ROCKVILLE , M D. — United Association General President William Hite and Mechanical Contractors Association of America President David Kruse announce plans in late June to launch several new joint initiatives to assist members and the public in support of sustainable construction practices. A task force, comprised of representatives from the two organizations, including MCAA's subsidiaries the Mechanical Service Contractors of America and the Plumbing Contractors of America, met in Toronto, Canada, in June to begin laying the framework for the multi-faceted program.

As an initial step, the MCAA and the UA developed and agreed to a mission statement which will be the foundation of their joint program. The mission statement states:

"Together MCAA and the UA are committed to a green stewardship of our environment and increasing our energy independence. We will do this by providing our members with the on-going training, information and resources necessary to install, service and maintain mechanical and plumbing systems in a manner that will safeguard our health and the well-being of future generations by respecting and conserving the world's limited natural resources."

The task force also outlined several key areas for immediate action to include input and expertise regarding plumbing codes; involvement and representation with the U.S. Green Building Council; legislation; education and training of members; marketing, and grassroots efforts.

Task Force co-chairs Kruse and Donald House, UA Director HVACR, Service and Residential, agreed that task force activities will enhance business opportunities for both organizations in addition to educating consumers on the importance of reducing carbon emissions and conserving energy.

The UA, in conjunction with the Green Mechanical Council and HVACR Excellence, has already implemented a "green awareness" certification program. MCAA will make this program available to its members as well. The 20-hour training program is designed to help participants understand the emerging concepts, terminology, systems and products that are considered "green." The program will provide technicians and others with the information they need to understand, purchase and us energy-efficient products. Additional information about the certification program is available by contacting stevea@uanet.org.

MCAA's first green conference, "Catching the Next Wave: Seizing the Green Opportunities that Lie Ahead," has been endorsed by the UA. The conference will give participants real-world-tested tips and techniques for working in this new market area. The conference will take place at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee from Sept. 24–26, 2007. Additional information is available at www.mcaa.org/education.

Additional information on the Joint UA/MCAA Green Task Force is available from House at the UA, 202/628-5823, donh@uanet.org or Barbara Dolim, MSCA, 301/869-5800, bdolim@mcaa.org.