Digital Commemorative Magazine - 31

Decades after its ﬁrst introduction into the building
world, the Journal of Cleaner Production published
a report assessing the environmental and economic
life cycle of PEX and its superiority over copper from
a sustainability standpoint, proving PEX to be not
only more economical, more durable and faster to
install, but also more sustainable. (Source: Asadi,
Babaizadeh, Foster, and Broun, Environmental and
Economic Life Cycle Assessment of PEX and
Copper Plumbing Systems: A Case Study, Nov.
2016, Vol. 137, 1228-1236.)
Now, as more commercial building engineers look to
innovative technologies to bring greater eﬃciencies
and performance to their buildings, more professionals are turning to this same PEX for hydronic
heating hot-water piping and chilled-water piping
systems as well.
Wirsbo hePEX™ pipe, a PEX piping system with an
oxygen barrier to protect ferrous components in a
mechanical system, is the hydronic heating and
cooling system's answer to metallic piping systems
of the past. For the ASHRAE global headquarters,
9,200 feet (2,804 m) of ¾ in. to 1½ in. (19 mm to 38
mm) Wirsbo hePEX pipe delivers chilled water to
the radiant ceiling panels through a network of 53
stainless-steel manifolds.
In hydronic heating and cooling systems, using PEX
provides many beneﬁts. It is much lighter than metal

At ASHRAE

and scale buildup as well as greater durability in
freeze/thaw cycles and a reliable ASTM F1960
ProPEX® expansion connection system that could
never be dry ﬁt.

Uponor AquaPEX® plumbing system
* 3,600 ft.
* ¹⁄2 " -2 " pipe

ASTM F1960 ProPEX® expansion
connection system
Wirsbo hePEX™ piping system
* 9,200 ft.
* ³⁄4 " -1½ " pipe
* 53 stainless-steel manifolds

piping systems, such as steel, copper and blackiron pipe, so it is easier to handle on the jobsite.
Also, because PEX is naturally corrosion resistant,
it requires fewer nitrites, azoles and other chemicals
inside the piping to maintain a static hydronic
environment. Additionally, fewer chemicals mean
less toxicity in a system as well as in our water
and ground.
Using PEX for hydronics can also play a key role
in decarbonization, the movement to create a
CO2-free global economy. As a steward of the built
environment, Uponor, the manufacturer of these
PEX piping systems, is generating awareness into
the positive eﬀects mechanical systems can have
on decarbonization eﬀorts and how hydronics,
speciﬁcally, can dramatically improve eﬃciencies.
Through continued research, system design and
innovations, the built environment is evolving and
improving every day to provide future structures
with greater eﬃciencies, comfort, health and safety.
And this ASHRAE global headquarters renovation
is a testament to the mission of building better for
a sustainable life.

Digital Commemorative Magazine

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