Decarbonization | Electrification

Cautious growth through critical change: 2026 Plumbing Industry Outlook

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Contractors and engineers see a marketplace that is stabilizing, even if margins remain tight. “We remain cautiously optimistic about plumbing industry market conditions in 2026,” says Jason Pritchard, president of the Plumbing-Heating-Contractors—National Association (PHCC). He notes that while uncertainty remains, moderate growth is expected for plumbing and HVAC contractors, though high prices driven by tariffs and inflation will continue to shape consumer behavior.

The next frontier for heat pumps

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Driven by advancements in refrigerants, controls and system design, modern heat pumps are taking on applications once thought beyond their reach — from food service and healthcare to district energy and industrial processes. This evolution is creating new opportunities for engineers, facility owners and contractors to rethink how buildings are heated, cooled and powered.

From air compressors to plumbing fixtures: Navigating Canada's sweeping new efficiency standards

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In 2016, Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") released Amendment 18 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations, enhancing energy efficiency and water conservation. It introduces new product categories, updates existing requirements, and allows automatic adoption of future U.S. Department of Energy updates.

Engineering for a connected future

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Designing and managing buildings today means thinking beyond individual systems: it’s about creating integrated environments that are equally efficient, adaptable, and sustainable. Connected buildings are reshaping system integration, but what does that mean for engineers, and how can smart design choices today future-proof buildings for tomorrow?

Beyond the blueprint: Navigating codes, carbon and clean energy incentives

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Building codes are becoming stricter, carbon targets are becoming law, and there’s more funding available for compliance. For those in plumbing and mechanical trades, system design now involves meeting emissions goals, leveraging incentives, and navigating changing regulations.

The hybrid heat advantage: decarbonizing water heating for a resilient future

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hybrid systems offer a critical bridge in the transition from fossil fuel reliance to full electrification. For contractors working in colder climates or retrofitting older homes, all-electric heat pump systems can be a tough sell. Hybrid units, however, deliver measurable emission reductions while preserving consistent output and adaptability.

Championing water safety, accessibility and sustainability

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

One of the most powerful parts of the trip was witnessing how personal stories and local successes resonate with policymakers. Whether it was a community's struggle with water quality or the adoption of cutting-edge conservation practices, these conversations helped bridge the gap between policy and lived experience.

PHCC members meet with Legislators on Capitol Hill to make voices heard

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Plumbing contractors are engaging directly with legislators to promote policies for clean water, workforce development, and resilient plumbing. Over 100 PHCC members, leaders, and industry stakeholders met in Washington from May 20–21 to support industry issues.

The Age of Deregulation? Proposed Changes to Federal Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Standards

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As the second Trump administration gets underway, it has taken an aggressive approach to reducing the energy efficiency and water conservation federal regulations that have been the subject of numerous United States (U.S.) rulemakings and court cases over the last few decades.

Using hydronics to leverage time-of-use electrical rates

hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As electrification reshapes the HVAC market, hydronic-based heating and cooling systems stand ready to offer many design and performance benefits. One of them is the potential for thermal storage. After all, water is one of the best materials on earth for storing sensible heat.

EPA and consumer demand call for water saving installations

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that 70% of all counties in the U.S. may face more serious water shortages in the next 30 years. This depletion threatens to reduce stream flows, increase land subsidence, and elevate water costs for both households and industries.

The need for increased vigilance in an uncertain environment

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The second United States Trump administration embarked on a deregulatory agenda, particularly in the water, environmental, and products sectors. President Trump started the release of executive orders, memos, and presidential actions in many areas that may be of interest to contractors, engineers, and manufacturers.

Addressing water-related challenges through advocacy and standards development

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Plumbers are vital for ensuring safe water for drinking and sanitation. Their role will become even more critical as we face new water-related challenges.

Training and education essential to keep up with heat pump market growth

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The heat pump water heater (HPWH) market is set to grow from nearly $100 billion in 2024 to $156.59 billion by 2030, fueled by energy efficiency regulations, rising energy costs, urbanization, and a demand for sustainable solutions.

Women in Plumbing: Catherine Filibes-Massih, Platsky Companies