Four plumbing trade groups agreed today to work together to
coordinate research on water-efficient plumbing products, systems and
practices.
The four groups joining the Water Efficiency Research
Coalition are the following:
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors –
National Association
The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute
The International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials
The International Code Council
“The plumbers are on the firing line when new technologies
come to market,” said PHCC’s Green Construction and Water Conservation Task
Force Chairman Kevin Tindall at the signing
ceremony in the Washington, D.C., offices of EPA Administrator Stephen
Johnson. “It is in our best interest to make sure they are truly
effective, because if they aren’t we will be the ones the customer
calls. We are proud to support this important effort to conserve water and
energy in our communities.”
Tindall also announced at the signing that the PHCC-NA will
bring the national GreenPlumbers®
training and accreditation program to PHCC chapters across the country this
year.
The coalition’s work will be managed by the Alliance for
Water Efficiency, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to
water-efficient products and products throughout North America.
“Water efficiency forms the first tenet of the PMI mission
statement,” said Barbara Higgens, executive director
of PMI. “Together we will work to encourage the wise use of this precious
element.”
The coalition will support research projects that will aid
or assist in the development of more water-efficient and sustainable plumbing
products, systems and practices. Funds
for worthy projects will be sought from government agencies, foundations, and
other interested parties. Sample potential research topics include
the following:
- Drainline Carry Research on
High-Efficiency Toilets
- Water Reuse Systems and Safe Applications for
Reuse Water
- Waterless Urinals
- Sizing of Water-Efficient Plumbing Systems
