Plastics as a Sustainable Building Element for Today's Construction Industry

摘要

When the word "plastic" enters design conversations, PVC piping, siding, window frames - maybe even roofing -- come to mind. Few consider insulation, molding trim, wall coverings, flooring, beams, columns, doors -- let alone the use of plastic in blended products for concrete chemicals, wood board, and paint. While this list of products clearly demonstrates that plastics are prominent in today's building market, many have yet to recognize the material as an answer for sustainable and green building design. Recent surveys in 2001 and 2003 of leading professionals in the building industry indicate that the most important characteristics considered in selection of a building material are safety, durability, and contribution to a healthy environment. Interestingly, these same surveys failed to recognize plastics as a strong performer in those areas. This contradiction between perception and reality is certainly a result of an outdated philosophy about plastic - a hindrance to plastics in building awareness and market share, especially in terms as a green solution.