Environmental credentials
Environmental credentials - Vinyl Council Australia
| Regardless of the materials and products used, the environmental impact of our built environment must accord with our plans for a more sustainable world. In many applications PVC is an ideal choice. In any selection process, PVC should be assessed in the same way as any other material, based on its merits in terms of fitness for purpose (performance), life cycle cost and life cycle impacts. |
| Environmental Credentials of PVC |
| Abundant feedstock |
| Over 50 per cent of PVC's feedstock is derived from salt, an abundantly available resource, which means that PVC consumes proportionately less non-renewable fossil fuels. Sea salt is the source of chlorine in PVC. |
| Relatively low energy content |
| Because more than half its feedstock is derived from salt, PVC has a lower feedstock energy compared with other polymers derived from hydrocarbons as well as many other common building materials. This contributes to the relatively low embodied energy in PVC products compared to other traditional plastic products. |
| Material efficiencies |
| PVC contributes to reduced material consumption in some of the core building and infrastructure applications. For example, high pressure pipes made from oriented PVC (PVC-O) pipes have up to 50 per cent thinner walls while maintaining the same pressure compared to traditional PVC pipes or alternatives. Concrete-filled PVC formwork wall systems provide material efficiencies as less concrete and steel is required for wall construction compared to conventional wall systems. |
| Thermal efficiencies |
| Thermal insulation increases the energy efficiency of buildings. PVC windows, doors, cladding and wall profiles help reduce the transfer of heat in all seasons. PVC window and door profiles can be fabricated for double and triple glazing making them an excellent choice in energy efficient buildings. Australian windows are rated for energy efficiency by the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS). PVC windows consistently rate in the highest category. |
| Design for durability |
| Ninety percent of PVC applications are designed for medium or long-term use. PVC is resistant to weathering, chemical rotting, corrosion, shock and abrasion. A 2000 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSRIO) study found excavated PVC pipe, which had been buried in Australian soils for 30 years had remained in excellent condition. The Water Services Association of Australia's (WSAA) Sewer Drain Code gives PVC a Category A rating, signifying a life expectancy of over 100 years. In other applications, such as window profiles and cable insulation, studies indicate that over 60% of products will last longer than 40 years. New innovative vinyl formwork wall construction systems have a building design life of 200 years. |
| Low maintenance |
| Vinyl products such as flooring, wall coverings and windows require very little maintenance over their lifespan – both an environmental and economical benefit. PVC windows and cladding, for example, do not require painting or varnishing. Abrasion and impact are not likely to damage PVC, reducing repair. |
| Health and safety |
| Importantly in the building and construction industry, PVC is lightweight and easy to install in most of its applications. These factors offer occupational safety advantages over some traditional materials. PVC's light weight also means less energy is required for transportation to a site. With a high resistance to impact, PVC does not splinter, rot or crack reducing the opportunities for accidental injury. The presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can trigger concern about the quality of air in buildings. Some vinyl products, such as flooring, can release VOCs; however, the levels fall off significantly shortly after installation and ultra-low VOC vinyl products are available in Australia. Testing on vinyl flooring products shows total VOC emissions are well within European and Australian Green Building Council standards. |
| Minimal pollution |
| PVC resin production is a regulated process in Australia and emissions from the process are low by world standards. The Australian resin manufacturer reports publically annually on its emissions. Refer to www.av.com.au |
| Recycling |
| PVC is recyclable, and with over 65 per cent of Australia’s PVC use occurring in the building industry, recycling opportunities are growing. Programs in New South Wales and Victoria recover waste PVC pipe from building sites for recycling; there has been cable recycling for several years; and vinyl flooring installation offcuts can be collected from sites for reprocessing. Trials to recover and recycle end of life vinyl flooring have begun in Australia. Many new products are offered in Australia with recycled PVC content including: • Conduit • Stormwater and DWV pipe • Floor tiles • Carpet • Window frames |
