Survey: Durability tops architects’ rank of most important green product attributes

by AF 0602J3 — June 5, 2009—Architects say durability is the most important attribute for a “green” building product, according to a new industry survey commissioned by PPG Industries. It was followed by ENERGY STAR compliance, life-cycle assessment, no- or low-volatile organic compound (VOC) content, and the ability to source products regionally.

Durability also is the most important attribute among building products in general, ranking slightly ahead of price. Product warranties, features, and technical support also were named by approximately two in five architects.

The study also revealed that, among building-product manufacturers, Armstrong (37%) and USG (35%) are perceived most often as green building leaders. Kohler, Owens-Corning, DuPont, Johnson Controls and PPG are among other companies identified as green leaders by more than 20% of those surveyed. PPG was recognized as the green, or sustainability, leader in the glass and metal coatings categories by margins of 33% and 8% respectively over the nearest competitors.

Architects said their most important sources of product information are manufacturers’ Web sites (76%) and Internet searches (59%). Nevertheless, responses showed that traditional resources such as manufacturers’ sales representatives (54%) and technical binders (46%) remain popular.

The online survey was completed by 612 qualified architects, producing 3.9% accuracy at the 95% confidence level. It reached a representative cross-section of U.S. architects by firm size, geography, job title and years of experience.

For more information, see the Web site of PPG Industries.