ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the United Association of the Plumbing, Pipefitting and Sprinklerfitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) have partnered to focus on several joint green initiatives. Together, the organizations plan to launch these new initiatives and assist members and the public in support of sustainable construction practices.

The first task force, comprised of representatives from the two organizations, including MCAA’s subsidiaries the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) and the Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA), met in Toronto, laying the initial framework for the multifaceted program, including the adoption of a mission statement, which reads: “Together MCAA and the UA are committed to a green stewardship of our environment and increasing our energy independence. We will do this by providing our members with the ongoing training, information, and resources necessary to install, service, and maintain mechanical and plumbing systems in a manner that will safeguard our health and the well-being of future generations by respecting and conserving the world’s limited natural resources.”

The task force also outlined several key areas for immediate action including: input and expertise regarding plumbing codes; involvement and representation with the U.S. Green Building Council; legislation; education and training of members; marketing; and grassroots efforts.

Task force co-chairs David Kruse, MCAA president and Donald House, UA director HVACR, service and residential, agree that task force activities will enhance business opportunities for both organizations in addition to educating consumers on the importance of reducing carbon emissions and conserving energy.

“Working together with our union partner will ensure that our member contractors and their UA employees have all the tools they need to install, maintain, and service all types of mechanical and plumbing systems in the most environmentally sensitive ways possible,” said Kruse. “Green and sustainable building construction and service requires collaboration and new green methods and technologies. Together MCAA and the UA will better be able to implement this required training and education at all levels to ensure a complete green approach from system design and installation to system operation and maintenance.”

“This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the highly skilled capabilities of our union workforce and our ongoing commitment to enhanced training programs to meet the changing requirements of our contractor partners,” commented House. “Not only have we recognized our role in this leading- edge technology, we are able to react quickly to implement these programs nationwide, thus ensuring future generations a safer and cleaner environment while saving valuable resources.”

Beyond the task force initiatives, both organizations are involving themselves in upcoming green awareness projects. The UA, in conjunction with the Green Mechanical Council (GreenMech) and HVACR Excellence, has already implemented a “green awareness” certification program. MCAA will make this program available to its members as well. This 20-hour training program is designed to help participants understand the emerging concepts, terminology, systems, and products that are considered green. The program will provide technicians and others with the information necessary to understand, purchase, and utilize energy-efficient green products.

MCAA will also be hosting its first green conference. Catching the Next Wave: Seizing the Green Opportunities that Lie Ahead, has been endorsed by the UA. The conference will prepare participants to engage green opportunities and give them real-world-tested tips and techniques for working in this new era for the industry. The conference takes place Sept. 24–26, in Milwaukee.

For more information, contact Barbara Dolim, MSCA, at 301-869-5800; bdolim@mcaa.org or Donald House, UA, at 202-628-5823; donh@uanet.org.

Publication date: 08/06/2007