The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association and GreenPlumbers® USA have formed a partnership to train and certify plumbers across the nation on the environmental impact and technical aspects of water and energy efficient technologies.

Working with interested state and local groups that are part of its national chapter network, PHCC will schedule and promote the programs to members, non-member contractors and potential sponsors, hoping to expand awareness about the already-successful training program to the industry and general public.

“A partnership between the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association and GreenPlumbers USA is mutually beneficial,” said Steve Lehtonen, managing director of GreenPlumbers USA. “It provides [us] with access to the most professional plumbing contractors in the nation, those for whom training and marketing are high priorities. And it gives PHCC–NA additional educational offerings for its members.”

“This partnership will utilize the best that each organization has to offer for mutual benefits to both,” said PHCC Executive Vice President Ike Casey. “It also is good for the industry because the more plumbers who are trained in green, the more likely it is that the general public will sense the value of utilizing the plumbing industry to save precious water and energy for future generations.”

GreenPlumbers training currently consists of a five-course, 32-hour, accreditation in Climate Care, Caring For Our Water, Solar Hot Water, Water Efficient Technology, and Inspection Report Service. Five elective workshops will be introduced in 2009 ― Natural Wastewater Treatment, Commercial Hot Water Systems, Principles in Pumps, Urban Irrigation Systems, and Cooling Tower Efficiency ― to expand knowledge gained in the core program.

Individuals who successfully complete a workshop receive a certificate of accreditation for that course. They are also listed on the GreenPlumbers Web site as an accredited GreenPlumber in each category in which they are qualified. Licensing rights for a business also are available.

For more information, visit www.phccweb.org or www.greenplumbersusa.com.

Source: PHCC―NA