Green Mechanical Contractor

Welcome to another exciting edition of Green Mechanical Contractor. This issue carries the momentum we began about a year ago… and despite the troubles of the economy, the green mechanical movement will not be deterred.

Unprecedented alliances are being formed between groups, associations and industry with a common, passionate goal of making the world more energy- and water-efficient. It’s an admirable task and one that is gaining real traction. Unlike other industries that claim “green” or make the green movement seem like a fad, our mission is real and sustainable. It has a dual purpose of saving the homeowner/building owner large percentages on their water and energy bills while saving the planet’s natural resources. Thanks to the ingenuity of contractors, engineers and the manufacturers of these new super-efficient products, technologies and systems, the green mechanical movement is here to stay.

regarding the aforementioned alliances, I am proud to share this page with the executive director of the Green mechanical council, Joann Keirns. Jo is the ultimate alliance builder for green in our industry. She has a real talent for bringing people and organizations together for a com-

mon goal. Thanks for your passionate and tireless work, Jo!

In addition to the great cover story and case studies, we are proud to have the two best contractor (and long-time CONTRACTOR magazine) columnists in the industry – Dave Yates and mark eatherton – with their insightful and entertaining columns in this issue.

Finally, please note we are officially taking applications for the 2009 Green mechanical awards. thanks to the Green mechanical council and the USGBc/Greenbuild expo, the “Gmas” will have a new larger role in our industry. The awards event will take place at Greenbuild (Phoenix in november) where winners and runners-up will be recognized. The Green mechanical awards are destined to become the industry’s top honor for excellence in mechanical systems design and installation.

Submitted projects for a Green mechanical award can be residential or commercial and do not have to be certified by leeD or any other certification program. It’s easy to submit via a PDF download or online upload – both available on the homepage at www.contractormag.com or www.greenmechanicalcontractor.com. Just click on the green trophy! Deadline for submitted projects is September 9, so please hurry. recognition for your hard work never hurts!

GREEN ALSO MEANS HEALTHY

By JoAnn Keirns, Green Mechanical Council

DUe to GloBal climate change and shrinking of vital natural resources, green or sustainable building is becoming a way of life for many americans. more than a million single-family homes are built almost every year in the United States. according to a report issued by the U.S. environmental Protection agency, nearly 17 percent of all single-family homes built in 2008 earned ePa’s energy Star label, a 12 percent increase from 2007.

While some consumers are working to reduce their carbon footprint and the impact that their lifestyles have on the planet, others just like the idea of living in homes that are less expensive to operate and are durable. It is true that energy and water efficiency are the cornerstones of green building, along with conservation of natural resources.

There is, however, a third component that often gets overlooked, but it is just as important, if not more so, than the first two components. Green living is providing a healthier, more comfortable environment. Whether it is new construction or renovation, the key component is the mechanical systems within the home, especially the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

creating healthy, productive indoor environments can be the greatest challenge facing those involved with green building. Properly sizing hVac systems in well-sealed and properly insulated homes leads to a healthier indoor environment and satisfied, comfortable consumers. maintaining and continually servicing those systems not only guarantees their efficiency, but also preserves the health of the families in the homes.

The Green mechanical council not only promotes high-performance, energy-efficient mechanical systems, we also promote healthy and comfortable environments in which to live.

If you are interested in additional information or training, please feel free to give us a call. We would be happy to assist you or direct you to one of our many educational resource professionals, such as our Founding members hVac excellence or the United association of Plumbers and Pipefitters for training and education.