A Safer and Greener Campus for Students

Feb 22, 2021 12:30 PM ET
Bai Yun Primary School and Zhong Xing Primary School in Zhangjiagang (ZJG), China cater to children from migrant families – and were in need of upgraded facilities to create a safer and more sustainable learning environment for children.

Originally published by Dow

LEVERAGING DOW INNOVATION

The project in ZJG applied ECOGROUND™ technologies from the Dow Construction Chemicals business to the running track, basketball and badminton court in Baiyun School, and a waterborne based coating from the Dow Coating Materials business to the exterior wall of Zhongxing School.

ECOGROUND™ technology is a novel low odor, low VOC solution that does not contain free TDI/MDI and provides a more sustainable and higher-performing alternative to solvent-based systems. The waterborne based coating materials realize zero formaldehyde and lower VOCs emission. And both waterborne based materials feature outstanding weathering resistance and enables fast construction. Learn more about Dow’s innovations.

CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE

More than 4000 students benefit from the refurbished facilities. The project promotes sustainable technologies in the pursuit of enhanced environmental, health and safety, delivers upgraded learning and sports facilities including running track, sports court, and classrooms which were built and refurbished using Dow green technologies, transforming the school into a green campus. This green campus project is the fifth, and by far the largest of its kind, that Dow has delivered in Asia Pacific - and demonstrates a successful cross-sector partnership between business, government, and the social sector. Read Dow’s Sustainability Report to see how we continue to seek opportunities to make a positive impact.

ENGAGING FOR IMPACT

After the facility upgrades were installed, volunteers from the Zhangjiagang site and Dow’s local Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) held a "Chemistry Workshop" for a classroom of children in Baiyun School, giving them an educational and inspiring session to understand chemistry. This project is a launchpad for continued collaboration and volunteerism to support these schools with STEM education curriculum and programming. Learn more about how Dow continues to engage students in STEM.