CCSE has partnered with the GreenPlumbers, a new training and accreditation program focusing on water conservation and climate care issues. CCSE serves as the program administrator of the Solar Water Heating (SWH) Pilot Program, providing cash incentives to San Diego home and business owners who install qualifying solar water heating systems. CCSE’s partnership with GreenPlumbers will prepare the workforce needed to meet the statewide goal of 200,000 solar water heating installations over the next 10 years.

GreenPlumbers offers training workshops and accreditation to plumbers and contractors throughout the United States. The program offers five workshops including Climate Care, Water Care, Water Recycling and Conservation, Solar Water Heating and Inspection Report Services. With more than 200 California participants, GreenPlumbers aims to provide free training to plumbers nationwide and build a knowledgeable workforce throughout America.

“The U.S. Government’s General Accounting Office has reported that 36 states in the U.S. anticipate freshwater shortages in the next 10 years,” said GreenPlumbers spokesperson Stephen J. Lehtonen. “With partners like CCSE, we believe we can provide a critical educational initiative that will help to protect the resources of the planet.”

The partnership addresses San Diego County’s need for water conservation, as well as the need for more skilled workers in the solar water heating field. “Plumbers are already out in the communities, working with home and business owners every day, often providing critical solutions at times of major decisions on the installation of new equipment,” said the Center for Sustainable Energy’s director of programs, Andrew McAllister. “The expanding market for solar water heating systems requires growth in the pool of qualified installers. What better group to involve in green hot water solutions than GreenPlumbers! CCSE is excited and proud to partner with this great group to advance our mission of a sustainable energy future for California and beyond.

The Solar Water Heating Pilot Program is available only in the San Diego region. The Program is the predecessor to a potential $250 million statewide program, which is contingent on the outcome from the pilot. Interested contractors can attend the next SWH training session on February 19th. Homeowners wanting to learn more about solar water heating are invited to attend the evening session of “Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners” on February 26th. For more information on the Pilot Program and GreenPlumbers visit www.swh.energycenter.org.