Energy-saving, environmental benefits of PVC lauded

ARLINGTON, Va., February (VNS) – The energy-saving and environmental benefits of PVC (vinyl) plastic – from conserving drinking water to reducing CO2 greenhouse emissions – are detailed in a new report from the Vinyl Institute.

The report notes that widely used non-corrosive PVC pipes in place of older, corroding concrete and metal pipes are now saving millions of gallons of precious water resources each year. At the same time, the use of vinyl windows over less energy-efficient alternatives is saving some two trillion BTUs of energy a year – the equivalent of the electricity used by 20,000 single family homes.

Because PVC also takes less energy to produce than most competing materials – including 20 percent less than other plastics – it helps reduce the use of oil, coal and other fossil fuels and curbs CO2 and other greenhouse gases believed to cause global warming, according to the report, “The energy and environmental benefits of PVC building products,” PVC Fact Sheet.

The report notes that a study of environmental life-cycle analyses of PVC and competing building materials by the European Commission found that PVC offers environmental benefits equal to or better than those of other materials in many applications. A 2004 draft report of the US Green Building Council reached similar conclusions.

Most recently, the state of California joined 49 other states in giving unrestricted approval to CPVC piping for residential plumbing, based on extensive environmental impact reviews.

For more information: http://www.vinylnewsservice.com.