New white paper considers importance of increased durability in building a more sustainable future

The increasing use of powder coatings to protect buildings from the forces of nature is creating a direct link between ‘durability’ and ‘sustainability’ in the built environment.

But while some only consider the one-off costs when it comes to using more durable products, the conversation needs to shift towards the total cost of ownership over a building’s lifetime, when all factors including the expense of ongoing maintenance, repair and even cleaning are taken into account.

This is one of the key trends identified in a new Interpon White Paper from AkzoNobel Powder Coatings which argues the case for the greater use of superdurable and hyperdurable powder coatings in the architectural space.

It explores how discussions around ‘durability’ have become inseparable from ‘sustainability’, as a building’s ability to withstand weather and the corrosivity of its environment has a direct impact on being kinder to the planet.

It also explains the benefits of standard durable, superdurable and hyperdurable powder coatings, the difference between ‘decorative performance’ and ‘film integrity’ in relation to product warranties and guarantees, and the importance of understanding and interpreting international standards and testing regimes including ‘natural’ and ‘accelerated’ weathering in the laboratory or real-life scenarios.

The co-author of the paper, Bob Dirks, Global Segment Manager, Architectural Powder Coatings, says that architects have a key role to play in designing a future that is built to last: "In some ways, the link between durability and sustainability is obvious: a building that lasts longer because its surfaces are protected is, by definition, more sustainable,” she says, "and breaks the vicious and wasteful cycle of ‘build, destroy, re-build’.

"But there are less obvious links that the White Paper explores in detail, including frequency of cleaning that less durable powder-coated surfaces require, and the chemicals and materials used in the ongoing need to maintain and repair a building.”

Co-author Sencan Kizilkaya, Global Product Manager Architectural Powder Coatings, argues that that a new ‘benchmark’ in durability has been established: "When all factors are taken into consideration – product warranties, frequency of cleaning, frequency of replacement, value for money etc – the new ‘benchmark’ in durability for architectural applications are powder coatings that are superdurable,” she says.

"Superdurable powder coatings deliver better colour and gloss retention capabilities than ‘standard’ durability coatings, as well as even greater resistance to damage caused through humidity and corrosion.”

The White Paper is being published as part of AkzoNobel’s ongoing campaign to integrate sustainability into the heart of its operations and celebrated in its dedicated sustainability program: People. Planet. Paint.

The White Paper, entitled ‘The importance of durability in building a more sustainable future’ is available free to download at https://architectural.interpon.com/en/insights/.