. Being a part of a programme that is serious about recycling and disposing of waste can only be a good thing.”

Dalman said he was particularly impressed with the Resene PaintWise recycling scheme.

“Using the collected product for community projects is brilliant, and their WashWise system to transform paint water into a waste product that is safe to dispose of is very clever and innovative,” he says.

Dalman says sustainability is more entrenched in the industry, and it’s well-regulated.

“On many large sites now you will see the Resene WashWise system set up allowing painters to treat the paint wastewater correctly.

“And when prospective clients see a strong audit result for a well-respected New Zealand brand, it holds weight.”

Annual audit keeps Eco.Decorators on their toes

Ian Glenny, of Whanganui’s Quality Decorating Ltd, also sees Resene’s annual audit requirement as a positive.

“It’s a guarantee to our clients that we’re not just a group of hand-selected painters – we walk the talk.”

Glenny has been in the industry for more than 30 years, the last five as a Resene Eco.Decorator.

Being part of the scheme is not only beneficial to his clients, but it also provides him with a platform to keep up-to-date with all things sustainability in the industry.

To find a Resene Eco.Decorator near you visit www.ecodecorator.co.nz.