Efficient
Energy efficiency
Vinyl takes less energy to produce, pound for pound, than many competing materials, including other major plastics. Its principal raw material is chlorine derived from common salt—an abundant and inexpensive resource—which displaces a significant amount of fossil fuel that would otherwise be required.
- Vinyl saves more than 34 million BTUs per 1,000 pounds manufactured compared to the highest energy-consuming plastic
- PVC building products are highly energy-efficient
Thermal efficiency
Vinyl has low thermal conductivity, so finished products like vinyl window frames reduce heat exchange. Also, vinyl frames are chambered, using the insulating properties of air to help insulate. White vinyl roofing membranes are excellent heat reflectors that reduce the burden on air conditioning systems.
Water efficiency
PVC pipes are less prone to breaks and failures than pipes of traditional materials, so it’s no wonder they continue to be used for our water and sewage systems. Because PVC pipes do not rust or corrode, they save precious water resources. Because they resist internal pipe-wall buildup, they also require less energy to pump water through than pipes made from traditional materials.
- Every year, 2.6 trillion gallons of treated water are lost because of leaks in corroded metal and concrete pipes
- In a major study comparing break rates of pipe materials, vinyl water distribution pipe had on average 0.5 per 100 km (62 miles), versus 32.6 for cast iron and 7.9 for ductile iron
Reduced material use
Advances in vinyl formulations have made today’s vinyl products durable, low-maintenance, and lightweight, all which translate into reduced use of other materials.
- Vinyl building products like siding and fencing don’t require the use of paint, stain, or harsh cleansers, unlike most wood products that need these treatments on a regular basis
- Vinyl roofing is highly conformable to a roof’s shape and eliminates the need for asphalt, tar, and other materials used in built-up roofing
- Vinyl pipe is lighter to transport than traditional pipe materials, saves time in cutting and installation, and lasts longer because it does not corrode or rust
Efficient products
PVC building products have numerous energy and environmental benefits. Since the late 1980s, more than 20 life-cycle evaluations have been completed on PVC building products, many of them comparing those products to ones made of other materials. PVC products were found to perform favorably in terms of energy efficiency, thermal-insulating value, low contribution to greenhouse gases, and product durability.
- Vinyl windows and doors conserve energy. For example, air chambers in the frame of vinyl windows resist heat transfer
- Some vinyl frames and sash corners are fusion-welded for added strength and protection against air and water infiltration
- Many vinyl windows, glass doors, and roofing membranes have received EnergyStar® ratings
- Because vinyl roofing membranes typically are light in color, their “reflective” roof surfaces help structures to stay cool and reduce energy use for air conditioning
Energy Efficient
PVC saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions. PVC takes less energy to produce than many competing products, and 20 percent less than other plastics. PVC also saves fossil fuels. Its principal raw material (nearly 60 percent) is chlorine derived from common salt. PVC building products are highly energy-efficient. For example:
- ENERGY STAR roofing membranes made of PVC reflect solar energy
- ENERGY STAR vinyl window frames conserve energy
- PVC pipe requires less energy to pump water
Durability: PVC building products are highly durable, which conserves resources. They will not rot or corrode like many other materials and do not need cleaning with harsh chemicals or frequent painting.
Recycling: PVC is inherently recyclable. More than 1 billion pounds are recycled annually (mostly post-industrial), according to a recent study. Many carpet manufacturers using PVC backing have highly successful recycling programs, including C&A Floorcoverings (which has recycled over 100 million pounds of vinyl backed carpet).
Life cycle analysis: PVC’s impacts on the environment are comparable to or lower than most alternatives. A 2004 study of environmental life-cycle analyses (LCAs) of PVC and competing building materials by the European Commission (EC) found that PVC offers environmental benefits equal to or better than those of other materials in many applications.1 The USGBC PVC Task Group reached similar conclusions in its draft report issued December 2004.
