Green News Roundup
Among the plumbing issues to be considered by the new committee are: high-efficiency toilets and urinals; waterless and composting fixtures; prerinse spray valves; multiheaded shower systems; reduction in maximum water pressure; hot water distribution systems; sizing methods to accommodate reduced demand in water piping; and water reuse, which includes greywater, reclaimed water, rainwater harvesting and siphonic roof drain systems.
On the list of mechanical issues to be addressed by the committee are: hydronic systems, including variable-speed pumps for large systems, zoning and balancing; ground-source heat pump systems; steam generators; boilers; co-generation; IAQ and ventilation efficiency; and environmentally safe refrigerants.
The study also found “quality” has emerged in this down market as the most important reason for building green. Previously, McGraw-Hill reported, builders were motivated by energy cost savings of green homes and doing the right thing, which still came in at No. 2 this year. This is likely due to green home marketing and how it improves quality of life.
In addition to lists of pipe standards for greywater systems and high-efficiency hot water distribution systems, the PPFA site offers a large number of easy-access links to important green technology sites, including Toolbase.org, PATH, NAHB RC and governmental Web sites. Also included on the site are listings of PPFA’s Greenbuilding resources and PPFA’s policy of sustainable building.
The program is open to all recognized plumbers and contractors. For more information, visit www.greenplumbersusa.com.
The fact sheets describe how contractors can properly dismantle, contain and dispose of mercury-containing units. They also provide information on how to clean up mercury releases, health effects of a mercury release, who to contact if there are questions and how to report a release.
According to the EPA, an increasing number of residential mercury releases have been reported: from mercury pressure gauges used to test gas lines and from some types of home thermostats; and from plumbers working on old heating systems, heat generators and mercury gas regulators.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!