[Greenbuilding] Alternatives to PVC pipe?

[Tom Lent]

Copper's high probability of being recycled at end of life is a positive
attribute that is generally not well captured by LCA's and something that
can't be said for any of the other materials. 

PE & PP have the greatest potential for recycling of the plastics but have a
long way to go to catch up to copper and are rarely closed loop recycled
(back to pipe for example). PEX is unrecyclable because of the cross
linking. 

CPVC does have some pilot recycling projects but has major hurdles in the
way of commodity level recycling due to additives - and with its solvent
cements and worst showing in cancer risk and other health impact areas, I'd
hardly give it a notsobad.

Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Alan Abrams
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 6:04 AM
To: Greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Alternatives to PVC pipe? +
"PlasticOcean"byS.Casey, Best Life Magazine, May 2007



Mary-

Environmental Building News reported on this subject in the april issue and
while holding its nose said that PVC was among the least worst materials for
DWV pipe--even better than cast iron, considering embodied energy and
pollution associated with its manufacture or recycling--and that using CPVC
for water supply pipe is notsobad as well.  They note that CA requires
flushing CPVC before using for potable water, and the use of one-step, low
voc cements, used with proper ventilation.

Here's the link but it requires a subscription:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/articles/IssueTOC.cfm?Volume=16&Issue=4


Alan Abrams  
www.AbramsDesignBuild.com

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