IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition.
22 September 2014
Lisboa. Portugal
Paper Title: LCA Of PVC And HDPE Pipes For Drinking Water Distribution Networks In Cities
LCA Of PVC And HDPE Pipes For Drinking Water Distribution Networks In Cities
David Sanjuan-Delmása; Anna Petit-Boixa; Carles M. Gasolb; Gara Villalbaa,c; María Eugenia Suárez-Ojedac; Xavier Gabarrella,c; Alejandro Josad,e; Joan Rieradevalla,c
Abstract: This study focuses on the drinking water distribution network (DWDN), presenting the environmental analysis of 2 pipes made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly vinyl chloride (PVC) for the construction of the DWDN applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The results show that PVC scores better than HDPE in 2 out of the 7 midpoint impact categories analysed. However, these differences are not high enough to consider PVC environmentally preferable. Most of the environmental impacts are generated during the installation of the pipe, although the other phases (production and transport of the pipe) also contribute with significant environmental impacts and must be considered for the reduction of the DWDN impacts.
Keywords: network; pipe material; LCA; urban infrastructure; eco-efficiency; construction
An internationally renowned conference, the IWA World Water Congress brings together over 5000 of the world’s leading water professionals from ninety countries. 47 Workshops, 90 Technical Sessions, 360 Presentations and over 700 Poster Presentations provide a unique opportunity for connecting and networking with water sector leaders, and to share knowledge on the latest trends in best practice, technological innovation, pioneering research and science.
With a focus on the role of the water sector in creating the green economy of the future, the IWA World Water Congress will bring together leaders from both the water and environment sectors. It showcases the role of regulators in shaping our water future, successful delivery of clean water to growing populations, industrial water management, water and energy recovery, new policies and regulations in emerging economies, and benchmarking of water and wastewater service providers.
