Future-proof cooling: Why pre-insulated plastic piping systems improve the sustainability of HVAC applications

Today, buildings account for 40% of total CO2 emissions and of those, about 40% are caused by HVAC applications. In addition, it is estimated that demand for cooling will continue to increase due to factors such as population growth and climate change. To meet global greenhouse gas emissions targets, it is therefore necessary to exploit potential efficiency gains wherever possible. Here, looking at piping systems more closely has proven to be an effective strategy.

Steel pipes are still the most common choice when it comes to HVAC applications. However, thermoplastics such as polyethylene have proven to have a number of benefits. Polyethylene is 60% lighter, faster to install thanks to electrofusion, and corrosion-free. In addition, factory pre-insulation makes the material 30% more energy efficient. 

In an effort to quantify the differences in environmental impact between pre-insulated polyethylene and post-insulated steel, Swiss flow solutions provider GF Piping Systems commissioned a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA). Conducted by the independent institute Swiss Climate AG, the study assessed the environmental impact of both solutions in the context of an existing office building. Focusing on the secondary cooling loop, Swiss climate AG compared a proposed metal AC piping system with COOL-FIT 2.0 by GF Piping Systems, which was ultimately selected for the construction project.

Taking the entire 380-meter-long system into account from cradle to grave, Swiss Climate AG came to the conclusion that pre-insulated polyethylene outperforms post-insulated metal in a number of key areas:  

-        Considering all life cycle phases, the global warming potential of the plastic solution is 4% lower overall.

-        The differences are most notable during the production phase where plastic has a 61% lower carbon footprint than metal

-        Throughout the service life of the metal alternative, 5% of the steel and 50% of the insulation need to be replaced while the plastic solution has an uninterrupted 25-year service life

Daniel Dossenbach, Head of Global Product Management Cooling at GF Piping Systems, is pleased with the results of the LCA: “We already know that thermoplastic piping solutions in HVAC applications are lighter, more energy efficient, and last longer. Thanks to the study conducted by Swiss Climate AG, we can show that pre-insulated polyethylene pipes also have a lower environmental footprint. As a result, selecting solutions such as COOL-FIT 2.0 can help construction projects qualify for sustainable building certifications while reducing costs and maintenance requirements, or as we would say, create connections for life.”

Access the complete whitepaper with the results of the LCA here.