As I consider the work of the World Plumbing Council, I am reminded of the critical role that plumbing plays in the health, safety, and well-being of communities worldwide. Our industry is not just about pipes and fixtures; it is about ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, which are fundamental human rights.

I am excited to announce the availability of the World Plumbing Council Scholarships. This initiative is designed to help create an educational exchange between plumbing industry participants from different countries; increase awareness of the contribution plumbing has made to global health, sustainability, and the environment; and provide a platform for networking and relationship building on a global level, helping strengthen the interconnectedness of the global plumbing industry.

The World Plumbing Council offers three annual scholarships, two of which are awarded to plumbers to travel internationally to learn more about the industry, and the third of which goes to a trainer/instructor to attend the annual Unite Association Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

The scholarships are available to individuals actively involved in their local plumbing industry, particularly in education and training. I encourage all eligible members to apply and take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, I urge our community to spread the word about the scholarships through their channels. Together, we can cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals who will continue to uphold the high standards of our industry.

The application deadline for each scholarship is September 30, 2024. More information can be found here.

I invite everyone to join us in Lyon, France, for the WPC General Meeting on 13 September 2024, from 1pm – 5pm. The meeting will be held onsite in conjunction with the World Skills Competition. For those unable to attend in person, we will offer a virtual attendance option. Stay tuned for more details.

As we look ahead, let us also reflect on the progress we have made and the challenges we continue to face. From improving water efficiency to developing sustainable plumbing solutions, our work is never done. But with the collective effort of our members, I am confident that we can achieve our goals and make a lasting impact.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to advancing the plumbing profession. I look forward to the continued success and growth of our council and the industry as a whole.

Warm regards,

Dave Viola
Chair, World Plumbing Council

Submitted by Graham Clark, IAPMO

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has decided to limit the allowable lead content in plumbing products that contain copper alloys and are for use in contact with drinking water that is intended for consumption. This move has the strong support of leading stakeholders in the Australian plumbing industry.

ABCB is a standards writing body responsible for the National Construction Code, WaterMark and CodeMark Australia Certification Schemes. The 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) Vol. 3, Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), introduces a new limit for the allowable level of lead in plumbing products used for drinking water.  From 1 May 2026, copper alloy plumbing products containing more than 0.25% lead, on a weighted average basis, will no longer be authorised for installation in a plumbing system used to convey drinking water.

The move by the board comes amid a renewed global push to eliminate lead from drinking water. Australia has a key leadership role to play in achieving this very important global goal.

The use of lead (Pb) in the manufacture of plumbing products has been common practice for many centuries. Throughout much of the world and in Australia, lead is used in plumbing products to improve machinability.  Lead is mostly found in copper alloys and can be present in fittings valves, taps, mixers, appliances, water heaters and water dispensers. It can also be found in sprinklers, toilets, boilers, and recycled water systems.

Lead is toxic.

There is an ever-growing and irrefutable catalogue of scientific research and data that clearly shows the direct causal link between lead content in drinking water and irreversible detrimental impacts on human neurological and cognitive development. Lead is a cumulative toxicant and there is no blood lead level that is considered safe. Once lead enters the blood, it is distributed to organs such as the brain, kidneys, liver, and bones. At high levels of exposure, lead has been known to cause coma, convulsion, and death. The health impacts of lead are most profound in children under 4 years of age and pregnant women. At blood lead levels that were previously considered safe, lead is now known to be associated with a spectrum of health consequences that include cognitive impairment, behavioural changes (such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behaviour), anaemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity and toxicity to reproductive organs. These effects are generally irreversible. People can be exposed to lead from ingestion of airborne dust, water, food, and soil.

The most common source of lead in drinking water is lead leaching from plumbing products, either from within the premises or upstream of the meter.

Relevant section of NCC 2022 Vol 3 Plumbing Code of Australia

Lead is currently permitted in small proportions in the raw materials used to manufacture some plumbing products. Under previous versions of the PCA, and throughout the transition period, products must still comply with the mandatory plumbing product certification requirements. This applies not only to plumbing products containing copper alloy that are in contact with drinking water (to which the ABCB’s new requirement is limited) but to all potable water contact materials used in plumbing products that are connected to the drinking water supply.

This process involves certification that can be achieved by undertaking laboratory type testing to AS/NZS 4020, “Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water” (See relevant extract from NCC Vol 3 above) and is intended to ensure that any lead in water contact materials did not leach into the drinking water supply at a higher rate than the limits outlined in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Transition period

The new lead-free requirements are mandatory from May 2026, with the three- year transition having commenced on 1 May 2023, for products listed as requiring lead-free certification. The clock is ticking. During the transition period products may be Lead Free WaterMark certified and supplied to the market with the Lead-Free WaterMark trademark; however, it will not be mandatory for identified products to do so until 1 May 2026.  This means products certified to the non-lead-free requirements will remain authorised for installation during the transition period.

Lead free or low lead?

A key issue raised in the lead-up to the setting of the new requirements was determining the difference between “lead free” and “low lead” terminology. The ABCB settled on a definition of lead free, which included plumbing products or material in contact with drinking water that has a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%.  This definition is in line with the definitions of lead free that underpin the regulatory frameworks for lead in the United States, Canada, and other places.

Compliance with the ABCB/NCC requirements

All plumbing products containing copper alloy that are intended for use in contact with drinking water that are listed in the ABCB WaterMark Schedule of Products and are identified as “Lead-Free Applies” must be WaterMark certified as being “Lead Free” when assessed in accordance with NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 “Drinking Water System Components – Lead Content.”

As part of the lead-free assessment, WaterMark Conformity Assessment Bodies (WMCAB) will review technical information such as detailed drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), material compositions, wetted surface areas and test reports to verify compliance with the lead-free standard. This is in addition to other requirements that products must meet to achieve WaterMark certification; for example, dezincification resistance, AS/NZS4020 for drinking water contact and the relevant performance requirements outlined in the product standard. As per the existing WaterMark Scheme Rules, all lead-free testing related must be undertaken at an accredited laboratory.

While Clause (a) of A5G4 would indicate that compliance can be verified by an accredited NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 laboratory test report , this ONLY applies to plumbing products that are listed in ABCB WaterMark Schedule of Excluded Products (WMSEP) that are identified as requiring NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 as “Evidence of Suitability.” These are products that do not require WaterMark certification but are still connected to a drinking water supply. Examples of such products listed on the WMSEP include refrigerators that dispense water/ice, built-in domestic coffee machines and domestic steam ovens.

In addition to the initial lead-free assessments undertaken by the WMCAB, ongoing surveillance of the manufacturing locations has been mandated via an ABCB Notice of Direction. This ensures that manufacturers are following their processes with regard to inward goods confirmation of the material design control and any lead-free specific processes are controlled with results recorded accordingly in the batch release testing program.

The thorough certification and surveillance procedures ensure that practitioners can have confidence that the products that carry the Lead-Free WaterMark have been assessed and monitored appropriately.

SWIFT ACTION REQUIRED

From 1 May 2026 only lead-free versions of identified products will be authorised for use in plumbing systems used to convey drinking water. From this date consumers, plumbing practitioners and regulators will need to look for the Lead-Free WaterMark trademark on a plumbing product to ensure the product being purchased or installed is authorised for use.

Eliminating lead from plumbing products is both vital and achievable.  It is also urgent, with action required now if we are to meet the 2026 deadline.

MORE INFORMATION

The ABCB Lead in Plumbing Products Implementation Plan provides information about implementation of this initiative and its health benefits, the details of clause A5G4 of the PCA 2022, and compliance at the point of installation.

The ABCB Notice of Direction on certification transition arrangements for lead free plumbing products provides detailed information and directions on transition arrangements for documentation, certification, marking, materials, enforcement at the point of installation and voluntary lead free certification.

The ABCB Notice of Direction on acceptable copper alloys for the manufacture of lead free plumbing products provides detailed information and directions on acceptable alternative materials. This includes prescriptive or performance options to meet the lead-free material requirements.

The ABCB Notice of Direction on marking requirements for lead free plumbing products provides information about product marking requirements for Lead Free WaterMark certified products.

The ABCB Notice of Direction on Annual factory inspections of lead free plumbing products provides direction on the requirement for annual factory inspections for Lead Free WaterMark certified products.

The ABCB Lead Free plumbing products Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact information:

Graham Clark | General Manager – Technical Operations, IAPMO Oceania
graham.clark@iapmo.org

Glenn Tate | Technical and Quality Manager, IAPMO Oceania
glenn.tate@iapmo.org

Submitted by InstallerSHOW

The logo for the upcoming World Plumbing Council Conference was unveiled at the InstallerPLAZA at InstallerSHOW.

The 14th World Plumbing Council conference will take place alongside InstallerSHOW in 2026, which will be the first to be held in England since 1990.

The title of the conference will be “Worldwide problems – global solutions,” and the groundbreaking WPC gathering promises to be a unique and innovative event, bringing together leaders, experts, and visionaries from the plumbing and installation sectors like never before.

Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, said: “It is fantastic for England and the UK to have won the bid to host the World Plumbing Council Conference in 2026, alongside InstallerSHOW. It will be one of the biggest events the WPC has put on, and is vitally important as the world adjusts to the challenges of providing clean water, heat and energy to us all. We’re looking forward to seeing our industry colleagues and unveiling the logo for this unmissable event.”

Mike Costain added: “Hosting the World Plumbing Council Conference in 2026, alongside InstallerSHOW, is going to take both events to another level. We’re already working on exciting plans, and look forward to welcoming WPC members from the UK and around the globe.”

InstallerSHOW took place at the NEC Birmingham from 25-27 June, featuring more than 600 exhibitors, a jam-packed content schedule and thousands of products and innovations.

Submitted by InstallerSHOW

InstallerSHOW – the UK’s leading trade show focusing on heat, water, air and energy – looks forward to welcoming WPC members in 2026, and providing a high-profile platform for an organisation that shares the show’s ambition to promote and deliver greater sustainability across our industries.

Hosting the World Plumbing Council Conference alongside InstallerSHOW in 2026 will make it the biggest in the history of the WPC.

Traditionally an exhibition of around 20 to 30 stands sits alongside the WPC Conference, but this year InstallerSHOW (at the NEC Birmingham from June 25 to 27) will feature over 600 exhibitors, and that number will continue to grow in 2025 and 2026, making it a seriously impressive event, and an ideal location for the WPC and its members to meet.

The UK heating and plumbing industry faces many challenges over the next few years – achieving greater sustainability, net zero targets and training new entrants to name just a few – and the WPC Conference will tackle these issues and many more.

Not surprisingly, InstallerSHOW also shares these concerns. Through its comprehensive programme of seminars and presentations — featuring many of the industry’s leading thinkers and innovators — the show plays a pivotal role in leading the debate that will determine the way forward for sustainability and achieving the ultimate goal of net zero.

The WPC Conference at InstallerSHOW in 2026 offers a packed programme of talks, discussions and networking sessions for delegates.

And because the conference sits alongside InstallerSHOW, visitors will also have access to the UK’s leading trade show focusing on heat, water, air and energy, where they can explore the very latest plumbing and installation innovations and technologies, network with a diverse range of industry stakeholders and foster partnerships and promote business growth.

It’s a win-win – a hugely beneficial partnership between a world-class plumbing organisation and the UK’s leading trade show for heat, water air and energy. The World Plumbing Council and InstallerSHOW are leading the way in promoting a sustainable future.

Submitted by Water Management Plumbing Skill Council 

The IndiaSkills 2023-2024 competition commenced with the Track-2 competition, inviting candidates to showcase their skills in plumbing and heating. This event aligns with its mission to elevate skill levels and pave the way for a brighter future.

Following the selection of candidates from Track-2 and state-level competitions, we organized a boot camp at our Advanced Skill Centre in Noida, Sector 80. This intensive training prepared the candidates for the IndiaSkills National competition, where Ms Kirteeparna Sadangi from Odisha emerged as the gold medal winner. She will represent India at the WorldSkills 2024 competition in Lyon, France.

Kirteeparna is being trained at our ASC Noida centre. She is being trained by a trailblazer—the first female participant in the plumbing and heating trade at IndiaSkills. This remarkable mentor, who once broke barriers as a competitor, now empowers the next generation. Her transition from participant to trainer is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and support. It symbolizes the endless possibilities we strive to create for women in our industry.

WMPSC extends a heartfelt thanks to all our industry partners who have supported us on this journey. A big thank-you to ESPA, Hindware, Ori-Plast, Ashirvad, Tru Flo, Acquaviva, Bathline, Kitec, Jaquar, Supreme, Huliot India, Rothenberger, KGN, Kirloskar Brother Ltd, Lehry Valves, and Virmani Brothers.

Submitted by BPEC

BPEC’s CEO Neil Collishaw (middle) with Dominic Wish, Aquabox Trustee (L) and Roger Cassidy, Aquabox Chair (R). 

Industry charity BPEC is supporting international water aid efforts via a donation to Aquabox, a volunteer-led charity that provides filtration units and other humanitarian aid to crisis zones around the world.

Working from their base in the Peak District, Aquabox volunteers manufacture and assemble the family water filters that are shipped internationally to countries and communities where clean running water is unavailable.

The Aquabox family filter is capable of filtering water at the rate of 1 litre per minute and is designed to meet the needs of a typical family group. Aquabox also provides a larger community filter, which uses the same technology but is scaled up to process up to 6 litres per minute and is designed for schools, clinics and community centres.

To date, over 125,000 water filters have been produced by volunteers and dispatched to disaster areas and conflict zones. More than 50 countries have received aid from Aquabox and an estimated 2 billion litres of contaminated water have been converted into safe, clean water.

BPEC has donated £3500 to support Aquabox’s efforts in producing these important filtration systems. Neil Collishaw, BPEC chief executive, recently visited Aquabox to witness their work in action, and later this year will accompany BPEC trustees to meet the volunteers.

“With so many across the world in need of clean drinking water, Aquabox delivers an immediate and practical solution for communities,” Collishaw said. “We are very impressed by the commitment of the volunteers and the fact they are so local to BPEC in Derbyshire means we are also supporting a neighbouring charity, which is an added bonus.”

Roger Cassidy, Aquabox chairman of trustees, said “We are so grateful for BPEC’s generous support. We rely entirely on donations and fundraising activities to fund our work and purchase the items which we supply in the aid boxes. Without the generosity of our supporters, we would simply not be able to operate. This financial boost from BPEC is helping us to continue supporting communities in countries such as Turkey, Ukraine, Syria, Nepal and Morocco – thank you.”

Find out more about BPEC’s charitable work

Submitted by Messe Frankfurt

ISH China & CIHE, the China International Exhibition for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, Sanitation & Home Comfort System, concluded successfully on 13 May 2024. The event attracted 75,156 attendees over its three-day run, along with 1,100 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions who showcased the latest in low-carbon and environmentally friendly HVAC products and technologies. This year’s exhibition was marked by an expanded international presence of exhibitors and visitors, providing greater opportunities for cross- border business and cooperation. Meanwhile, the show’s acclaimed concurrent event programme returned to deliver insights into new HVAC technologies and cultivate discussions among industry professionals.

Read more: https://ishc-cihe.hk.messefrankfurt.com/beijing/en/press/press-releases/2024/ISHC24-FR.html

The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and backed by the World Bank and other global entities, has unveiled the Global Framework for Action 2024–2030. This document outlines strategies to enhance water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), waste management and electricity services across health care facilities worldwide.

Aimed at creating resilient, high-quality health services, the Global Framework is designed to support the implementation of the recent UN General Assembly resolution on health care facilities.

This resolution emphasizes the need for sustainable and safe facilities that are capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change.

The resolution is targeted at a wide range of stakeholders including health leaders, programme managers, policymakers and technical experts in WASH, waste management and energy sectors, as well as actors in gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and climate change mitigation.

Explore the Global Framework here.

Dr. Margaret Montgomery, WHO’s lead, WASH in health care facilities and settings, participated in a panel during World Food Safety Day. She addressed the importance of safe water for drinking, cleaning and cooking.

Access the brief video here: https://x.com/WHO/status/1798641327359607164

Submitted by Messe Frankfurt

Sustainable development of the built world includes the protection of water, reduced emissions, renewable energy sources and their efficient utilisation. Experts from the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning sector will present solutions for sustainable and modern building services technology that can make this possible at ISH from 17 to 21 March 2025. An initial interim summary shows more than 2,000 exhibitors are planning to take part and the complete spectrum of products and services will be structured according to thematic solution fields in 2025.

The world’s leading trade fair for HVAC + Water is the international meeting place for the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning trade and industry, specialist planners and engineers, retailers, architects, interior architects and designers, the construction and housing industry, as well as investors and local authorities. All come to Frankfurt to discover the latest innovations in the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning technology sector, gain new knowledge and network. The exhibitor spectrum is no less varied than the interests of the visitors.

“Our first interim assessment after the early-bird price expired shows that over 2,000 companies have already indicated that they want to participate in the forthcoming ISH. They include numerous leading national and international brands from the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning sectors,” says a delighted Stefan Seitz, head of ISH Brand Management.

Under the motto “Solutions for a sustainable future,” ISH 2025 will focus on the factors driving the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning sector. They include environmentally friendly and efficient heat generation, the conscious use of water and hygienic and clean air. The topics of the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning sector are also reflected by the organisation of the trade fair. As Seitz explains, “ISH has a broad visitor structure. And every visitor comes to the fair with their own individual needs, interests and questions. Accordingly, we have developed eight different thematic solution fields that cater even more precisely to visitors’ needs. And this should enable everyone to find the right solutions for their specific field of interest.”

A preview of ISH 2025

Participants’ interests were at the heart of the development of the eight new solution fields. To ensure that they can orientate themselves optimally at the trade fair, the hall layout for 2025 is based on the new thematic solution fields. A preliminary look at the new concept and the first key players who will be taking part next year:

Solutions for Bathrooms

Be it restaurants, hotels, fitness studios, apartment blocks, private homes or commercial buildings, solutions for bathrooms are a basic requirement. The various application areas provide orientation in the halls. Anyone looking for inspiration for their private bathroom will find it in Halls 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 4.1, 5.0, 5.1 and the Forum. Top brands such as Bette, Burgbad, Dornbracht, Duravit, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, Laufen, Kaldewei, Kermi, Keuco, Roca, Toto, Villeroy & Boch and Vitra will be showcasing their products there. Everything to do with sanitary installations will be presented by the exhibitors of Hall 3.0. They include top brands such as Dallmer, Geberit, Tece and many more. With hygiene dispensers, hand dryers and touchless taps, this exhibition hall is also home to companies that offer a portfolio for (semi-)public and commercial sanitary facilities, such as Delabie, KWC Professional and Schell.

Solutions for Installation

Modern, high-quality tools and fastening materials form the basis for optimum results and efficient installation processes. Thus, exhibitors in Hall 6.1 will be showing all the best equipment for the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning sector, ranging from pressing tools and pipe cleaning equipment to well organised storage facilities, efficient means of transport and elements for industrial prefabrication. Top brands taking part include Adolf Würth, Fischerwerke, Novopress, Rems, Rothenberger and WVG.

Solutions for Water-bearing Systems

The environmental impact of buildings depends fundamentally on the water-bearing systems such as drinking water and heating. Roof and façade greening and the use of process water and rainwater also make an important contribution. Intelligent water management systems, filters and treatment systems and much more will be presented by exhibitors in Halls 4.0 and 6.0 on the east side of the Exhibition Centre. In addition, Hall 6.0 will feature panel heating systems and irrigation systems for green roofs and façades, as well as guttering, downpipes, filters and water storage tanks for process water and rainwater. The top brands to be seen there include BWT, GF Building Flow Solutions, Judo, Grünbeck, Rehau and Viega. The experts for heating systems will be in the western section of the Exhibition Centre, in Halls 9.0 and 9.1. There, the companies taking part will include Caleffi, Danfoss, Grundfos, IMI Hydronic, Oventrop, Reflex Winkelmann and Wilo.

Solutions for Heat Generation

There are many different ways to generate heat in an efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly way. In Hall 9.1, experts for local and district heating will explain how decentralised supply in neighbourhoods and heat transfer in buildings works. In Hall 11.0, top brands such as BHT Windhager, Fröling, Hargassner and ÖkoFEN will be showcasing heating sources that generate heat energy by utilising biomass, as well as gas and liquid-based heating systems and heat pumps. Jeremias, Joseph Raab and Schräder, to mention but a few, will focus on flue gas technology. In Hall 12, exhibitors will present heat pumps, battery storage systems and the combinations with PV panels for efficient, electricity-based heating systems. The top brands here include Bosch Thermotechnik, Daikin, Stiebel Eltron, Vaillant, Viessmann, Weishaupt and Wolf.

Solutions for Intelligent Building Management

Energy efficiency, living comfort and safety are among the goals of intelligent building management. Exhibitors such as Belimo, Deos, Siemens, Wago and others will present the systems required for energy management, applications and functions for the first time in Hall 11.1.

Indoor Air Solutions

Air-conditioning and ventilation equipment and systems ensure high indoor-air quality. The range of products and services presented by the exhibiting companies in Hall 8 ranges from ventilation and air-conditioning systems for office and administration buildings to ventilation and air-conditioning systems for air purification in educational and health care buildings, as well as precision air-conditioning units for reliable continuous operation in data centres and production buildings. The companies offering the right solutions in this connection will include ebm-papst, Helios, Kampmann, Swegon, Systemair, Trox and Wolf.

Software Solutions

The modern working world is changing rapidly and offers a wide range of opportunities to not only optimise everyday office life but also simplify planning processes. For the first time, software-solutions exhibitors, such as Hottgenroth, Linear and Trimble, will be presenting software for sanitary and HVAC contractors, systems for managing and optimising buildings and planning software for building services planning and construction in Hall 8.

Solutions for Sanitary and HVAC Production

Manufacturing sanitary and HVAC products calls for a comprehensive range of high‑quality components that fulfil the specific requirements of sanitation, heating and air‑conditioning systems. As part of the new ISH hall layout, component suppliers are assigned directly to the relevant solution field.

Focusing on young talent

Space has been reserved for young innovative companies at ISH 2025. Young talent from the industry will take centre stage at a promotional area of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The platform is designed to make it easier for young companies to enter the market and enable them to make many new contacts. For start-ups, too, establishing themselves on the market, networking and presenting their innovations is essential. A start-up area in cooperation with the German Trade Association for Buildings and Energy (VdZ) gives them the opportunity to do just that.

A comprehensive overview of all solution fields, associated areas of application, events and registration options can be found on the ISH website at ish.messefrankfurt.com.

ISH – The World’s Leading Trade Fair for HVAC + Water

ISH 2025 will be held from 17 to 21 March 2025.

Submitted by The Unified Water Label Association

The Unified Water Label Association has launched its manifesto to mark Water Saving Week, (13-17 May). The manifesto outlines its aims, illustrating how the Unified Water Label is driving forward change, and supporting government objectives to use water efficiently.

A positioning paper supports the manifesto with evidence on how the Unified Water Label has already influenced market transition, and its position as a trusted smart tool within the KBB sector.

“Demand on water systems is increasing as the population grows, and if we are to make positive and meaningful changes then we must address the misunderstanding and misinformation in the marketplace,” UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said. “Our manifesto sets out the huge steps forward and positive actions taken by the KBB industry, and the role that the Unified Water Label has played.

“The Unified Water Label has been developed by industry for industry and is well liked by consumers. It is a simple, credible, effective labelling scheme for water-using bathroom products and kitchen taps, which is gaining visibility every day.

“The Unified Water Label is recognised by international standards such as ISO31600, and presents governments with a market-ready solution that negates the need to develop another label, at great expense, that would not be harmonious across Europe.

“The UWLA website also hosts a Water Calculator, which is used by 10,000 architects on over 500,000 projects over the last 10 years.

“Our commitment to a focused communication and education programme to influence understanding and change consumer behaviour also sets the Unified Water Label apart. Products alone cannot change hearts and minds, and restricting choice could have the opposite impact on water efficiency.

“We will be using this manifesto to support our lobbying programme, working with all parties to achieve our common aim of reducing water and energy consumption, for the benefit of the planet.”

More information is available from the UWLA website www.uwla.eu.

Do you know of an organization or individual interested in joining the WPC?  Share this link (https://www.worldplumbing.org/shop/) so they can join and become part of our global plumbing community!

WA Plumbing Industry Expo
9-10 August 2024
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), Australia
https://waplumbingexpo.com.au/

WorldSkills Lyon 2024
10-15 September 2024
https://worldskills.org

95th Annual IAPMO Conference
22-26 September 2024
Las Vegas, NV
www.iapmo.org

ISH Frankfurt am Main
17-21 March 2025
https://ish.messefrankfurt.com

Contact secretariat@worldplumbing.org to provide an event report or request listing of an upcoming event.