Editor’s Note : This Viewpoint piece was written in response to the article ‘Green Building with Plastics’ by Marion Axmith, Director General of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, that appeared in the Nov/Dec 08, Issue 14 of SABMag.

PVC use is increasing in spite of the toxic by-products of the manufacturing process

by Tracey Loston

The case made by the plastics industry on behalf of PVC is full of misleading facts and figures that misrepresent or underplay the case against one of the most toxic building materials in use today. In addition, the plastics industry implies a connection between the use of their products and the acquisition of LEED points. No one product can give a project a point, and to imply that putting PVC in your building can “make a significant contribution” to your LEED scorecard is ludicrous. (more…)

The Industry View

Water Cube

Water Cube; The National Aquatic Centre in Beijing China is the largest building to use EIFE roofing material. In this application the thin film is made into translucent pillows that modulate light and provide a degree of thermal insulation [Photo: Yang Lei, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China]

by Marion Axmith

At first sight, plastics may appear to be a poor fit in the context of green building. Many in the design and construction industry consider plastics “unnatural” and nowhere near as “green” as more traditional materials like wood. However, more considered analysis reveals that plastic building materials bring a lot of advantages to the table, including energy efficiencies and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The materials are durable and effective so, whether a project is being built according to the latest LEED, Green Globes or other recognized industry tool, plastics can make a significant contribution. (more…)

Bold form reflects site’s rugged terrain and environmental stewardship

View of the west elevation shows how the building perches on the rock ledge. An overhang at the south-west corner [right in photo] and interior sun shades mitigate solar heat gain

Shifting, sloping and canting, the Killbear Provincial Park Visitor Centre pays homage to its site, a windswept outcropping of the Canadian Shield, its granite bedrock exposed by the glaciers at the end of the last ice age. (more…)