SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- American Standard Americas has become the first founding partner of the innovative GreenPlumbers USA training and accreditation program.

“We are very pleased to announce this key founding partnership,” said GreenPlumbers USA spokesperson Stephen J. Lehtonen. “American Standard’s quality products and commitment to environmental issues make it a great match for our program.”

GreenPlumbers offers training workshops and accreditation to plumbers and contractors throughout the U.S., with more than 200 California participants and upcoming workshops in Connecticut, Kansas, Wisconsin and Texas. The program offers five workshops on climate care, water care, water recycling and conservation, and solar water heating. The goal for GreenPlumbers is to make this training free and available to all plumbers across the nation.

“GreenPlumbers is an accreditation program that trains plumbers in water conservation and climate care issues,” Lehtonen said. “The program is designed to help save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Intended as a comprehensive industry response to climate and water care issues, the program is open to all plumbers, regardless of affiliation or association membership.

As its first founding partner, American Standard will work with GreenPlumbers to meet its training goals.  A limited number of founding partnerships are available to companies who meet the GreenPlumbers criteria of high quality and conservation awareness, Lehtonen said.

“The green movement represents a significant opportunity for businesses to contribute to the welfare of our environment,” said Don Devine, president and chief executive officer of American Standard Americas. “Water conservation is an important issue to communities and consumers and an issue that plumbers should make part of their business and professional development. Green Plumbers is an excellent vehicle to help plumbers become more familiar with green issues and solutions available to them. American Standard was first to tell the world that the plumber protects the health of the nation, and now we're proud to be a founding partner to help plumbers protect the health of the earth.”

The GreenPlumbers program is open to all recognized plumbers and contractors. GreenPlumbers training programs are designed to assist plumbers in understanding their role in relation to environmental and public health, and to provide their customers with up-to-date information and advice on technology and energy- and water-saving appliances and plumbing services. Additional information is available at www.greenplumbersusa.com.