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PRESS RELEASE July
2010
Government to Subsidise
Environmental Training for NSW Painting Industry
Subsidised training is now
available for NSW painting contractors and retailers to integrate
sustainability into business plans, processes, products and
services under the GreenSkills program. Training is being provided
state-wide with the new accredited GreenPainters Environmental
Sustainability Course which was developed to improve environmental
awareness amongst the NSW painting industry, and is a joint
collaboration between Impact Training, Department of Training and
Education, and GreenPainters, the national sustainability
initiative for the painting industry.
The training is aimed at
preparing painters for the needs of the green building industry,
eco-conscious consumers; and to improve environmental management in
the industry in general.
‘Painting has been one of the
most toxic and polluting sectors of the construction industry’,
says Daniel Wurm, Managing Director of GreenPainters. ‘Not only has
painting led to contamination of water after cleaning up, and
off-gassing into the atmosphere of poisonous and unhealthy
chemicals, but has also contributed to health issues affecting both
tradesmen and consumers. The good news is that there are new
products, legislation and work methods available that will greatly
reduce the problem. We are really excited by the development of the
course. We believe it will prepare our industry for the
future.’
“Most painters are unaware
that they can face stiff fines if they fail to comply with EPA
legislation. We teach them about what they need to do to comply.”
says Mr Wurm. “The painters and retailers that will complete the
course are encouraged to use and recommend products that can
protect Indoor Air Quality, leading to healthier places to live,
work, and play. We will train them to understand new paint
technology such as heat-reflective nano-ceramics to reduce cooling
costs. We estimate that the average Australian household can offset
18 tonnes of carbon per year, just by painting their house with
heat-reflective products. It’s really exciting that the painting
industry can play its part in reducing green-house gas
emissions.”
“Many painters avoid using
the new products because of perceived higher cost, and
unfamiliarity with them. GreenPainters helps them see that using
these products will not only help the environment, but also improve
their health. By becoming a GreenPainter they actually gain a
marketing advantage. It’s no longer about price; it’s about what
the consumer wants, and the environment needs”, comments Mr Wurm.
“Business owners will learn how they can save money and combat
climate change by cutting waste, recycling, reducing and reusing
resources.”
The course also focuses on
waste-water and environmental management, Green Star requirements,
new paint technology, and counts towards national qualifications in
business management.
This nationally recognised
unit of competency will be delivered in partnership with Impact
Training Institute, a nationally Registered Training Organisation.
Training is funded by the NSW Government in partnership with the
Australian Government. For more information about GreenSkills
Training, see the Green Skills Business Guide http://www.greenskills.nsw.gov.au/ or http://www.greenpainters.org.au/Training
If you would like more
information about this topic or you would like to arrange an
interview, please contact Daniel Wurm on 0402 312234, or email
admin@greenpainters.org.au
GreenPainters is the
non-profit program, established to provide advice, knowledge and
skills to help the painting industry go green. The web-site
www.greenpainters.org.au provides objective summaries of
sustainable paints and coatings, and information to help builders
and renovators achieve the look they want while being
environmentally sensitive and health-conscious. Painters that
complete the training may be listed on the
web-site.
Daniel
Wurm
Administration
GreenPainters
Ltd
Tel: 0402 312234
http://www.greenpainters.org.au/
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