PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) today received the Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for "outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship" for its breakthrough Pure Performance line of Pittsburgh Paints architectural paints.

The award, given in the Resource Protection category, was presented in ceremonies in Harrisburg to Richard A. Beuke, PPG's vice president of architectural coatings.

Pure Performance paint was developed to meet the needs of the "green building community" while maintaining the premium performance requirements of architects, engineers, professional painters and homeowners, Beuke said. Pure Performance was the first premium paint to earn the independent, environmentally friendly "Green Seal Class A" certification, according to David C. Cannon Jr., PPG's vice president, environment, health and safety.

"We are extremely proud of the special recognition received today for Pure Performance coating. PPG strongly believes in the mission of the Governor's Award and we take our commitment to environmental excellence very seriously," Cannon said.

"Pure Performance paint is a major achievement in the paints and coatings industry," Beuke said. "It represents the manufacturing and environmental communities working together to create products that are environmentally preferred without sacrificing performance."

One of 41 winners for Environmental Excellence, Pure Performance paint provides the traditional features of premium paints -- durability, hiding and excellent touch-up -- while adding "outstanding environmental characteristics," he said. The paint is a low-odor, premium interior latex coating that contains no volatile organic compounds (VOC). These qualities permit Pure Performance paint to be applied in occupied structures, including homes, hospitals, schools, retail and commercial offices.

The coating also has an anti-microbial agent that prevents formation of mold and mildew on paint surfaces.

Introduction of the Pure Performance line of paints enables PPG's customers to eliminate about 400,000 pounds of VOC annually since it replaces other paints containing VOC. Collectively, the winners of the 2002 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence have eliminated 2,192 tons of air pollutants; reduced solid waste disposal by 607,530 tons; conserved 7.9 million gallons of water; reduced energy consumption by 20.8 million killowatthours; while saving $12.8 million annually, according to the governor's office.

Two historic structures in Western Pennsylvania have been test sites for Pure Performance coating: the Rachel Carson Home in Springdale, and Frank Lloyd Wright's world-renowned Fallingwater in Bear Run.

For more information about the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence, visit www.state.pa.us.

Pittsburgh-based PPG (www.ppg.com) is a global manufacturer of coatings, glass, fiber glass and chemicals, with 120 manufacturing locations and equity affiliates in 24 countries. Sales in 2001 were US$8.2 billion.

PPG Industries, Inc.

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