ATLANTA — Rheem Manufacturing Co. recently announced that it has joined the Green Mechanical Council (GreenMech). The announcement follows Rheem’s recent decision to sponsor the Green Mechanical Awards, which “recognize mechanical/plumbing contractors and design/build firms that are creating the most fuel- and cost-efficient systems in residential and commercial applications.”

The three winners of this new competition were announced at a special ceremony at the Greenbuild Intl. Expo in Phoenix, Nov. 11, 2009. The Green Mechanical Awards are the exclusive property of Penton Media Inc., publisher of Contractor magazine.

“Incorporating environmentally friendly business practices have never been considered optional at Rheem,” said Peter Reynolds, vice president and general manager of the company’s water heating division. “That commitment is reflected in the energy-efficient products our company brings to market, as well as in the environmentally responsible business practices we have undertaken within our production facilities over the years.”

Rheem recently became the first industry manufacturer to announce delivery of a fully integrated, high-efficiency heat pump water heater to both the plumbing wholesale and utility channels. The new air-source HP-50 Heat Pump Water Heater, which was showcased at the Greenbuild Expo, offers an Energy Factor of 2.0, or more than twice the energy efficiency of a standard electric storage water heater. The energy-saving design will help a family reduce its carbon footprint by nearly two tons annually. In addition, the new water heater qualifies for a federal tax credit as well as many state and utility rebates and incentives.

At Rheem’s water heater production facility in Montgomery, Ala., new chillers that lower the air temperature and use recycled water have slashed water consumption by 45%. Energy-efficient lighting has cut electricity consumption while actually boosting illumination while a shift to four-day workweeks (10 hours per day) has decreased gas consumption by 18%.

“The changes we have made in our HVAC and water heating facilities are intended to minimize the impact on natural resources, preserve indoor air quality and protect neighboring communities where our employees and their families live,” said Reynolds. “At the same time, these changes also make a strong, positive contribution to the growth of our enterprise.

“That same win-win situation is why our company has decided to join the Green Mechanical Council,” Reynolds continued. “We enthusiastically share in GreenMech’s commitment to educating the trade on the need to create and maintain environmentally sound residential and commercial mechanical systems. Environmental stewardship is good for both our society and our industry.”