The PVC industry's contribution to sustainability in the building and construction sector

In the building and construction sector, in addition to technical specifications and price, specific environmental and ecological requirements are frequently written into public and private tenders. An informed choice of materials, as well as technical and architectural solutions, can contribute to energy saving and to minimising environmental impact, whilst increasing a building's comfort. Furthermore, the sustainability of different materials is also becoming a criterion of evaluation for certifications and for international eco-efficiency standards. The European PVC industry, through its Organisation Vinyl 2010 (which involves the entire upstream and downstream chain - from raw-material production to post-consumer waste), is working hard to guarantee the eco-compatibility of PVC products and applications (the B&C sector absorbs about 60% of PVC production). Efforts in this area include an integrated approach to waste management (from collection and recycling schemes to ultimate disposal) with several projects covering technology, research and Organisation. It also covers the promotion of best practice in technical solutions of PVC applications: for example, 'intelligent' windows with excellent insulation can save up to the equivalent of 16 kg of CO2 per year; membranes and flooring that result in less energy for heating and cooling houses; light concrete with increased thermal insulation properties; or projects like the 3LH (3 litre house).