4.5.5 Reduced PVC content
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products can usually be found in shopping mall fittings and furnishings including electrical
cables, furniture components, floor coverings, blinds, finishes etc.
For example, rows of PVC resin panels are one of the most common interior finishes used in shopping malls and shop
spaces in Hong Kong. It is a cheap cladding material that is easy to cut, install and replace as necessary. However,
little attention has been paid to its gas emitting effects and its potential to harm humans by causing irritating respiratory
illnesses such as asthma. Greenpeace has provided an evaluation for PVC. It has many harmful effects:
Toxic emissions
Toxic additives
Toxic by-products
Toxic disposal
• Production of PVC may release a toxic chemical, dioxin,
into the air, which may pollute water and the land.
• Such as phthalates are added to make it more soft
and flexible.
• Toxic by-products produced during burning.
• When PVC reaches the end of its useful life and is
disposed of in a landfill, it again leaks dioxin and
heavy metals.
A. Seeking alternatives
Remember that for virtually all PVC applications, safer alternatives exist, involving more sustainable, traditional materials
– such as using metal/wood/glass panels instead of PVC resin panels.
B. Bio-based plastic
Bio-based plastic is an alternative to PVC, being a less environmentally damaging plastic. It is made out of products
obtained from natural raw materials (e.g. starch and cellulose) and is readily degraded and composted.
4.5.6 Low-emitting materials
Low-emitting materials are products that do not release significant pollutants into the indoor environment.
Common pollutants emitted from materials in shopping malls and shop spaces:
&
(HCHO)
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) & hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)
•
(Rn)
A. Use of zero and low volatile organic compound (VOC) products
Even non-designers can learn which are low
through the product labels.
B. Use of non-chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)/non-hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) based refrigerants
Do not use CFC-based/HCFC-based refrigerants in HVAC&R equipment. Alternative refrigerants for air-conditioners
(e.g. R-410A, R-134a and R-407C) are free of CFCs/HCFCs.
4
Green design for shopping malls and shop spaces
4.5
Material selection
Hong Kong Green Building Council 123
