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
