Grosvenor is to implement the use of an antiviral and air-purifying paint across its portfolio, as it looks to drive forward its sustainability, air quality and wellbeing goals.
The Airlite paint has been shown through independent studies to be as effective as trees in neutralising pollutants and can reduce toxins indoors by up to 88%.
Grosvenor said that painting 50 typical six-floor offices with this paint would neutralise the same amount of nitrogen oxide as planting nearly 1.1m sq ft of mature trees in the area.
It also eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and destroys viruses on painted surfaces after 15 minutes of contact.
The paint’s carbon footprint is also up to 76% lower than other paints previously used by the estate and its active properties do not reduce over time, but remain active for the lifetime of the paint.
Grosvenor has trialled the paint within its own headquarters as well as with tenants.
Tor Burrows, director of sustainability and innovation at Grosvenor Britain and Ireland, said: “Adopting this ground-breaking product will help us to drive the environmental performance of our buildings and air quality for those who live and work in Mayfair and Belgravia. Its ability to also kill bacteria and strains of influenza is a game-changing advancement for the wellbeing of all those in our places.”
Chris Leighton, managing director UK of Airlite, said: “Previously, paint was solely decorative. But now it can play an active role in your health. Especially in urban areas where pollution is at its highest, Airlite provides an escape from dirty air. This helps prevent respiratory problems arising and gives homes and workspaces the security and cleanliness that haven’t been available from paints before now.”
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