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Plumbers Go Green

Are you using a ‘Green Plumber’?

By Bass Coast Shire Council. - 8th May 2007 - Back to News

Some of our local plumbers recently became ‘Green Plumber’ accredited and learnt more about being environmentally friendly after attending a workshop hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council.

The Green Plumbers Workshop covered solar hot water technology, state rebate information, sizing and installation requirements, retro fitting and new technology.

The initiative stemmed from an action within the Council’s Local Greenhouse Action Plan, in which the Council has set a goal to reduce community emissions by 10% by 2015 and Council’s emissions by 20% by 2015.

The Council’s Civic Centre at Wonthaggi already has solar hot water systems installed.

"By developing the skills of local tradespeople in advising and installing energy and water efficient devices, we can help the environment," Council’s Environment Project Officer, Clare Landry said.

"Hot water accounts for 25% of an average households energy use in Victoria. A solar water heater can reduce this consumption by around three quarters.

"Replacing an electric hot water system with solar is as good as taking your car off the road and a solar hot water system is the only appliance in the house that pays for itself.

"Using the sun’s energy to heat water will save you energy, lower your hot water bills and reduce greenhouse pollution."

"By updating plumbers’ knowledge and skills on the latest Government regulations, incentive schemes, environmental and technical issues, they can better assist their customers in their decision making process," Ms Landry continued.

The Green Plumbers program accredits those that undertook the course as ‘Green Plumbers’. There are several Green Plumber topics that a plumber can undertake and the plumber is awarded a Star related to the topic they have completed.

Other topics in the Green Plumber series include Climate Care, Caring for Our Water, Solar Hot Water, Water Efficient Technology and Inspections Report Service.

"It was great to have a course like this held locally," said Inverloch plumber, Don Atkins.

The Green Plumbers Program is an initiative of the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia.

Council hopes to host another Green Plumbers course on one of the alternative topics in the future.

If you wish to use the services of a Green Plumber you can call 1300 368 519 or visit www.greenplumbers.com.au to find an accredited green plumber in your local area.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com