Earth Day 2007:How Vinyl saves energy, water, and reduces greenhouse emissions

ARLINGTON, VA, April 20 – Since the first Earth Day in 1970, vinyl has played an ever-increasing role in helping Americans save energy, save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Vinyl Institute said today.

Homeowners are familiar with the extensive energy and cost savings, as well as durability, of vinyl windows and siding, which have become an increasingly important part of green building, noted Tim Burns, president of the Vinyl Institute.

But, other vinyl/PVC products also contribute importantly. “Every year, millions of gallons of water are saved by replacing old, corroded metal and concrete pipes with durable, non-corroding PVC pipe,” Burns said. “These new pipes also require less energy to make, less energy to install, and less energy for pumping operations. This alone has been an enormous advance in recent years. It has also saved taxpayers many millions of dollars.”

The Institute noted that the energy saved each year from the use of vinyl windows alone is the equivalent of the energy needed to heat and cool 20,000 single-family homes.

The huge PVC membrane roofs covering modern sports stadiums and commercial buildings – which deflect heat and significantly reduce the need for air conditioning – also save major amounts of energy, Burns noted.

“When you add it all up, the ever increasing use of vinyl and PVC in building and construction – from our underground water infrastructure to windows, flooring, walls and roofs in homes, offices, schools and commercial facilities – represents a truly amazing contribution to saving energy, reducing this country’s dependence on fossil fuels, and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Burns said.

Much of this progress was unimaginable at the time of the first Earth Day in 1970, he added. “I think it reflects well on the creativity, dedication and engineering skills of the many thousands of workers in our industry. On this Earth Day, 2007, we should remember and appreciate their many practical contributions to protecting our environment.”

Earth Day is Sunday.

For further information, go to www.vinylnewsservice.com, www.vinylindesign.com and
www.epa.gov/earthday/index.htm.