Improving air quality in a landmark Liverpool building

Improving air quality in a landmark Liverpool building

PPG has announced that coatings from its Johnstone’s Trade brand are helping to improve air quality at The Spine, a new landmark building in Liverpool.
Designed by renowned architecture and building consultancy practice AHR, the Spine has been hailed as one of the healthiest workplaces in the world, thanks to the pioneering research in biophilia, health and wellbeing that has been drawn on for its creation. AHR specified a range of sustainable paints from PPG, including Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure – a bio-based wall and ceiling paint proven to purify indoor air.
The Spine includes the new northern home of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), and its design reflects the RCP’s global stance as a leader in health and healthcare, using the latest innovations in wellbeing-focused design. Indoor air quality (IAQ) was therefore a high priority at The Spine, so the team at AHR needed to source paints that would help them achieve the building’s coveted sustainability ratings.
The development is BREEAM Excellent rated for its sustainable approach; it is also one of the first buildings in the UK designed to the WELL Platinum Building Standard, certified for mental health and physical wellbeing.

“When it came to choosing paints for The Spine, we knew we had to find options that were water-based and would have the least possible negative impact on occupants,” said Robert Hopkins, regional director at AHR. “So we were delighted to find a paint that would actually improve indoor air quality. By using Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure, we’re optimising the air quality within the building and helping to enhance the general wellbeing of occupants, all while limiting the impact on the environment.”
Once applied, the revolutionary Air Purifying technology in Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure neutralises up to 70 per cent of the volatile organic compound (VOC) formaldehyde from indoor spaces and continues to do so for years after application. It is also 45 percent bio-based and comes in 100 percent recycled packaging, making it the ideal choice for AHR as part of a comprehensive system of measures to reduce toxin levels and promote indoor air quality. Other water-based and low-VOC solutions from PPG were used to give a professional, long-lasting finish to various spaces within The Spine.
Mike Lee, PPG architecture and development manager, said: “The Spine really is leading the way when it comes to prioritising the health and wellbeing of building users, so we’re delighted that we’ve been able to work with the team and help them to achieve such high standards in sustainable design.”