Jump to content

GreenPlumbers

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Penh35 (talk | contribs) at 22:43, 24 June 2009 (→More Information). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

GreenPlumbers
Industryplumbing, education
Founded2001 (2001), Melbourne, Australia
Headquarters
Melbourne, Victoria
,
Australia
Area served
Australia,
New Zealand,
United States of America,
Canada and
Mexico
Websitewww.greenplumbers.com

GreenPlumbers is an international training and accreditation program designed to assist plumbers and tradesman about understanding their role in the environment and public health.[1] The organization’s goal is to train plumbers to promote the benefits of water conservation and the reduction of GHG emissions. The focus is on changing consumer and plumbing behavior through the use of energy efficiency and water saving technologies.

History

GreenPlumbers is a global brand formed by the Master Plumbers & Mechanical Services Association (MPMSAA)[2] in Australia in 2001, as a result of the severe drought that continues in that country today. The GreenPlumbers' curriculum was developed in conjunction with RMIT University (Melbourne)[3] and the Australian Greenhouse Gas Office. The GreenPlumbers brand is owned by Green Invest,[4] with training provided by MPMSAA. Onni, Inc. dba GreenPlumbers USA is the contractual arm of Green Invest and MPMSAA in the United States, Canada and Mexico.[5]

Training

In cooperation with the MPMSAA and RMIT University, Melbourne, the GreenPlumbers series of workshops were designed to teach plumbers skills and knowledge about the environmental considerations of their work.[6]

GreenPlumbers training consists of a five-course, 32 hour, accreditation in environmental and technical issues including Climate Care, Caring For Our Water, Solar Hot Water, Water Efficient Technology, and Inspection Report Services.[7]

GreenPlumbers training programs are designed to assist plumbers in understanding their role in relation to environmental & public health, and to consult consumers on:

  • energy/water/cost savings (short-term and long-term cost comparisons and environmental benefits)
  • latest technology and energy saving appliances
  • practical appliances & installation knowledge
  • environmental impacts of plumbing services, appliances and household practices
  • consumer information[8]


Primary workshops

GreenPlumbers provides training through five primary workshops.

  • Climate Care is a workshop that provides instruction on how to take care of our climate including gas emissions in home and business using topics that cover hot water heating, energy consumption, heating appliances, and cooling appliances.
  • Caring for Our Water is an introduction to the water cycle process and the new technologies and behaviors that contribute to conservation through topics like water efficient products, reducing household water consumption, storm water runoff pollution and prevention, and household water audits.
  • Solar Hot Water provides information on new technology in the solar hot water industry, rebate information, and retro-fit sizing and installation.
  • Water Efficient Technology is an overview of the dynamic technologies that shape future conservation efforts through the use of Recycled Water, rain water, Graywater, Septic Tanks/Wastewater Treatment Systems, and Environmental/Public Health/Safety Regulations.
  • Inspection Report Services is an overview of domestic and commercial water auditing, inspections and reporting, assessment and strategies—including water and energy audits, commercial/industrial and residential buildings, and creating a master plan for future improvements.

Online Training

GreenPlumbers USA provides plumbers with the option of earning GreenPlumber certifications through the use of Online Training courses.[9]

More Information

"The very successful GreenPlumbers training program has since spread around Australia, and now encompasses water conservation, greywater systems and greenhouse gas emission reductions amongst many other aspects. Nation-wide over 3,800 plumbers have completed one or more of the accredited training courses. Part of their job is not only the installation of water/heating/cooling devices, but also advising customers of the correct use and best means to achieve swift payback on their investment. In many instances the installation will be eligible for a government or industry rebate."[10]

"The point is to ensure that the plumbing industry and its members have a pivotal role in selecting and installing the equipment that will be necessary to make our society environmentally sustainable. These devices are energy saving devices and water-collection, water-saving and water-recycling equipment."[11]

"Opportunities for green plumbers include:

  • Installing or selling low-flow toilets
  • Installing or selling dual-button toilets
  • Installing or selling waterless urinals
  • Installing or selling composting toilets
  • On-site waste treatment with Living Machines
  • Repairing toilets to fix leaks
  • Developing leakless low-flow toilets"[12]

Green Plumbers teaches plumbers how to train homeowners to save water, energy and money[13].

The battle is being fought street to street and door to door -- the battle is to save water[14].

"...water conservation expert John Koeller described the newest conservation technologies and methods. Koeller-who has been dubbed "the toilet guru"-encouraged participants to promote water-efficient products such as low-flow toilets and gave them the goods on the best models. He also showed participants how new irrigation technologies can help people save water during the summer watering season. Koeller's take-home message was that plumbers and builders are the key to helping people make real savings in their water and sewer bills."[15]

"The polished GreenPlumber, armed with knowledge and technology can help to save water and energy. Preconceived notions of unattractive dual flush toilets, water pressure resembling the sprinkle of Southern California rain and a shortage of hot water can be tucked away. Showerheads installed by GreenPlumbers not only perform better than the original showerheads but the heat lasts longer. And while time in the shower is more enjoyable, water and energy are being saved."[16]

"...one of the hottest new jobs in the growing green economy. The Green Plumber."[17]

"Even better than being a plumber? Being a green plumber. You'll make more, and you'll be set to take advantage of the dollars flowing toward services that are eco-conscious."[18]

"Saving water can save you cash and save the environment too, but if you're not sure how to do it, green plumbers are trained to share their secrets with you."[19]

"Green plumbing is about water conservation from the pipes up...Green plumbing includes water audits, education, and change outs that have a big effect on water conservation."[20]

"...many companies are “greening” their services, from the vehicles they drive to the pipes they use. So how can you distinguish a green plumber from all the rest? One surefire indicator is whether they are certified “GreenPlumbers”."[21]

GreenPlumbers USA, the contractual arm of GreenPlumbers in the United States, is partnered with the EPA WaterSense program[22], the California Center for Sustainable Energy[23], and an annual member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency[24].

IAPMO and GreenPlumbers USA "...establish a collaborative arrangement to enhance the technical content of GreenPlumbers’ training and accreditation modules by extracting provisions contained within IAPMO’s Uniform Codes."[25]

"GreenPlumbers USA and the Green Mechanical Council have announced a collaborative partnership to speed up the installation of green educational programs to the construction industry and more effectively communicate the plumbing and mechanical contracting industry's efficiency programs to utilities, businesses and consumers."[26]

References

  1. ^ http://www.greenplumbersusa.com
  2. ^ http://www.mpmsaa.org.au
  3. ^ http://www.rmit.edu.au
  4. ^ http://www.greeninvest.com/green-plumbers
  5. ^ http://www.onniinc.com/
  6. ^ http://www.greenplumbers.com.au
  7. ^ http://www.greenplumbersusa.com
  8. ^ http://www.greenplumbersusa.com/training-accreditation/course-information
  9. ^ http://greenplumberstraining.com/
  10. ^ http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/07/greenplumbers_p.php
  11. ^ http://www.asse-plumbing.org/Articles/New%20Technologies/Australias%20Green%20Plbs-Sum06.pdf
  12. ^ Croston, G. (2008). 75 Green Businesses You Can Start To Make Money and Make A Difference. Entrepreneur Press. ISBN: 1599181800
  13. ^ http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=39641
  14. ^ http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=116621
  15. ^ http://www.portlandonline.com/water/index.cfm?a=201625&c=39678&nocache=1
  16. ^ http://ctngreen.com/ecologic/2008/06/paint-it-green-and-watch-it-turn-blue/
  17. ^ http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/joe-the-green-plumber.php
  18. ^ http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/10/27/keeping-your-money-green-plumbers-are-the-future
  19. ^ http://cbs13.com/video/?id=48445@kovr.dayport.com
  20. ^ http://www.californiagreensolutions.com/cgi-bin/gt/tpl.h,content=3040
  21. ^ http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/green-building/plumbing/the-hunt-for-a-greener-plumber
  22. ^ http://www.epa.gov/watersense/partners/partners.htm
  23. ^ http://energycenter.org/index.php/incentive-programs/solar-water-heating-pilot-program/swhpp-latest-news/1142-building-a-green-workforce
  24. ^ http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/AWE-Annual-Members.aspx#G
  25. ^ http://www.iapmo.org/Press%20Releases/2009-06-11%20IAPMO%20GreenPlumbers%20MoU.pdf
  26. ^ http://contractormag.com/news/green_plumbers_greenmech/
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=GreenPlumbers&oldid=298452188"