LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF BUILDING-RELATED PLASTICS - PVC

Abstract

Over the years, there have been growing concerns over the contribution of greenhouse gases into the environment through the frequent extraction of raw materials from the lithosphere. The increased concentration of human-produced greenhouse gases has resulted in global warming and climate change. As the building and construction industry is the major contributor of the greenhouse gas emissions, the use of life cycle assessment to determine and evaluate the environmental loading and impacts of building materials will allow industry players to intensify their knowledge on the choice of building materials. This research study focuses on the life cycle assessment of PVC building and construction materials in Singapore. It analyzes and examines the environmental impacts associated with the different life cycle stages of PVC plastics. Quantitative data was collected through interview questionnaire designed and sent out to the PVC manufacturers and recycling companies operating in Singapore and the results were analyzed in accordance to the life cycle impact assessment. It was subsequently found that the life cycle of PVC conduit pipes resulted in a total of 12.1743kg of carbon dioxide equivalents produced for climate change. Human toxicity showed that 4.645kg of 1, 4-dichlorobenzene equivalent are produced and lastly for resource depletion is approximately 0.6025kg of antimony equivalents. This research study showed that among the life cycle stages measured, PVC conduit pipes production has the highest environmental loading. Recommendations are made, which if implemented, could help reduce the environmental loading of PVC conduit pipes production as well as the overall environmental loading of PVC conduit pipes in Singapore.