The PDA Paint Green scheme launched in November 2022, with a recycling record start date of 20 March 2023. The scheme allows you to choose a PDA member who has pledged to recycle more and drive down waste.
This innovative sustainability scheme for painters and decorators, encourages them to take action on waste.
Since February 2025 The PDA has been providing additional support to Paint Green members with our new monthly bulletin.
Paint Green Bulletin Released 16/01/2026
WELCOME
Now that 2026 is well underway, we’re delighted to share the latest Paint Green updates with both existing Paint Green members and potential candidates for the scheme.
After a successful inaugural year, the Paint Green bulletin is now available to all PDA members as we continue to promote the benefits of building in ways to reduce waste as part of your daily working life.
2025 saw further development of Paint Green, with the introduction of the bulletin, two case studies and the first ever Paint Green Digital Forum with guest speaker Sam Reeves from Resource Futures.
At the forum, members discussed the value of creating a Green Product List as a resource for Paint Green members to explore options for more sustainable options.
The list has been created and is hosted on the Paint Green page in the Members Hub and we’re now asking you to share the products and tools that support your Paint Green aims.
Simply email Sam ([email protected]) with the following:
- Product name & link (where possible)
- Provider / brand
- Your name
- Reason for recommending
We’ll add your favourites to the list, so Paint Green members can share what works for them and inspire others to try out new tools and products too.
News and Views
- A PDA press release highlighting the benefits of choosing a Paint Green member helped boost awareness of the scheme over the festive season: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/here-is-the-decorating-trend-thats-poised-to-take-off-in-the-new-year/ar-AA1SKAOd
- Dulux has announced a new partnership with indoor air quality monitor nooku, aimed at demonstrating how paint formulations can significantly influence the air people breathe inside their homes: https://airqualitynews.com/industry-news/dulux-partners-with-nooku-to-highlight-paints-impact-on-indoor-air-quality/
- 5 Game-changing recycling predictions for 2026: https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/5-game-changing-recycling-predictions-for-2026
Member Spotlight
Each month we’ll feature your views on Paint Green, sustainability, new ideas, opportunities and challenges.
Stuart Yates
“There were some good points made at the Paint Green Digital Forum and there was some interesting discussion. I was shocked to hear that some painters and decorators are buying cheaper brushes and throwing them away after a couple of uses. While it’s good that the components of the brushes can all be recycled, it’s clear there is still a long way to go in changing attitudes towards waste. We need to get legislation from the government, and I would encourage more PDA members to join the Paint Green scheme and help us make an even bigger impact.”
Go Social
We’re keen to shout about the work our Paint Green members are doing to help drive down waste, protect the planet and care for nature.
If you have a milestone, event, achievement or comment you’d like to share, contact Sam Leaper – [email protected] and you could feature on the PDA’s social channels.
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
- If your record-keeping has fallen behind, start updating your Green Card now ready to submit in March!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 23/12/2025
WELCOME
As we come to the end of 2025 and the first year of the Paint Green bulletin, we have another special edition all about the first ever Paint Green Digital Forum.
The forum took place on Monday 8th December and we were delighted to welcome guest speaker, Sam Reeve, CEO of Resource Futures (https://www.resourcefutures.co.uk/), the sustainability consultancy that manages Community RePaint, sponsored by Dulux.
Sam is an expert in circular economy, resource efficiency, and waste and resource policy.
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie and our own Sam Leaper were on the call along with a group of Paint Green members all keen to hear from Sam Reeve and to share their own insights as part of the discussion session.
During his presentation Sam explained how Resource Futures operated across three pillars within the sustainability sphere – offering consultancy services for businesses, governments and organisations, putting sustainability into practice within communities and collecting data to help understand the impacts of actions taken and whether they are achieving the desired outcomes.
He went on to outline some of the opportunities and challenges that painters and decorators face in embedding sustainability into their working day, from the choice of product to disposal, cleaning, transport and tools.
Sam explained that while the statistic of 50m litres of decorative paint going to landfill each year remains fairly accurate, it is an older figure and doesn’t include excess paint generated within the trade.
Recent research conducted by Resource Futures on climate change and the impact of waste paint found that significant amounts of excess paint from traders is going to landfill each year.
Sam said: “Customers are being more and more demanding for sustainability in the goods and services they are procuring. The are very small actions that you can take as painters and decorators that, when they are added up, can have a significant impact.”
He went on to discuss work with Community RePaint and a project on circular action with Brewers with the aim of achieving its Net Zero ambitions, as well as emphasising that small changes can make a real difference in terms of sustainability and protecting the planet.
Key points from Sam’s talk included:
- Your choices make a difference. The products you buy and how you dispose of them have a direct impact
- ‘How do we consume less?’ is a key question we can all ask ourselves
- Paint Green case studies and sharing the work of Paint Green members is key to encouraging more PDA members to get involved
- Data is important – it helps us measure our impacts and identify opportunities and challenges
- Almost all products can be viewed as a resource rather than waste. Even cheap paint brushes can be disassembled, chipped and reused to make something else
- Public procurement is a massive lever in the sustainability space
- Collective action can drive change
- Sustainability runs across the three pillars of economic, social and environmental
Following his presentation, Paint Green members had the opportunity to ask questions, which ranged from ‘how do we encourage take up of eco-friendly products when they are often more expensive?’ to ‘can we champion less polluting brands via Paint Green?’ and ‘can we lobby government for a ‘greener’ approach to decorating products?’
The final part of the forum considered next steps for Paint Green and points raised were:
- Green Product List – this is in development. Feedback from Paint Green members about products they feel would be suitable for inclusion would be useful for this
- Reporting – can we adjust how the Paint Green reporting system works to make it easier for members? Is there an option to do it online?
- Certificate – is there scope for something to recognise continual Paint Green participation, such as an annual certificate following the submission of records for the year?
- Premier Trophy Awards – the PDA’s ambition is to introduce a category within the Premier Trophy Awards for Paint Green. Consultation with Paint Green members will be needed to set the criteria for this.
Information, views and questions from the forum will help drive next steps for Paint Green.
News and Views
- With more than 100 sites across the UK, the Community RePaint network, sponsored by Dulux, has recently expanded further with InUse ReUse, based in Camberwell, South London, joining the scheme: https://communityrepaint.org.uk/news_and_stories/community-repaint-now-in-south-london/
- Congratulations to Paint Green member Bagnalls on their recent win at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025: https://www.bagnalls.co.uk/news/bagnalls-wins-the-aptem-equality-diversity-and-inclusion-award-2025/
Member Spotlight
Each month we’ll feature views on Paint Green, sustainability, new ideas, opportunities and challenges.
Jessica Walters
“It was great to be at the forum this evening, definitely food for thought, thank you.”
Go Social
Share your Paint Green journey on our social media channels. We’re on hand to help you shout about the excellent work you’re doing to help embed sustainable principles into your working life.
Get in touch to share your achievements, milestones and more!
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
- Make a record using your Green Card as you go along for easy submitting next year!
- Check out the Green List for recycling schemes near you
Share Paint Green news on your own socials and talk about what you’re doing with fellow PDA members. Paint Green continues to grow because you inspire others to join the scheme and take their own first steps towards sustainability.
Following a successful first year of the Paint Green bulletin as an exclusive communication for Paint Green members, we will roll out the bulletin to the wider PDA membership in 2026, as a platform to showcase the benefits of Paint Green and the achievements of Paint Green members.
Finally – the PDA wishes all our Paint Green members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 22/10/2025
WELCOME
We’re already midway through October and the fiery colours of the leaves and misty mornings are a definite reminder that autumn is well underway with winter just around the corner.
There has been some great positive news over the last month with the publication of a new Paint Green case study, new sustainable milestones being reached and positive action across the wider sector – check out the News and Views below.
Part of the benefits of being a Paint Green member is showcasing to clients your commitment to driving down waste, so please do contact Sam if you would like your business to be included on the PDA’s social media channels, feature in this bulletin, or be part of a Paint Green case study!
We’re also halfway through the Paint Green yearly cycle, so if your recording efforts have dipped a bit over the last month or so, now is a good time to update your records ready for submissions in March 2026!
Q: Do you like the Paint Green bulletin? What would you change about it for 2026?
News and Views
- The top story this month is the production of a Paint Green case study featuring P & S Timbrell Decorators Ltd. The case study is featured on the dedicated Paint Green page on the PDA website (Paint Green – Painting and Decorating Association) and a press release about the case study was also included in trade PDA Member’s thumbs up for Paint Green Scheme – Painting and Decorating News : Painting and Decorating News and regional press P & S Timbrell Decorators recognised for Paint Green scheme | Gazette Series. Share your Paint Green journey – contact Sam for details about featuring in a Paint Green case study
- AkzoNobel announced this month that it had become the first in the UK to deploy large-scale HGVs in a bid to save around 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually: AkzoNobel launches fleet transformation with fully electric trucks and HVO fuel to cut emissions by over 50% – Painting and Decorating Association
- The Government has announced an extension to the plug-in van and truck grant, meaning discounts up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks and £25,000 for large trucks will continue through to 2027: Government discounts for electric vans and trucks extended – Painting and Decorating Association
- Shortlisted entries in the Environmental Impact category of the Building Awards 2025 have been highlighted in an online article showcasing some recent innovations in sustainable construction: Building Awards 2025 shortlists: Environmental Impact Award | Features | Building
Member Spotlight
Each month we’ll feature your thoughts on Paint Green, sustainability, new ideas, opportunities and challenges
Stephen Timbrell
“Becoming a member of the Paint Green scheme demonstrates to our customers that we are serious about the disposal of our used tins and waste recycling. It is crucially important for all businesses regardless of their size to play their part in combating climate change and reducing the impact they have on our planet. We all make decisions every day, whether it’s the choice of an oil-based or water-based product, or in choosing between a recognised ‘green’ option or a ‘plastic paint’, and each time we should consider not just the price and convenience but also the environmental impact it may have. All these small changes can add up and make a big difference.”
Go Social
Share your Paint Green journey on our social media channels. Get in touch with your achievements, milestones and more!
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
- Make a record using your Green Card as you go along for easy submitting next year!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 25/09/2025
WELCOME
Autumn has arrived and we’re halfway through the reporting year for Paint Green! If you haven’t been keeping records, or your record-keeping has fallen a bit behind, now is a great time to spend half an hour updating your Green Card so it’s easier to submit your achievements in March.
We’re delighted that new members continue to come on board as Paint Green members and we’re looking for more of you to share your thoughts on the scheme via the bulletin – please do contact Sam to be included on social media, feature in this bulletin, or be part of a Paint Green case study!
In the next couple of months PDA will be hosting a digital forum exclusively for Paint Green members as part of the Association’s Power Up Your Business package. There will be opportunities to share ideas and consider the future direction of the initiative – details to follow soon.
Q: What format should the digital forum take? Would you like to hear from a speaker at the event?
News and Views
- Analysis from BusinessWaste.co.uk indicates a rise of £24,000 in costs if proposed changes to the Landfill tax go ahead. The article examines the potential cost impact for businesses operating in the construction industry and outlines how companies can look to reduce costs through efficiencies, recycling and reusing: Landfill tax reform: Levy could add £24,000 to the price of a new home | Insider Media
- Latest data from the Met Office shows 2025 has pushed the famous summer of 1976 out of the UK top-five, meaning the five hottest summers have all occurred since 2000: UK weather: Summer 2025 confirmed as hottest on record – BBC Weather
- Home decor and improvement trends continue to absorb elements of sustainability, as shown in this opinion piece from earlier in the summer: Eco-Friendly Home Design Trends in the UK
Member Spotlight
Each month we’ll feature your thoughts on Paint Green, sustainability, new ideas, opportunities and challenges.
Neil Whitmore
“We joined Paint Green because I believe that even small changes in how we work and live can have a big impact on the environment. Being part of an initiative that promotes sustainable practices in the painting industry aligns with my values and gives me the opportunity to contribute to a healthier planet. Environmental standards aren’t just rules they’re a commitment to future generations, ensuring that the products we use and the methods we follow are safe, responsible, and forward thinking.”
Go Social
Share your Paint Green journey on our social media channels. Get in touch with your achievements, milestones and more!
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
- Make a record using your Green Card as you go along for easy submitting next year!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 19/08/2025
WELCOME
Congratulations once again to all the Paint Green members who were recognised at the PDA’s Premier Trophy Awards last month!
The awards really do fly the flag for excellence in the industry, and it was fantastic to see so many Paint Green members recognised for their hard work in maintaining high standards across all areas of their business.
Later this year, we will be hosting a digital forum exclusively for Paint Green members as part of PDA’s Power Up Your Business package. This will be an online event designed to allow Paint Green members to share ideas and consider the future direction of the initiative.
Q: When should we hold the digital forum? Would a weekday evening be the most convenient time?
News and Views
An interesting new project has been announced in which RICS will collaborate with the University of Cambridge to create a new 8-week sustainable real estate course: RICS collaborates with Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership | Scottish Construction Now
Environmental consciousness is driving interior choices more than ever according to: 2025 Design Trend Guide From Interior Decorators in London, UK | Lifehack
Round 18 of the CO2nstruct Zero Business Champion programme is now open. More information and details of how to apply can be found at: Apply now to be a CO2nstruct Zero Business Champion – Construction Leadership Council
Member Spotlight
month we’ll feature your thoughts on Paint Green, sustainability, new ideas, opportunities and challenges.
Anthony Wade
Something a bit different this month! Tony has been sharing his sustainability journey on TikTok – check out his video on water filtration: https://www.tiktok.com/@sprayform/video/7534417958303665410?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7517590093596100118
Go Social
Share your Paint Green journey on our social media channels. Get in touch with your achievements, milestones and more!
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
- Make a record using your Green Card as you go along for easy submitting next year!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 18/07/2025
WELCOME
Welcome to this special PDA Premier Trophy Awards Paint Green bulletin!
We were delighted to see so many Paint Green members recognised for their work at this year’s Premier Trophy Awards, including one of our newer Paint Green members, Supreme Winners J & N Finishes.
Guest Speaker, Megan Esmond, Marketing Director UK & Ireland PPG Architectural Coatings provided an overview of the ‘mega trends’ that are likely to impact the sector, including sustainability, digitalisation, a changing workforce and customisation for wellbeing.
She said: “Sustainability is no longer ‘nice to have,’ it’s expected. Clients are asking for more sustainable solutions across all projects.”
Alongside Johnstone’s Trade as the main sponsor, the Premier Trophy Awards was also supported by Loyal Sponsors Valspar Trade, Dulux Trade, Crown Paints, Brewers Decorator Centres, Tesa and Mirka as well as Silver Sponsors Axus Décor, Citation, Repair Care and Ciret.
The Apprentice of the Year competition was sponsored by Purdy, CITB and Johnstone’s Trade.
J&N Finishes – Supreme Winner, Highly Decorative winner
A ‘restoration for the ages’ at Skinners’ Hall, Dowgate Hill, included exterior and interior work across a range of skills from gilding and gold leaf to distemper and limewash. The revamp achieved top marks across all areas from contract management and technical skills to the quality of finishes achieved. Judges said: “The project demonstrated a complete range of painting and decorating skills, the finish was first class. The judges were impressed with the excellence of the specialist work.”
Alfred Bagnall and Sons Limited – Apprentice of the Year winners, Commercial Highly Commended, Industrial Highly Commended & Commended
Both the Senior and Junior winners of the PDA’s Apprentice of the Year competition work for Bagnalls. Owen Sheldon returned after placing second in the Juniors last year to take the Senior title this year. Joe Deas was named Junior winner with Bagnalls’ Faith Loynes taking the Junior Runner Up spot. Emily Roberts was presented with CEO Recognition & Achievement Award.
Vibrant external work on buildings at Thorpe Park secured a Highly Commended in the Commercial category for Bagnalls (London). In the Industrial section, Bagnalls (Midlands) were Highly Commended for steel structural painting works at JCB World Headquarters in Staffordshire, with a further Commended for external structural steel painting at the Molineux Stadium, home of the Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Trident Maintenance Services – Residential winner, Industrial winner
A careful revamp of a dementia home in Greater London, in which contractors had to follow a strict Code of Conduct to avoid disrupting residents secured the Residential category win for Trident, with a complex project at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, which can only be accessed via a causeway, achieving the winning score in Industrial. Judges cited ‘impressive standards’ and a ‘trusted relationship’ when giving scores, noting that during the Lighthouse work, ‘the contractor had to protect access for the general public, on-site residents, wildlife and the general environment.’
GDA – Small Contractor Very Highly Commended & Highly Commended
A repaint of silos at Exol Lubricants Bulk Blending Plant, after 20 years, was completed by brush and roller only with all silos operational throughout, earning a Very Highly Commended for a complex contract. Highly Commended was a restoration project at Sheffield City Hall, which also remained open and operational throughout, working to stringent health and safety requirements.
Jack Tighe – Industrial Very Highly Commended
Successfully completed to a tight timescale, the revamp of the London Fire Brigade Pontoon required moving to drydock and close co-ordination to meet health and safety standards as well as detailed records and preparation of the lower superstructure deck.
Johns of Nottingham – New Build Highly Commended
Decoration of a new prison block with work carried out under strict contract conditions, timescales and security, the project involved hand-painting all steelwork and decorations to walls, doors, stairs and balustrading in a challenging environment.
Ian Williams – Industrial Highly Commended
Coquet Lighthouse in Northumberland is a private island and bird sanctuary accessible only by boat, resulting in operatives having to stay on the island during work to repaint exterior walls, windows, rooflines and roofs.
Rossbro Limited – Residential Commended
Feature wall colours and various types of wallpaper were used for the decoration of a new apartment block and communal area at Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes. All areas finished to a high standard with impactful results.
News and Views
Experts in construction say material reuse is ‘practical and necessary’ for more sustainable buildings: Construction groups back industry push to promote ‘reuse’ value | MRW
While the use of AI in business might be thought to focus on generating profits, its ‘most profound impact’ could be sustainability: AI And The Future Of Sustainability: Building Intelligence For Impact
TIME and data firm Statista partnered to rank the world’s 500 most sustainable companies based on their public commitment to and progress toward sustainability targets: World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2025 | TIME
Go Social
Share your Paint Green journey on your social media channels, or share your achievements, milestones and more with us!
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards Paint Green efforts.
- Make a record using your Green Card as you go along for easy submitting next year!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 18/06/2025
WELCOME
It’s been a busy time at PDA, with the final stages of the Apprentice of the Year competition now complete and the Premier Trophy Awards less than a month away!
But, work with Paint Green continues – and our congratulations go to Paint Green member, Anthony Wade, who featured in a Paint Green case study earlier this year and this month features in Professional Builder magazine!
Later this year, we will be hosting a digital forum exclusively for Paint Green members as part of PDA’s Power Up Your Business package. This will be an online event designed to allow Paint Green members to share ideas and consider the future direction of the initiative.
In the coming weeks we’ll also be launching a ‘product-focused’ Green List, featuring products from the PDA’s Associate Partners that are marketed as ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘sustainable.’
As we’re aware that Paint Green members are at different stages of their sustainability journey, the new product Green List will not include recommendations, but will provide links to detailed information and accreditations, so members can verify whether featured products meet their preferred criteria.
Q: What are your favourite eco-friendly products?
News and Views
A Paint Green case study focused on Anthony Wade earlier this year resulted in an interview request from Professional Builder magazine, which distributes 110,000 copies across the UK each month. Anthony’s story is featured in the June edition of the magazine and on the website: Anthony Wade is a painter & decorator with a passion for sustainability – Professional Builder
A new report from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Arup sets out how property owners and policymakers can take action now to meet emissions targets: Achieving net zero buildings: A practical pathway for the construction industry
The pressure of decarbonising industrial sectors is weighing on construction workers tasked with transforming the UK’s energy infrastructure: Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of burn out | UCL Grand Challenges – UCL – University College London
Innovation in sustainability continues to drive new technologies in construction: Glasgow firm launches new tool to support Gibraltar’s net-zero building goals | Scottish Construction Now
Member Spotlight
Each month we’ll feature your thoughts on Paint Green, sustainability, new ideas, opportunities and challenges. This month, we hear from Ben Featherstone, Sustainability Co-Ordinator at Alfred Bagnall & Sons Ltd.
Ben Featherstone
“As a fifth-generation family business, longevity has brought Bagnalls success for the past 150 years and our team understand that by working sustainably, we will help ensure that Bagnalls can continue to thrive into the future. We understand that we need to help to protect the environment and review our work practices so we can improve it for future generations. We need to reduce our reliance on raw materials by creating a more circular economy, which is why recycling empty paint cans through manufacturer schemes, such as Crown Can Back, PPG can returns and Dulux can recycling, is essential to reduce the need for new metals and plastics. Working sustainably is not just about the environment and business though, which is why Bagnalls works to support our local communities to improve societal outcomes through our Community Paintbrush scheme and apprenticeship programme.”
Go Social
Share your Paint Green journey on our social media channels. Get in touch with your achievements, milestones and more!
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
- Make a record using your Green Card as you go along for easy submitting next year!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 14/05/2025
WELCOME
The UK has seen some unseasonably hot and dry spring weather, indicative of some of the challenges we face if faster, more effective action isn’t taken on climate change.
The first day of the month saw record-breaking temperatures, while wildfires have already affected more land in 2025 than in the entirety of 2019, which held the previous annual record.
Climate change is a complex and far-reaching topic, but small, targeted actions can make a huge difference, whether that’s in driving down waste or demonstrating leadership to those around us.
In a bid to help Paint Green members explore new opportunities within their sustainability journey, we’ll be creating a new product-centred Green List, featuring products from the PDA’s Associate Partners that are marketed as ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘sustainable.’
As we’re aware that Paint Green members are at different stages of their sustainability journey, the new product Green List will not include recommendations, but will provide links to detailed information and accreditations, so members can verify whether featured products meet their preferred criteria.
Q: What accreditations / information do you look for when choosing products?
News and Views
The UK’s warmest start to May hit the headlines at the start of this month, with temperatures reaching 29.3°C at Kew Gardens, London, exceeding the previous record of 27.4°C at Lossiemouth, Scotland on May 1, 1990. UK weather live: Record broken for warmest start to May, Met Office confirms – BBC News
The UK also recorded the highest area of land affected by wildfires since records began in 2012. As of May 2, more than 31,719 ha (122 square miles) of land had been burnt. The previous record for an entire year was 28,754ha in 2019. Read more at: 2025 United Kingdom wildfires – Wikipedia
A pilot project meeting the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (NZCBS) has been completed at Manchester Metropolitan University: Mission accomplished: University completes test drive towards net zero carbon building standard | Features | Building
The independent Climate Change Committee issued a critical report warning that progress on climate change could leave the UK vulnerable to serious economic and health impacts. Read more at: Government not taking climate threats seriously – watchdog – BBC News
Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, Paint Green member, Bagnalls, issued an interview with their Sustainability Coordinator, Ben Featherstone: Painting, Decorating & Sustainability: How We’re Taking Accountability – Painting and Decorating Association
Member Spotlight
Each month we’ll feature your thoughts on Paint Green, sustainability, new ideas, opportunities and challenges. This month, we hear from Jessica Walters of Restore, London.
Jessica Walters
“I’ve always believed nothing should be thrown away if it can be restored to its original grandeur—which is why I specialise in reviving beautiful Victorian front doors and, more recently, full exterior house restorations. I love being outdoors, high up on the scaffolding, and being part of breathing new life into original sash windows, using the Repair Care system to tackle wood rot and extend their lifespan. It’s a win-win: protecting these magnificent pieces of craftsmanship from landfill, while keeping costs down for my clients and preserving the stunning character of their homes. Sustainability is second nature to me—reusing high-quality leftover paint, donating supplies to community schemes and friends, and providing my clients with budget paint options is a no-brainer. I’ve recently written two articles for my local community newsletter, Painting Like a Pro – the Budget-Friendly Way, to share tips, offer guidance, and promote fantastic local paint recycling centres. It’s actually not that hard—and once you start, you can’t stop!”
Go Social
Just joined? Send us a photo and we’ll celebrate the start of your Paint Green journey on our social media channels.
Long-standing Paint Green members can also send details and images of milestones and achievements, and we’ll share those on social too!
Take Note
Remember that while Paint Green focuses on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
- Make a record using your Green Card as you go along for easy submitting next year!
If you’ve yet to return your records for 2024/25, please fill out your Green Card and return to Sam as soon as you can!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 11/04/2025
WELCOME
We’re at the start of a fresh year of recording the efforts made by PDA members to drive down waste as part of the Paint Green scheme.
Remember that while we’re focusing on reducing, re-using and recycling to avoid waste, lots of the other actions PDA members are taking to protect the planet also count towards your Paint Green efforts.
If you’ve yet to return your records for 2024/25, please fill out your Green Card and return to Sam as soon as you can
Your Thoughts
Anthony Wade is a sole trader PDA and Paint Green member who shared his sustainability journey so far. You can read the case study in full at: Paint Green – Painting and Decorating Association
Anthony Wade
“I think all painters and decorators can find ways of reducing their impact on the environment that work for them and their business. As a PDA member, I’m doing my bit. You don’t have to completely change your business over night; it’s about encouraging PDA members to start off by recycling paint tins or excess paint – just taking those first steps towards sustainability. It’s a benefit because customers do value working with someone who deals with waste responsibly and once you start thinking about ways to reduce waste, you also start finding cost-savings at the same time.”
We’re looking to shine a spotlight on the excellent work our Paint Green members are doing, so please let us know if you have some good news to share and would like to feature in a PDA Paint Green case study.
News and Views
The government has announced nine key measures that will be fast-tracked to boost economic growth and nature recovery under the Plan for Change. Click here for details.
The Department of Transport EV charging grant scheme for SME and large businesses has been extended for another year. Read more here
Paint Green member Ian Williams has a long-standing relationship with the charity Trinity House – check out this video of their latest challenging project at Coquet Lighthouse
In March the Construction Leadership Council issued an update on its Five Client Carbon Commitments, reviewing the first year since the launch of the project. Read the update in full here.
Q: What should we include? This is your Paint Green bulletin, exclusive to Paint Green members. Please let us know what you’d like us to feature going forward! Simply email your suggestions to Sam ↓↓↓
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 13/03/2025
WELCOME
Now we’re into the swing of 2025 and as leaf buds start to appear on trees and snowdrops emerge, it’s the perfect time to look around a remind yourself about the incredible resilience of nature – and how important it is we take steps now to protect the eco systems we live in.
The work you do as a Paint Green member makes a key contribution towards reducing waste, but we’re well aware that many of our members are taking extra steps towards sustainability, such as Anthony Wade of Sprayform, who features in a new case study, available to read here.
We’re looking to shine a spotlight on the excellent work our Paint Green members are doing, so please let us know if you have some good news to share and would like to feature in a PDA Paint Green case study.
On board
Charlie Wileen, Director at John’s of Nottingham was appointed to the PDA’s Management Board at the AGM in November and as Paint Green member is sharing his thoughts on the importance of working towards a sustainable future.
Charlie Wileen
“Here at Johns, we are passionate about sustainability. Unwanted Material only becomes waste of we waste it. We collaborate with Paint 360, a social enterprise who re-purpose any of our unwanted or returned materials, including the containers. When re-purchased each litre of paint contains a minimum of 50% recycled content. Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm – its about doing more good. We also utilise a range of paint manufacturers’ schemes where empty containers are collected when paint deliveries are made.”
Green Card
As we’re approaching the ‘year end’ for Paint Green reporting, it’s important to remember that the aim of the scheme is to encourage painters and decorators to take their ‘first steps towards sustainability through driving down waste.’
The scheme is deliberately flexible, to cater for those who are just starting to think about sustainability, as well as those of you who have been on this journey for a long time already.
And don’t forget – it’s reduce, reuse recycle – if you don’t have a handy recycling scheme near you, other steps that help you reduce waste or find multiple uses for items, count towards your Paint Green reporting for the year!
At the end of March Paint Green members will be asked to return their annual record of sustainability efforts over the past 12 months.
Remember:
- The Paint Green Pledge is a commitment to drive down waste
- This includes recycling, but also measures to reduce or reuse excess paint
- Paint Green also encourages you to take additional sustainable measures
- Take time to think about any and all steps towards sustainability you have taken this year and include them in your reporting
Paint Green is a commitment to taking a journey towards sustainability – if there are obstacles in your way, we are here to help
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]
Paint Green Bulletin Released 10/02/2025
WELCOME
New for 2025, the PDA is providing additional support to Paint Green members with our new monthly bulletin.
Exclusive to PDA members who have taken the Paint Green Pledge, this brief update will contain the latest news and views on transitioning to a sustainable future.
On board
At the PDA’s AGM in November 2024, Chair of the Management Board, Stuart Yates, welcomed two new appointees – Joanne Gualda, Marketing Manager at Alfred Bagnall & Sons Ltd and Charlie Wileen, Director at John’s of Nottingham.
All three are members of Paint Green and will be sharing their aims for 2025, starting with Joanne:
Joanne Gualda
“As an industry we must take action and lead on sustainability. There are so many ways in which we can support Paint Green as individuals and as businesses, including recycling all our waste cans, finding other uses for waste paint such as brightening up a children’s playground and supporting projects in our community with volunteering. Any action for good, no matter how small, can make a big impact.”
Green Card
At the end of March Paint Green members will be asked to return their annual record of sustainability efforts over the past 12 months.
Remember:
- The Paint Green Pledge is a commitment to drive down waste
- This includes recycling, but also measures to reduce or reuse excess paint
- Paint Green also encourages you to take additional sustainable measures
- Take time to think about any and all steps towards sustainability you have taken this year and include them in your reporting
- Paint Green is a commitment to taking a journey towards sustainability – if there are obstacles in your way, we are here to help
We are also looking to shine a spotlight on the excellent work our Paint Green members are doing, so please let us know if you have some good news to share!
Contact:
For more information email Sam at the PDA: [email protected]