The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) has long supported sustainable building practices and the principle that standards and rating systems for sustainable, green building should be developed using an ANSI accredited process. Such standards and raiting systems should utilize Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) that cover a broad range of construction materials and techniques, or, in the absense of full life cycle information, multi-attribute certifications that account for relevant product attributes across the life cycle. Such attributes should be determined using an industry based consensus process conducted by stakeholders specific to each product category or type.
PPFA supports the conservation and protection of natural resources. Its Sustainable Piping Systems Committee coordinates all Association activities and programs to achieve sustainability goals, including our industry-leading Sustainable Manufacturing Certification Program.
For reliable, safe, cost-effective, energy-conscious building materials, plastic piping should be part of your next set of job specifications..
Here are more reasons to use plastic piping:
Safe, reliable, durable
Starting with its own low-energy manufacturing process and continuing through delivery, installation and long-term durability, plastic piping delivers the qualities you except from 21st century products.
Durable
Plastic piping has a significantly greater life expectancy than metal counterparts. Plastic piping is not degraded by underground water and soil, nor by contaminants or acidity in waste or sewage passing through it. The physical characteristics of installed plastic piping changes very little over time. Examinations of plastic piping samples show no measurable degradation after 50 years or more of service.
Safely delivers water, waste or chemicals
Plastic piping is an effective weapon in the war against disease. Because plastic piping is not subject to pitting and corrosion, it safely contains and delivers,andeffectively removes water, waste, or chemicals without contamination. Plastic piping is the ideal choice to convey chemicals for water treatment and for many other processes.
Easy to install & meets building code requirements nationwide
Plastic piping systems weigh less and install quicker than metal piping. The savings in energy, freight charges, manpower, and more simple hoisting and rigging equipment, mean significant savings in time, energy and costs for each project utilizing plastic piping systems.
Plastic piping is assembled using gasket, other mechanical means, or solvent cement. No lead pot and torch is needed, saving time, energy, and resources and reducing workplace hazards.
Plumbing and building codes govern the use of construction products and their methods of installation. All major codes allow plastic piping.
Third party certified to meet health and safety standards
Plastic piping products designed to deliver potable water are certified to meet the requirements of ANSI/NSF Standard 61, an industry-leading standard that addresses relevant health issues and protects the user from unwanted and dangerous contaminants through comprehensive risk analysis.
Clean, low-energy manufacturing
The energy efficiencies of manufacturing plastic pipe and fittings also conserves resources. In fact, the manufacture of plastic pressure piping used in the building, construction, and transportation industries required 56,497 trillion fewer BTUs than iron and concrete/aggregate alternatives.*
Because plastic pipe and fittings are significantly lower in weight than metal piping, they save energy in transportation, a significant cost factor in today’s construction planning.
* Based on a 1991 study by Franklin Associates titled: "Comparative Energy Evaluation of Plastic Products and their Alternatives for the Building and Construction and Transportation Industries".
The advantages are clear... shouldn’t you be considering plastic piping?
Click here to read further on:
PPFA Policy on Sustainable Building