The new Green Guide, published on line in June 2008, provided some good news for users of PVC building products.
Specifiers and contractors who recognise
the sustainability benefits of PVC Roofline, Cladding and
Windows will be please to find that these products can now
help them to achieve the highest levels under the Code for
Sustainable Homes.
PVC Cladding installed over timber framing now carries an A+
rating. This allows the specifier to claim the maximum three points
available under the CSH for just such an external wall
system.
This also means that social housing specifiers requiring a
replacement material for rotted timber cladding or the thin plastic
cladding of the 1960's and 70's, can be sure of an
alternative in cellular PVC cladding that has been
independently assessed to be highly sustainable.
Fascias and soffits are not included in the Building Elements
section of the Green Guide. However Swish Cellular PVC roofline
products qualify for 1.5 points under the section dealing with
responsible sourcing of Finishing Elements. Both Swish and its
major materials supplier are ISO14001 certified and so Swish
roofline profiles qualify as Tier3 products.
The good news in another section of the PVC building products
market is that Domestic PVC windows have been given an A rating and
Commercial windows an A+ rating.
PVC is coming into its own. After decades of
unjustified attacks it is now being recognised by the BRE, an
independent authority, as having a significant contribution to make
to the government's sustainability drive and to reducing
carbon emissions.
