Plumbers Journal June/July 2003 Volume 55 No 3 PG 4

Ticket to Ride: 'Clean and Green'

Energy efficiency, alternative energy, green plumbing and many other concepts are underpinning the move to a more environmentally aware world and, at the same time, is opening up new green businesses opportunities.

Aquatherm's Fusiotherm piping has received the nod of approval from the environmentalism organisation Greenpeace, and the eco-friendly product is being used in projects throughout New Zealand.

"This is the only pipe system in this country that's approved by Greenpeace," says Stephen Derig, Director of sales and Marketing for Aquatherm NZ Ltd. "and to my knowledge it is the first pipe system in the world to receive the environmental certification."

Greenpeace is currently identifying ecologically acceptable and safe building materials and has give Future Product Approval to Fusiotherm products, which are now marked with logo 'Future product approved by Greenpeace'.

"This means that Greenpeace is satisfied that throughout its manufacture and installation life cycle the product is environmentally and socially compatible with the ecological requirements," explains Stephen.

He adds that, "As today's customers become increasingly aware of environmental issues they are asking architects to specify complying products and as a result we are finding that many are specifying Fusiotherm pipeing."

"The clean green image has a strong appeal," he said.

Case studies

Eco-friendly buildings with specifications for the fusiotherm system include…

Waitakere Hospital

The 80 million Waitakere Hospital under construction in Auckland has financial backing of $300,000 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority  (EECA) following an energy audit identifying extra possible cost savings of 20per cent (See NZPJ Feb/March 2003,P8). EECA says it's the first time it's been asked to participate before construction - and they hope it won't be the last. DL good Limited is carrying out the installation of the Fusiotherm pipe system, for hot and cold portable and flushing water, throughout the project.

The Waitemata District Health Board, together with the city council, has put in place an eco-strategy, which includes storm water management, water saving initiatives, energy efficiency environmentally preferred materials and an ongoing commitment to sustainable eco-friendly practices.

Wanaka Homestead and rentals

Research shows that a growing number of tourists are looking for 'green-specified' accommodation.

Down south in the Wanaka region solar plumber Jason Tweedie, of Onsight Company Limited, is working on a new guest lodge for Roger and Shonagh North. Knowing that water heating makes up more than half of a typical Kiwi household's energy consumption, the North's decided to concentrate on solar water heating.

"The requirements was to provide hot water for a 10 bedroom, 10batheroom luxury lodge, without compromise to the water pressure, time of arrival at the tap and the temperature," says Jason. "The system was to be sized to provide the equivalent of nine months per year months per year of 'free' hot water, and was to be backed up by gas when supplementation was needed."

The Norths wondered if the solar heated water could also be integrated into room heating system to lessen conventional energy use. Jason asked designer Matt Cookson for his expert contribution and together they came up with a fully-integrated system.

Jason explains: "A bank of eight solar panels will occupy the sunny north-facing pitched roof. Hot water will be circulated between the panels and a huge 1200 liter insulated cylinder will provide pre-heated water to a central gas boiler, after which a complex array of heat exchanges and manifolds feed a high pressure hot water supply network, and an outdoor spa."

Combined with exposed concrete and earth floors, and high standards of installation throughout, the Norths hope their guests will enjoy the cosines of the lodge, and the warm barefoot-feel to the radiant floors.

Clean green cosy - an unbeatable combination. 

Branded 'Clean and Green'

The endorsement 'future product approved by Greenpeace' was given only after a lengthy and rigorous examination by Greenpeace organisation of every aspect of Aquatherm's manufacture and processing of Fusiotherm pipes and fittings. Greenpeace required it met high environmental standards. For instance, there are no pollutant emissions (which could enter the air, water or soil); waste heat from the production process is used to heat the factory; and production wastes are re-used to a large extent within the factory.

However the main point for Green peace was the raw material used, called fusiolen PPR-80. The basic material polypropylene,  as well as the additives (colour pigments and stabilizers), have been tested by independent laboratories for environmental compatibility.

In addition, Greenpeace has 'future approved' because Fusiotherm® is:

• PVC free (no chlorine content).
• Low in additives - less than 3 per cent.
• Free from health problematic heavy metals.
• Recyclable (during manufacture process waste) and after life-cycle requirements.
• Long-living (corrosion free 50 year plus life expectance).

The pipes system is toxin free and meets type 3 food grade requirements as suitable for the hygienic transfer of food products and the safe transfer of water - our most valuable commodity.