The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials has promoted safe and reliable green building products and practices since long before they became an industry trend. And for many years its Uniform Codes have supported this position by providing for water-efficient plumbing devices, grey and reclaimed water installations, solar energy systems and non-polluting refrigerants.  
    Today, IAPMO’s support for green building, water efficiency and environmentally responsible construction includes working with groups like MCAA, PHCC, UA, and manufacturer and utility trade associations whose representatives are an integral part of the review process necessary for updating the Uniform Codes in order to reflect the wider array of options constantly entering the marketplace.
    The latest edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, for example, permits the use of more efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings such as the dual-flush and 1.25 GPF toilets, urinals that flush at 0.5 gallons or less, and faucets and showerheads that use up to 30 percent less water than required by federal law. It also allows grey water use for irrigation, and reclaimed water to be used for flushing water closets and urinals, and for supplying trap primers.
    In addition, the Uniform Mechanical Code permits the use of high efficiency appliances, authorizes the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants and relies on the American Society of Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Engineers Code 62.1 for proper indoor air quality requirements. And the Uniform Solar Energy Code, maintained by IAPMO since 1976, is increasingly relied on for domestic and service water heating and building conditioning as the green market expands.

A ‘Greener’ Future
A growing awareness of the impact buildings have on our environment has led to numerous efforts to establish green building and water efficiency programs and standards. These efforts require the expertise of plumbing and mechanical organizations to ensure that energy and water savings are real while at the same time protecting the public’s health and safety. In order to provide this oversight and maintain its leadership role in the process, IAPMO is moving ahead with several key initiatives.
    First, IAPMO has created a committee comprised of experts whose sole responsibility will be to oversee its involvement in green building and water efficiency activities and ensure its sustainability goals are met. The primary objectives of this committee will be to facilitate inclusion of more sustainable construction practices into codes, standards and product certification requirements, provide the membership with information and education on sustainable construction activities, coordinate sustainability initiatives among the various industry organizations and stakeholders, work with strategic partners to share information and to identify and implement cooperative efforts, such as joint training. The committee is set to kick off activities early this quarter.
    Second, IAPMO has committed itself to active involvement and support of various green building and water efficiency organizations, including ASHRAE, the Green Building Initiative, Green Mechanical Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Green Building Council, WaterSmart Innovations, and most recently, the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
    Created to be a forceful advocate of water efficiency and provide a platform for establishing water conservation policies, AWE is a new North American organization dedicated to promoting the sustainable use of water resources. The IAPMO Group is a Charter Sponsor of this organization and maintains a seat on the AWE Board of Directors to ensure that the plumbing and mechanical industry is represented.
    IAPMO also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Southern Nevada Water Authority to partner in developing the WaterSense Innovations Conference and Exposition. Scheduled for October 2008, it will be the largest venue of its type in the world.
    WaterSense is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA whose mission is to protect the nation’s water supply by enhancing and promoting the market for water-efficient products and services. IAPMO has signed an agreement with the EPA to be a promotional partner with the WaterSense program. IAPMO and IAPMO Research and Testing staff have been actively involved in developing WaterSense product specifications for high efficiency toilets and residential lavatory faucets. And IAPMO R&T is one of a handful of agencies the EPA has approved to certify products to the new WaterSense specifications.
    Finally, IAPMO launched a green electronic newsletter in November 2007 focused on key issues of efficiency and sustainability facing the plumbing and mechanical industries. This newsletter is designed to keep IAPMO members up-to-date on various green-related activities and highlight IAPMO’s role as a facilitator in the transition to increasingly sustainable construction practices.
    IAPMO looks forward to continuing cooperative efforts with industry partners to provide the information, resources and leadership needed to make support for greener products and sustainable building practices an even bigger part of what it does.