According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one of the top five health risks in the U.S. is the air we breathe when indoors. Why? The paints, varnishes and solvents used on walls and furniture can contain high amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that contaminate the air. Because Fine Paints of Europe is the source of all PANTONE Paints, you can feel comfortable choosing PANTONE Paints knowing they emit low VOC's and aromatics while producing the vibrant colors, luxurious finish and superior quality you expect from us.

Fine Paints of Europe is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council®. All Eurolux paints and primers and all ECO paints and primers meet requirements for compliance with LEED® EQ credit 4.2: Low-emitting materials. The intent of this credit is to reduce the quantity of indoor air containments that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants. For information on U.S. Green Building Council please visit www.usgbc.org.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System™ as a "national consensus-based, market-driven building rating system designed to accelerate the development and implementation of green building practices," according to the organization. LEED is comprised of six performance area: siting, water conservation, energy, materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design. A certain number of points must be earned in each category by obtaining credits. Different levels of certification can be achieved (LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and LEED Platinum) depending upon the number of points earned. Manufacturers of LEED-qualified products including paints and coatings use this approval as a marketing tool for architects and builders interested in the LEED program. Selecting paints and coating that meet or exceed the VOC and chemical component requirements of Green Seal requirements will earn one point in the LEED rating system.

The Green Windmill insignia signifying low VOC's, low aromatics and earth-riendly formulations will be included on the PANTONE Paints from Fine Paints of Europe Eurolux™ range of acrylic coatings and ECO™ range of waterborne alkyds. This insignia is available exclusively for use by Dutch paint manufacturers who offer paints with low VOC, earth-friendly coatings containing low levels of aromatic compounds.