Plumbing Green Application 2

Key Lessons from Plumbing In Plumbing, we learned about: Tool and equipment use, safety, and maintenance Fixtures and plumbing equipment Proper plumbing layouts and installation Accurate troubleshooting for plumbing operations

Green Building Principles and Plumbing Each of Plumbing’s key lessons can shape these important green principles: Energy efficiency Water conservation Durability and water management Green product selection Reduce material use and recycle waste Work with other trades Homeowner education and training manual

Energy Efficiency Plumbing shapes some of the sources for energy that we use in our homes— especially water heaters. A green plumber will look for energy efficient alternatives when picking and installing key equipment.

Energy Efficiency A plumber can: Design and install an energy efficient water heating system Design and install an energy efficient hydronic heating system Insulate pipes Maintain and ensure the integrity of the air barrier when laying pipe

Water Conservation Plumbing plays the most important role of all trades in determining how water is used, and how much of it is used. A green plumber will look for water conserving equipment and fixtures, will look for alternative water sources and reuse systems, and design layouts that will deliver water efficiently.

Water Conservation A plumber can: Design a plumbing layout that conserves water Select and install water conserving fixtures and appliances Install a graywater collection system Harvest rainwater Reduce outdoor and irrigation water use

Durability and Water Management Plumbing directly shapes the amount of water and moisture that can enter a home, but from the inside out. A good plumber is a green plumber. Installing pipes and equipment correctly prevents leaks and damage.

Durability and Water Management A plumber can: Seal roofing and siding penetrations Avoid plumbing leaks Ensure that water and sewage drains are correctly directed away from interior spaces

Green Product Selection There are many materials and products that a plumber uses, and many of these (like pipe and faucets) are used in large quantities. A green plumber will select materials and products that both use less material and energy in their manufacturing, and then less water in their operations.

Green Product Selection A plumber can: Select plumbing products and materials with low environmental impact, like flexible piping rather than metal Select locally made materials and fixtures Select and install water conserving appliances and fixtures

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste Plumbing is material-intensive, and oftentimes does not use the materials efficiently. A plumber can design and install pipe layouts that are efficient and then reuse or recycle the leftover rather than wasting it.

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste A plumber can: Design a material-efficient plumbing layout Minimize plumbing waste Integrate plumbing waste into the jobsite-recycling program

Work with Other Trades A green plumber must coordinate with other trades that might change the overall performance of the building. For example, the plumber must know where the carpenter will be framing in order to ensure minimal penetrations.

Homeowner Education and Training Manual A green plumber is always ready to make sure that her work is maintained properly to last a long time. Plumbers can provide information to occupants about where their water comes from, the kinds of fixtures in the home, how to track their water use, and how to be water conscious..

Referencing Plumbing and the Green Application Plumbing SectionRelevant Green Application Section 1.Tools and MaterialsGreen Product Selection Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste 2. Fixtures and EquipmentGreen Product Selection Water Conservation Energy Efficiency 3. Layout and InstallationDurability and Water Management Work with Other Trades 4. TroubleshootingEnergy Efficiency Homeowner Education and Reference Manual