Green from the Ground UpSee Chapter 8 on Plumbing in the Green from the Ground Up book for more details.

 

Green Plumbers Resource

The potential for plumbing fixtures to save water is greater than ever.
Changing climate and weather patterns have made water a precious commodity and are an incentive for efficient plumbing systems.

Green Plumbers’ Transition Guide

1. Educate Yourself about High Efficiency Water Heaters

Benefit

A new water heater will pay for itself over the life of the product.

Process

 

Details/ Materials

Install a California Builder Model (Title 24 compliant) if available

2. Insulate Your Customers’ Hot Water Pipes

Benefit

Lower the utility bill for the client and increase comfort

Process

Relatively easy to install

Details/ Materials

Very inexpensive, pipe insulation is readily available

3. Insulate Your Customers’ Water Heater

Benefit

Lower the utility bill for the client

Process

The existing heater is wrapped with an insulating blanket

Details/ Materials

Hot water heater covers are available for approx. $40 at home improvement stores.

4. Install High-Efficiency Toilets

Benefit

Toilets consume more water than any other fixture in the house. Customers will save money on their water bill

Process

These toilets are installed in the same manner as any other toilet.

Details/ Materials

Dual flush toilets are more expensive, but are available at home improvement stores.

5. Install Flow Reducers on Faucets and Shower heads

Benefit

Water savings for the client

Process

Buy retrofit aerators and screw into faucet head

Details/ Materials

These reducers are readily available and are attached at the faucet head.

6. Install On-Demand Circulation Systems

Benefit

Customers will get hot water without the wait. Saves energy by only heating the water as it is needed.

Process

Install at furthest faucet from the water heater

Details/ Materials

Can be used in remodeling or new construction and saves both energy and water over the life of the product.

7. Install Drain Water Heat Recovery Systems

Benefit

Heat is recovered from waste water resulting in energy and water savings

Process

Typically installed during new construction under tubs and showers

Details/ Materials

Each fixture needs its own device

8. Pre-Plumb for Future Greywater Systems

Benefit

Save money for the homeowner in the future
Greywater systems mean less potable water used flushing toilets or for outdoor watering

Process

It is much simpler to plan for greywater in new construction than to retrofit later

Details/ Materials

Greywater is only legal in a few areas of the country
As water shortages occur due to climate change, municipalities will be encouraged to legalize greywater.

9. Pre-Plumb for Future Solar Systems

Benefit

Energy savings

Process

It is much simpler to plumb for solar in new construction or during remodeling rather than to retrofit later. Contact your local solar provider to check if there are any specific requirements to meet.

Details/ Materials

Piping should be relatively cheap and easy.

“How will going green make me more money?”

Green is not simply getting more respect; it is rapidly becoming a necessity as corporations—as well as home builders, retailers, health care institutions, governments, and others—push green buildings fully into the mainstream over the next five to ten years. The price of natural gas and home heating fuel has doubled, or even tripled in some areas. Consumers are looking for leadership and guidance from experts in the field on how they can retrofit their homes to save energy.

“I thought green was just for treehuggers.”

Green Homes no longer look like they did in the 70’s. They now look normal. Professionals who would not consider themselves “greenies” are adopting green practices.

“How will I talk to my customers about my green practices?”

Save the homeowner money right away (lower energy bills, lower water bills)
Result in greater comfort (i.e. aerating shower head can be more comfortable than conventional showerhead)
Result in healthier indoor air quality for their children because you are reducing the likelihood of mold
Save the homeowner money in the future (you are helping your customers avoid costly water damage problems in the future and you are installing products that will last well into the future)

“Why should I care about the environment?”

- This is about increasing cost of water and energy delivery in the near future.
- There will be greater pressure on fresh water sources in the future
- Domestic natural gas supplies are dwindling and importing natural gas is fraught with difficulty
- The grid is already stretched to capacity and increasing electricity production means either new coal-fired plants (contributing to climate change) or nuclear (will take a long time to come online) or renewable energy (will take a long time to transition)

“What kind of training am I going to give my team?”

- Greenbuilding.com has a team of green building specialists. One of our trainers can come to your business to train your team.
- We have plumbing specialists
- We can provide a one-day training to get your team ready to transition to green. This training will include marketing your business as green.

“What should I do first?”

- Read our Green Plumbers’ Transition Guide.
- Our guide is organized with the easiest changes listed first and those that may take longer listed last.

 

Click on the link below for a print friendly version to take with you to the jobsite. Post for for your crew to know more about green building practices and technologies.

 

Back to Top