Part III: PVC Mitigation

Green Materials

1. Use Specifications as a Tool for Material Health

Divisions 09, 10, 22, and 26 sections clearly state PVC avoidance:

Example Spec Language:
Provide flooring, wall protection, window coverings, and baseboards avoiding the use of PVC or vinyl. Acceptable materials include rubber, linoleum, cork, TPO, EPDM, polyester, and other non-halogenated polymers. Products must be compliant with CDPH Standard Method v1.2 and free of substances listed on the Living Building Challenge Red List. Products such as Ecore rubber flooring, Tarkett Baseworks, Forbo Marmoleum flooring, Mecho Shade systems can be leveraged to avoid PVC in the building.

2. Fire-Hardening: Avoid PVC in High-fire risk zones

The USGBC CA Fire hardening guide specifies to avoid the use of vinyl gutters and specifies that metal reinforced vinyl windows should be used when a vinyl window frame is preferred. PVC, when ignited, emits hydrochloric acid and dioxins. In addition to avoiding PVC in high-fire risk zones, prioritize halogen-free materials in any building:

Exit corridors

Elevator lobbies

Vertical shafts and stairwells

Fire-rated wall assemblies

Wildland-urban interface zones

3. Focus on Easy Wins First

PVC-free alternatives for the following categories are cost-competitive and widely available:

Baseboards: use rubber or thermoplastic rubber (TPR)

Wall protection: use PETG, olefin, or rubber

Flooring: use linoleum, cork, or rubber

Window shades: use PVC-free polyester blinds

5. Leverage Certifications and Standards

When selecting products, look for:

Declare Labels (ILFI)

Cradle to Cradle Certification

FloorScore or GreenGuard Gold

HPDs and EPDs that show PVC-free content

Example Spec Language (Section 01 62 00 – Product Options):All resilient flooring, piping, window coverings, conduit, baseboards, and wall protection products shall be free of PVC and other halogenated compounds. Product declarations (HPDs or Declare labels) must be submitted for each product in Division 09 and 10.

PART 2: Managing PVC in Existing Buildings

PVC is still present in millions of buildings—in blinds, conduit, flooring, and more. While we can’t undo past choices, we can minimize the harm:

1. Identify Existing PVC

Focus on common product types:

Vinyl flooring (especially VCT)

Vinyl baseboards

PVC blinds

PVC conduits

Upholstered furniture with vinyl or faux leather

Wall protection panels

2. Reduce Off-gassing

Increasing mechanical ventilation in spaces with significant PVC

Avoid placing PVC near heat sources or direct sunlight

Use activated carbon filtration or zeolite filters to adsorb VOCs

Remove old, brittle, or yellowed vinyl materials first

3. Monitor Indoor Air Quality Install IAQ monitors that track:

VOC levels

Particulates (PM2.5)

Formaldehyde and phthalates if possible

4. Prioritize Replacement During Renovation Use maintenance or capital improvement cycles to replace:

Vinyl baseboards with rubber

Vinyl blinds with fabric roller shades

VCT flooring with linoleum or cork

5. Strengthen Fire Safety in PVC-Rich Areas

Ensure fire dampers and smoke barriers are fully functional

Avoid open flames or hot work near vinyl-heavy interiors

Install high-sensitivity smoke detectors in PVC-heavy areas

Leading Edge supports projects in selecting and implementing green materials by providing guidance on low-carbon, non-toxic product choices aligned with LEED, WELL, and LBC goals. We conduct embodied carbon analysis, vet EPDs and HPDs, review submittals, and offer tailored reports that highlight red-flag materials and recommend healthier, high-performance alternatives—ensuring both design intent and certification compliance are met.