ASPE Joins Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition

CHICAGO -- The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC) is pleased to welcome the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) as the sixth member of the group. PERC was founded in 2009 to develop research projects that will support the development of water efficiency and sustainable plumbing products, systems and practices. Projects will be financed through government grants, foundations and private financing.

Representing ASPE, the newest coalition member, is Jim Kendzel, Executive Director/CEO. The five charter member organizations are represented by Mary Ann Dickinson, Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE); Pete De Marco, International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Jay Peters, International Code Council (ICC); Gerry Kennedy, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC); and Barbara Higgens, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI).

According to Kendzel, “The ASPE Board unanimously approved moving forward with joining the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition and signing the MOU and Research Project agreement. The objectives of the Coalition are consistent with ASPE’s desire to provide the plumbing engineer community information that helps them to design plumbing systems that are environmentally sound while also protecting public health.” He thanked the Coalition on behalf of the ASPE Board of Directors for inviting ASPE to participate in this important industry effort.

Reflecting the sentiment of the Coalition, PMI’s Higgens responded, “PERC will be greatly enhanced through ASPE’s participation. Welcome aboard!”

PERC was formed in January 2009 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Coalition is comprised of industry organizations seeking to conduct much-needed research in a number of areas. PERC has identified drainline transport as its first research project. IAPMO’s DeMarco serves as project coordinator for this inaugural research study and also chairs the technical committee assigned to the project assigned to the project. Each of the member associations of PERC has named a representative to this committee.

With the parameters of the project now defined the organization is now seeking funding. In January 2011, PERC signed a MOU with the Australasian Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems Committee (AS Flow) at the offices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The MOU details several areas of collaboration between the groups to ensure that research efforts are not duplicated and that information and results care shared. AS Flow is also investigating the impact of reduced water flow in sanitary drainage systems, resulting from reduced water use from plumbing fixtures and fittings, appliances and commercial and institutional equipment.