Plastic pipe, tubing and fittings play an integral role in the proper functional, safety and environmental performance of 11 key green building technologies, according to a new study that was compiled by consulting firm Sustainability Edge Solutions for the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association.

“Green Building Technologies that Use Plastic Pipe and Tubing to Function” highlights the advantages of plastic pipe, tube and fittings in the residential and commercial application of green building technologies. It provides information that can assist in the evaluation, selection, design and implementation of these technologies in new construction or remodeling of homes and buildings. 

The study offers further assistance by targeting the information to the specific needs of installers, designers, green builders, homeowners and commercial building owners and managers. It details the use of piping systems and those situations where plastic is preferred over alternatives.

The primary advantages cited for plastic piping systems generally include:

  • Durability and strength combined with chemical, weather and corrosion resistance and biological inertness, leading to effective performance and long service life in the field.

  • Extensive testing and compliance with nationally accepted consensus standards, third-party certification, and approval in building codes and regulations.

  • Material flexibility and lighter weight, enabling greater design flexibility, ease of installation, and lower installation time and cost.

  • Ease of color coding and marking to identify safe acceptable uses and applications.

  • Cost-effectiveness in terms of manufacturing, transportation and ease of installation.

    The report contains a chapter on residential and commercial application of each of the following technologies: gray water reuse; rainwater harvesting; geothermal ground loops; higher-efficiency hot water distribution; radiant heating; solar hot water; water-efficient irrigation; radon venting; decentralized wastewater treatment; central vacuum systems; and residential fire sprinklers.

    Plastic piping systems are increasingly being used in green building to take advantage of state and local governments offering incentives for green buildings in the form of tax credits (income and property tax, sales tax), fast-tracking building permit approvals, utility subsidies, grants and loans. Innovative financing mechanisms are increasingly being made available to assist with capital costs of installing green building technologies, especially when favorable projected operating cost savings can be demonstrated.

    To download the study, go to www.ppfahome.org/Landing_Pages/Green_Building_Technologies_Report.html.


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