FRANKLIN PARK, ILL. — Sloan Valve Co. and C.J. Erickson Plumbing Co. have supplied the Chicago Center for Green Technology water-efficient plumbing fixtures and installation labor to support the center's goal of helping professionals and home-owners learn how green technology is cost-effective and good for the environment.
"We are fortunate in Chicago to have such an outstanding resource for information on environmentally friendly products and technologies," said Jim Allen, Sloan's water conservation manager. "The Center was designed to be a showcase of how buildings can be built more efficiently. By providing educational classes and seminars on green building as well as running tours, the Chicago Center for Green Technology is a real learning environment — which is great for those of us interested in improving our own efficiency and utilizing new technologies."
Allen said Sloan Valve provided CCGT with its new SOLIS solar-powered, sensor-controlled faucets, Uppercut dual-flush toilet valves and ultra low-consumption urinal valves. Installation labor was supplied by C.J. Erickson Plumbing Co. in Alsip, Ill.
"The relationship between Sloan and C.J. Erickson is a natural one considering both have roots in Chicago, both just celebrated 100 years of business recently, both are union shops, and both are family owned and operated," Allen said. "In addition, both companies are committed to improving water efficiency in the built environment."
George Seline, vice president of C.J. Erickson, added: "Right now, 20% of our new construction includes sensor technology on faucets and toilets. We expect that percentage to increase. The companies that embrace this technology today will be the ones who lead the construction industry's future."
Sloan also reported that it had purchased renewable energy credits in February to offset 100% of the electricity used in its manufacturing facility here. This is the largest renewable energy purchase in the plumbing industry, making Sloan the first flush-valve manufacturer to purchase renewable energy credits to offset its electricity use, according to the company.
"Sloan Valve Co. is a leader in the sustainability movement, and that involves caring about our communities and respecting our environment," Allen said. "This purchase of renewable energy credits is a natural extension of that leadership and is integral to our core values."
Starting in 2007, Sloan is purchasing 20,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy credits from renewable energy facilities to operate its 450,000-sq.-ft. Franklin Park manufacturing facility. This purchase will avoid more than 27 million lb. of carbon dioxide pollution this year. To have the same environmental impact, more than 2,400 cars would have to be taken off the road, or more than 3,700 acres of trees would have to be planted, according to statistics from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cited by the company.
Sloan has chosen Boulder, Colo.-based Renewable Choice Energy as its exclusive supplier of renewable energy credits. Renewable Choice Energy (www.renewablechoice.com) promotes the development of clean alternatives to fossil fuels to the building market.
Additional information is available at 800/982-5839, ext. 5609, or at www.waterefficiency.com.