The War on Climate Change: How using large diameter HDPE Pipes significantly reduces Carbon Emissions

Session 2A
1:40

Dr. Vasilios Samaras, Product Manager Asset International Ltd

Anders Andtbacka, Technical Manager KWH Pipe

In an era when global warming is having a significant effect on our climate and catastrophic weather events are devastating local communities, the use of innovation is of vital importance. It is a fact that as green issues continues to rise up the political agenda; the water industry is being forced to look towards more innovative solutions that play a part in reducing carbon footprints.

Historically, the use of traditional materials within the water industry has not only propagated hydraulic inefficiencies but also paid negligible attention to the environment.

Large diameter High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes have witnessed a strong growth in usage, particularly within the water industry, and research suggests they can contribute significantly towards the green objective. This will become more evident in the future as the water and construction industries begin the systematic evaluation of the carbon footprint for every individual scheme.

The main scope of this work is to illustrate the distinct advantage of plastic pipes in comparison to traditional material regarding the reduction in carbon footprint emissions. The study is based on real examples in large flood alleviation schemes in UK a country who the last two years suffered from severe floods because of this climate change, where HDPE pipes have been used not only because of the known advantages over conventional pipes but also because of the contribution towards a greener environment.

All the calculations regarding the carbon footprint emissions are based on the use carbon footprint calculator endorsed by the Environment Agency UK in combination with independent studies carried out by leading UK Water Companies.

Keywords: Carbon Footprint, Emissions, Large Diameter HDPE Pipes