Pure Performance Paint by Pittsburgh Paints in Chatham College's `Green' Initiatives

    PITTSBURGH--Sept. 27, 2002--PPG Industries today announced a partnership with Chatham College to provide environmentally friendly Pure Performance paint by Pittsburgh Paints to assist in the school's "green" initiatives.
    Richard A. Beuke, PPG vice president of architectural coatings, joined college officials today in announcing Chatham College's campus-wide effort to implement various environmental initiatives. The announcement came in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the publication of "Silent Spring" by environmentalist and alumna Rachel Carson. The plans include use of Pure Performance paint, a low-odor, premium interior latex paint that contains no volatile organic compounds (VOC). The paint will be used to cover all internal surfaces throughout the campus, located in Pittsburgh's Shadyside section.
    "We're pleased to be a partner in the college's environmental efforts. We at PPG take our commitment to the environment very seriously," Beuke said. "Pure Performance paint is truly a breakthrough and a perfect fit for what Chatham is trying to achieve."
    Pure Performance paint was developed to meet the needs of the "green building community" while maintaining the premium performance requirements of architects, engineers, professional painters and homeowners, he said. It was the first premium paint to earn the independent, environmentally friendly "Green Seal Class A" certification.
    On Wednesday, PPG received the Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for "outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship" for Pure Performance paint. The paint provides the traditional features of premium paints -- durability, hiding and excellent touch-up -- while adding "outstanding environmental characteristics," Beuke said. The low-odor, no-VOC premium paint can be applied in occupied structures, including homes, schools, hospitals, retail and commercial offices.
    The coating also has an anti-microbial agent that prevents formation of mold and mildew on paint surfaces.
    Two historic structures in Western Pennsylvania have been test sites for Pure Performance paint: the Rachel Carson Home in Springdale, and Frank Lloyd Wright's world-renowned Fallingwater in Bear Run.
    To locate the Pittsburgh Paints store near you, visit www.pittsburghpaints.com (select "where to buy").
    Pittsburgh-based PPG (www.ppg.com) is a global manufacturer of coatings, glass, fiber glass and chemicals, with 120 manufacturing locations and equity affiliates in 24 countries. Sales in 2001 were US$8.2 billion.