BCC Takes Another Step Towards Teaching Green Technology and Providing a Cleaner and Safer Learning Environment

Last week a big shipment arrived at the collision repair program at Butler Community College.  It was a new vacuum system for the collision repair program.  I know, a vacuum does not sound like much to rave about, but this piece of equipment is going to provide a much cleaner and safer learning environment for the students. 

 The Eurovac vacuum system will be placed in our one of our storage areas and hose drops will be ran and installed at each work station.  This will allow the students to connect an air hose and vacuum line to the tools being used.  With all the sanding of paints and fillers and grinding we do, this is going to eliminate much of the dust and dirt in the shop.  Not only will this provide a cleaner shop, it will also help produce cleaner paint jobs. 

 We’re excited to get this hooked up and start using it and to be teaching green technology.  One of the first steps towards teaching green technology was when we started using Aquabase paint last year ago.  This is a waterborne paint system owned by PPG.  Waterborne paint produces less volatile organic compounds (VOC).  VOC’s is what ends up polluting our environment and is what the EPA is concerned about.

 A greener training facility is awesome, but the color matches waterborne paint has is amazing.  The color matches have been more accurate, which requires less time tinting and/or blending paint.  The Aquabase system also eliminates the need for a paint mixing system that agitates the paint, which saves time. 

 With or without the green factor, it has been a positive experience moving this direction.  Less dust flying around cleaner paint jobs, and better paint matches is what I see beneficial.  A cleaner and safer learning environment is an added bonus for teaching green technology.