The GreenPlumbers® - Climate Care program has seen the involvement of over 50 councils throughout rural and metropolitan Victoria and interstate (QLD & Tasmania) with over 600 plumbers accredited. The program looks at how plumbers can assist householders in the decision process when replacing/purchasing hot water heating units and domestic heating and cooling appliances.
For example in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia hot water heating accounts for 28% of total household greenhouse gas (GHG), emissions and 27% of total energy use, while home heating and cooling appliances contribute a further 14% GHG and 39% of home energy costs. This program has highlighted that many consumers have a limited understanding about these products, as they only become an issue when the existing appliance needs servicing or replacement. Many consumers rely on the advice or recommendations of the plumber.
Plumbers are trained over 7 hours on a number of issues/topics, which include:
Global warming/greenhouse science - appliances that impact on GHG emissions
energy star labelling systems
alternative energy sources - overview
minimum of 3 manufacturers presentations including solar hot water heating
customer service/customer behaviour - case studies
Consumer Information