Life Cycle Assessment of PVC Water and Sewer Pipe and Comparative Sustainability Analysis of Pipe Materials

This PVC pipe Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) industry study sets a new benchmark for evaluating underground piping systems in North America based on a 100 year life cycle. It was peer reviewed and conducted according to life cycle assessment (LCA) standards ISO 14040 series and independently certified by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) International.The LCA and EDP support the USEPA’s safe drinking water and climate change goals for long-term sustainability of water systems. Data was collected from 7 producers and 21 facilities representing 20% of PVC pipe manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and Canada. The life cycle of piping is examined including materials, manufacturing, installation, use phase benefits, and end of life. Based on the LCA/EPD results, PVC pipe provides significant advantages to solving utilities water and wastewater infrastructure needs.