Future-proof cooling: Why pre-insulated plastic piping systems improve the sustainability of HVAC applications
GF Piping Systems and Swiss Climate AG have conducted a life-cycle analysis of the factory pre-insulated COOL-FIT 2.0 system. The results, which have now been published in a whitepaper, show that thermoplastic solutions in HVAC applications have a lower carbon footprint than metal while also increasing longevity and efficiency.
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.
Plastic solutions in HVAC applications are not only lighter, more energy efficient, and longer lasting than metal, but also have a lower environmental impact.
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Informazioni su GF Piping Systems
In qualità di fornitore leader di soluzioni per il trasporto sicuro e sostenibile dei fluidi, GF Piping Systems crea connessioni per la vita. La divisione propone sistemi di tubazioni sicuri e affidabili per numerosi e differenti segmenti di mercato. La sua particolare attenzione al cliente e all'innovazione si riflette nella sua presenza globale, nell'assistenza, nella produzione e nella sua gamma, che comprende raccordi, valvole, tubi, automazione, fabbricazione e tecnologie di giunzione.
GF Piping Systems è presente con le proprie società di vendita in 31 paesi ed è quindi sempre al fianco dei suoi clienti. Le società di produzione in 36 sedi in America, Europa e Asia garantiscono una disponibilità costante e consegne rapide e affidabili. Nel 2022, GF Piping Systems ha realizzato un fatturato di 2'160 milioni di franchi svizzeri con un organico di 8'085 persone. GF Piping Systems è una divisione di Georg Fischer AG, fondata nel 1802, con sede a Schaffhausen, in Svizzera.