The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute May 8 announced formal recognition of a key facet of its member-driven initiatives by updating its mission statement to recognize the critical and growing importance of “environmental sustainability” in the products produced by its members. 
   In the new mission statement language, PMI pledges to “promote the environmental sustainability of plumbing products, as well as water efficiency, health, safety and quality” and to “represent openly the members’ interests and advocate for sound environmental policies in the regulatory/legislative processes.” 
   PMI said the update represents is the first significant change to its mission statement since its adoption in 2006. 
   “The PMI board voted unanimously to elevate the issues of water efficiency and sound environmental policy to the highest level of visibility,” said PMI executive director Barbara Higgens. “Product sustainability and the improved efficiency it provides are central not only to the mission of the association, but also to the missions of all PMI member-companies.”