ENVIROMENTAL AWERENESS

PAM-Global cast iron pipe systems are made of recycled scrap metals, thus helping to save natural resources. Unlike plastic materials, when the casting life is over, it can be recycled in a complete and systematic way through non-environmentally harmful processes.

Above all, given the mechanical properties, the life span of PAM-Global cast iron pipe systems can be at least twice as high as that of plastic-based products.

100% recyclable indefinitely without losing any of its properties

PAM-Global pipe systems can be recycledwithout any deterioration of theirproperties, so they can be reused for exactly the same purpose. In other words, a pipe can be recycled as pipe.

Nothing is wasted: everything is recycled

Cast iron pipe systems are based on the principle of modular ranges of removable components. Their mechanical assemblies are reversible. You can change your mind today or even tomorrow. When pipe systems are disassembled or modified, these components can be reused, which cuts down waste dumping.

Perfect Choice for Green Buildings

One of the criteria for obtaining a green building certificate is "environmental material selection". Long-life, 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly PAM-Global cast iron pipe systems have become an indispensable element for green buildings within this criterion.

Environmental Product Declaration

To help customers make a better-informed choice, SAINT-GOBAIN PAM published in 2006 an updated Environmental Product Declaration (FDES: Fiche de DéclarationEnvironnementaleet Sanitaire) for its waste water and rainwater ranges.

In response to a worldwide need for harmonization, the international standard ISO 21930 provides the principles and requirements for environmental declarations (EPD) of products “from the cradle to the grave” as the relevant analysis.

The energy consumption expressed in one standard functional unit (FB) is proportional to 1 ml considering all the components required to collect and discharge waste water and rainwater over a period of 1 year in a 4-story building's piping systems.In the French standard NF P 01 010, which included even more stringent requirements, the use of the FB model in ISO 21930 was deemed appropriate.

Some figures for the PAM pipework:

At production stage, cast iron, supposedly energy consuming, actually consumes:

1,94 Mj of total primary energy / UF

As a reminder: yearly energy consumption for a family of three living in a 65 sqm flat = Primary Energy= 62382.5 Mj

118g of CO2 / UF = reference emission target adopted by the European Union for a new motor vehicle.
10 liters of water from all sources/ UF

Average daily individual water consumption in developed countries= 150 l

It should be noted that most of the water consumed is process cooling water which is discharged back to the natural environment without any treatment being required.

A manufacturer’s commitment: protect the environment and the health of personnel

For SAINT-GOBAIN, commitment to sustainable development actions by ensuring their plants’ absolute compliance with regulations in force is just the start.

The plants in the metallurgical industry call for greater vigilance and strict compliance with instructions as the risks of serious accidents are particularly high.

European cast iron plants have introduced an Environment Management System.

The comprehensive approach adopted led to the ISO 14001 certification for the Telford plant in the UK in 2004, and to the same certification covering product development for the Bayard plant in France, end of 2006.

As the world leader in construction products, SAINT-GOBAIN aims to provide innovative solutions to take up the challenges for the future posed by environment protection and energy savings.

All its products are designed with a view to making full allowance for environmental issues and enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings.

The Group is committed to protecting the health and safety of its employees, preventing its processes from having any detrimental environmental consequences, and fully integrating all the social and societal aspects of its operations into its business management.

Its adoption of the United Nations’ World Pact in 2003 confirmed its commitment to responsible and sustainable development, as Saint-Gobain undertook to implement the pact’s 10 principles as part of its strategy and its daily actions.