15 Dec Eco-Friendly Benefits of PVC in Water Management Projects
Water management is an integral component of any urban development project. From distribution to rainwater collection, water must flow in and out of a city through pipes, storm drains, and various other infrastructures in order for its occupants to flourish and enable all sorts of operations integral to daily living.
With the rise of green design and the necessary shift towards sustainability in urban development, water management projects are now adopting more environmentally friendly materials and practices to contribute to a greener tomorrow. One of the materials widely recognized as the best choice for the environment is PVC.
From pipes to window frames and a wide variety of other products, PVC is one of the world’s most sustainable construction materials that also features many key benefits, including long service life, corrosion resistance, and high durability that ensures leak-free operation. This claim to sustainability stems from many factors, starting from its manufacturing process and energy consumption. Below, we cover some of the main eco-friendly benefits of PVC for modern water management systems.
Clean and Safe Manufacturing
PVC pipe manufacturing has come a long way and is now extremely efficient thanks to the many developments over the years, with virtually 100% of the PVC compound being used. On top of that, making PVC pipes requires far less energy than other pipe alternatives like concrete and iron, specifically four times less energy than the former and half that of the latter.
Also, PVC pipes are created from clean and safe manufacturing that does not require smoke stacks at the factory, which is in contrast to the cement industry, which is considered the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the world. This makes its environmental footprint much smaller than competing piping materials.
Numerous life-cycle assessments have also demonstrated the ecological credentials of PVC pipes, which scientifically assess the environmental impact of a product starting from raw material extraction to end-of-life.
A Smaller Human Footprint
PVC pipes feature an ultra-smooth surface and leak-free joints that reduce pumping costs and significantly mitigate the risk of water loss—reaching as high as 40% in older and corrosion-prone piping networks. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that approximately 2.6 trillion gallons of drinkable water are lost annually due to leaky pipes.
As mentioned, PVC pipes are exceptionally durable and corrosion-resistant, leading to better water conservation and lower maintenance and replacement costs. This durability also means PVC pipes can reach a longer life expectancy, eliminating the need for replacements and yielding further environmental benefits.
Recyclability
Recycled PVC can find applications in various products, such as non-structural components, fencing, and other building materials. Exploring alternative uses for recycled PVC contributes to a more sustainable approach to waste management.
The use of recycled raw materials in plastic pipes and fittings is a powerful solution that offers lifespan design assurance and manufacturing and operational efficiency gains—offering benefits from both sustainability perspectives for any organization looking into them as part of their water management project.
Conclusion
As green design picks up pace and steadily becomes the norm, developers overseeing water management projects must also seek opportunities for sustainability in their operations. Making more use of PVC pipes, with their variety of eco-friendly benefits, is one option that can contribute greatly to their sustainable development goals.
Should your next project require innovative and sustainable piping solutions, look no further than Vicplas, a trusted PVC pipe supplier in Singapore. As a leading provider of ISO-certified and BCA-SGBC Green Mark recognized uPVC pipes and fittings designed for various applications, including underground drainage, electrical works, and hydroponic systems. With sustainability as one of the main pillars of our business, you can depend on us for eco-friendly uPVC products with more than 400 styles available, including options like SS213 and S141 uPVC pipes.
For more information about our product line-up, don’t hesitate to contact us today.