Sustainability

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Pentair Aquatic Systems as a 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing energy-efficient products and educating consumers about energy efficiency. Pentair’s accomplishments will be recognized in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 2014.

Pentair, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2013, will be honored for its leadership in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency.

“Pentair Aquatic Systems continues to be a leader in swimming pool industry innovation,” said Karl R. Frykman, President, Pentair Aquatic Systems. “Pentair was the first manufacturer to earn ENERGY STAR certification on its pool pumps. Additionally, it was the first manufacturer to introduce variable speed technology to the pool industry, years ahead of any other manufacturer. We are constantly working to develop more products which allow our customers to enjoy the pool lifestyle while being energy efficient.”

To earn the ENERGY STAR certification, pool pumps must be at least 30-72 percent more energy efficient than typical pumps. In 2013 all Pentair variable speed pump models and most two-speed models earned ENERGY STAR certification. Currently, 53 Pentair pool pump models carry the ENERGY STAR.

Through 2013, with help from ENERGY STAR, American families and businesses have saved $297 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2014 Partner of the Year Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through superior energy efficiency. Award winners are selected from the 16,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

“Pentair is helping consumers save money and reduce harmful carbon pollution by producing energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe. “This outstanding effort in product manufacturing demonstrates a commitment to reducing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.”

EX and Aquatherm fans rejoice: Aquatherm’s newest PEX adapter is zero-lead and can be used for potable water. It includes zero-lead brass and is manufactured to ASTM F1960. A new male-end design allows you to fuse directly into fusion outlets, so they are quicker and easier to install. Unlike the other PEX adapter (F1807) Aquatherm offers which has a PP-R socket, this adapter has a street connection that is welded directly into an Aquatherm fitting. Aquatherm can be used as the main distribution pipe and transition to PEX as needed. Dimension available: 1/2″. More sizes to come.

Aquatherm is being recognized as one of the Hot 50 Products for 2014 by Green Builder editors. Aquatherm’s SDR 17.6 Blue Pipe was featured in Green Builder magazine online and in the February issue on page 32 (may require registration to view).

In addition to the Hot 50, Aquatherm SDR 17.6 Blue Pipe was also featured as one of Green Builder’s standout products in their e-newsletter. Previously, Aquatherm’s Lilac Pipe was featured by Green Builder magazine in The Hot 50 Products February 2012 issue.

With an online circulation of more than 100,000, Green Builder reaches builders, remodelers, contractors, architects and designers. A leader in the building industry, Green Builder focuses on sustainability and connecting natural and built environments.

High-Efficiency Plumbing Products Are Now the American Standard, Providing Superior Performance While Helping to Sustain Nation’s Water Resources

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (March 20, 2014) – Americans have saved more than 18 trillion gallons of water — roughly the volume of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay — by embracing low-flow toilet technology over the past two decades since the U.S. enacted the 1992 Energy Policy Act (EPAct) that mandated less water per flush, according to the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE). That’s hard to imagine, but it is enough water to fill 27 million Olympic size swimming pools.

Since 1994, when the 1992 EPAct legislation took effect, innovative toilet technology has transitioned the nation from a water-guzzling 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to a low-flow 1.6 gpf toilet diet and, more recently, toward high efficiency 1.28 gpf models. In the process, the amount of water consumed has been reduced by more than half, with usage rates down by 54 percent and 63 percent, respectively. These savings have been impactful, as toilets represent the single largest source of water consumption in a home, accounting for nearly one-third of residential water use, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In addition, today’s commercial fixtures are squeezing even more performance out of each drop, offering 1.1 gpf toilets that yield a 31 percent savings over standard 1.6 gpf toilets, and urinals that operate with a meager 0.25 gpf, and cut water use by as much as 87 percent over standard urinals.

“As we mark the EPAct’s 20th anniversary, it’s important to appreciate the significant water usage efficiencies that smart plumbing technology has brought our nation,” said Jay Gould, president and CEO of American Standard Brands. “As much of the nation faces the worst drought in half a century, it is heartening to look back upon twenty years of this successful water conservation policy and realize the enormous volume of water saved by highly efficient plumbing products.”

The estimated 18.2 trillion gallons in cumulative water savings that has resulted from the use of low-flow toilets highlights how water conservation policies, such as the 1992 EPAct, impact and help sustain the nation’s water supplies, noted Mary Ann Dickinson, president and CEO of Chicago-based AWE, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water.

“These toilets help save an estimated 4.6 billion gallons of water each and every day in the U.S.,” said Dickinson. “When you add in the further water reductions achieved by high efficiency 1.28 gpf toilets, the savings are even more outstanding. Water is the critical resource issue of our time, and smart water conservation policies work to ensure that we have sustainable supplies for the future.”

The Road to High-Performing Toilet Technology

During the early 1990s, when water use restrictions first took effect, plumbing product manufacturers struggled to produce low-flow toilets that could effectively remove all waste with only 1.6 gallons of water, prompting frustration among users who resorted to counterproductive double-flushing. However, by 1998, toilet manufacturers had successfully modified flushing systems to remove waste using less water.

As the first decade of low-flow technology drew to a close, a flushing evaluation system would be introduced that changed the industry. Maximum Performance (MaP) testing was implemented in 2003 to measure the amount of solid waste removed per flush. This independent testing program inspired toilet producers to strive for the highest rating of successfully flushing 1,000 grams (2.2 lbs.) of solid waste.

In 2006, to drive even greater water savings, the EPA created WaterSense, a partnership program modeled after the EnergySTAR labeling program to help assure consumers that products will conserve and perform as promised. WaterSense-certified toilets use 20 percent less water than low-flow models, while providing strong flushing power. Commode makers were motivated to create high efficiency toilets (HETs) that used only 1.28 gpf while delivering strong flushing performance.

The American Standard Champion PRO series toilets are a perfect example. Offering a powerful flush that can easily remove 1,000 grams of solid waste, the Champion PRO models use only 1.28 gpf, meeting the rigorous WaterSense-certification standards.

Water Savings throughout the Bathroom

Toilets aren’t the only bathroom products constantly evolving and being held to more stringent water usage requirements. All American Standard bathroom sink faucets use only 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) and are WaterSense-certified for using 32 percent less water than standard 2.2 gpm styles, without sacrificing performance. Further supporting the use of water saving faucets, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reported that almost half of the designers responding to its annual 2014 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends survey specified water-saving faucets and fixtures in 2013. Forty-four percent predicted that the demand will grow for water-saving bathroom products throughout 2014, according to the NKBA.

To support its belief in water savings in the entire bathroom, the company conducted a real-life test in 21 homes in the Atlanta suburbs in 2010. The study measured pre- and post-water usage after WaterSense-certified toilets, bathroom faucets and showerheads from American Standard were installed in the residences. Water savings ranged from 20 to 25 percent, plus lowered energy costs and water bills. In a follow-up survey performed in early 2014, residents reported continued satisfaction with the performance of their water-conserving faucets and fixtures, specifically citing the excellent flushing power of the HETs installed in their homes.

Every Home, Every Family Can Save Water

·  National Savings: If every American home with older, less efficient toilets replaced them with low-flow units using 1.6 gpf, it would save nearly 640 billion gallons of water every year. Since the program’s inception in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save a cumulative487 billion gallons of water and over $8.9 billion in water and energy bills by using water efficient plumbing fixtures.

·  Environmental Savings: Water efficiency standards have helped reduce the amount of energy needed to heat, pump and treat water by 64.7 billion kilowatt hours, according to the EPA. Further, these water saving regulations have also helped to eliminate 24 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equal to planting 606 million trees.

·  The Familial Flush: According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a family of four using a single, high efficiency, 1.28 gpf toilet can save 8,760 gallons of water every year. In addition, the average household can save nearly $200 on water and sewer bills per year by installing water efficient fixtures, according to the EPA.

“American Standard is privileged to have been a part of this amazing water savings accomplishment ― conserving over 18 trillion gallons of water in the U.S over the past two decades,” concluded Gould. “It’s all part of our company’s efforts to raise the standards in bringing innovative solutions and technical leadership to the plumbing industry and our world. It’s been part of our company’s heritage for over 140 years.”