For the first time PVC pipes, stabilised with Calcium Zinc have achieved the top classification of ‘ecologically interesting’, from the renowned Swiss environmental organisation, Eco-devis.
Eco-devis is a body incorporating private and public organisations, supported by the Federation of Swiss Architects and the Swiss Society of Engineers, whose aim is to promote the construction methods, which respect the environment. The organisation’s classification system judges the environmental performance of construction materials, in order to help architects, designers, constructors, engineers and builders make informed environmental decisions when choosing products for any new building. It is also used as a specific requirement in the procurement phase, for the construction both public and private sector buildings
The Eco-devis measures materials for total energy consumption from conception to final production. To achieve the top classification a product must not contain any environmentally damaging materials and must show evidence of being disposed of or recovered in an environmentally acceptable way.
To receive the top classification of ‘ecologically interesting’ a product will have been thoroughly examined in terms of all aspects of its environmental performance and impact, from conception to production. PVC pipes stabilised with Calcium Zinc are seen as being particularly environmentally friendly products; this has been acknowledged by both Eco-devis and the Swiss Health Authority.
PVC pipes deliver excellent cost-price performance connected directly with their low maintenance and low installation costs, long life-span and inherent recyclability.
The new classification for CaZn stabilised PVC pipes appears in the most recent edition of the, Catalogue of Normalised Articles (CAN), produced by the Swiss Centre for the Rationalisation of Building and Construction, or Eco-Bau, the company responsible for Eco-devis. The publication is available on-line and in hardback, to all stakeholders involved with construction, in both the private sector and the public sector.
Chris Welton, Communication and Public Affairs Manager at the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers, welcomed this new categorisation: ‘We are delighted that the environmental credentials of PVC pipes have been recognised by such a respected organisation.’
