The Vinyl Council of Australia (VCA) has commended the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for reviewing its position on the use of PVC products in the built environment.
After nearly two years of extensive engagement with stakeholders, including the establishment of an Expert Reference Panel, the GBCA has completed a comprehensive review of the life cycle of PVC building products and drawn informed conclusions based on this and the Panel’s advice.
Recognising the progress of the Australian PVC industry through its Product Stewardship Program to improve the environmental performance of PVC products, and following recommendations of its Expert Reference Panel, the GBCA is proposing to use a PVC Credit in the Materials category of the Green Star building rating tool to encourage best practice in the PVC industry.
The proposed Credit will only reward and encourage the use of PVC products that are independently verified as achieving best practice performance in the life cycle of the product, within the major applications of PVC products in Green Star projects.
The VCA, the peak body representing the Australian PVC industry, is confident the process will produce an outcome that is good news for the environment and the industry.
The VCA’s Chief Executive, Sophi MacMillan, said that the GBCA's approach will have a significant impact on shaping the future of Australia's PVC industry by giving recognition to individual PVC manufacturers and product suppliers who have improved environmental and health aspects of their products and processes.
“Choosing PVC products that meet the best practice criteria in the proposed new Credit will improve environmental performance in the building sector and encourage a more sustainable PVC industry,” Ms MacMillan said.
The Australian PVC industry remains committed to addressing areas that will assist in developing sustainable production and consumption approaches across the supply chain and this is reflected through its independently audited voluntary Product Stewardship Program, now in its seventh year.
The VCA looks forward to working with the GBCA and the property industry to support the introduction of the new PVC Green Star Credit.
For further information: contact Neva Law, Vinyl Council of Australia, directly on 03 9368
4857 or 0405 772 700.
