ROCKVILLE, Md. - William Hite, United Association (UA) general president, and David Kruse, Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) president, have announced plans to launch several new joint initiatives to assist members and the public in support of sustainable construction practices. A 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 to begin laying the framework for their multi-faceted program.

As an initial step, the MCAA and UA developed and agreed to a mission statement that will be the foundation of their joint program. The adopted mission statement states: “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 to include: 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 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.

The UA, in conjunction with 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 they need to understand, purchase, and utilize energy efficient green products. For additional information, contact stevea@uanet.org.

MCAA’s first green conference, Catching the Next Wave: Seizing the Green Opportunities that Lie Ahead, has been endorsed by the UA. The conference is designed to prepare participants for the green building market with real-world-tested tips and techniques. The conference will take place at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee from September 24-26, 2007. For additional information, go to www.mcaa.org/education.

For more information on the MCAA, visit www.mcaa.org. For more information on the UA, visit www.ua.org.

Publication date:07/09/2007