| By :
Martin Hofschroer
Improving Britain's water efficiency is one way that plumbers can play a key role in the fight against climate change. NGO Waterwise has launched its own White Paper which sets out how the coalition government can reduce the nation's carbon footprint and combat emerging environmental problems by wasting less water. Proposals incorporated in the White Paper include the installation of showers in social housing refurbishment and new build homes and a toilet scrappage scheme to help homeowners invest in more water efficient lavatories. A large number of plumbers, who have passed approved and accredited plumbing courses, will be required to implement this work if the coalition government adopts Waterwise's proposals. Nicci Russell, Waterwise Policy Director, said: "Water efficiency will be needed to make sure less water goes further - at the same time cutting carbon emissions, household and private and public sector bills, developing green jobs and making homes more sustainable." Waterwise has called on the government to help drive more homeowners to install energy efficient appliances, which could result in more plumbers having to take green energy courses in order to meet consumer demand. The coalition government should use green financial products such as green mortgages and a renewed Energy Performance Certificate to encourage water and energy efficiency measures in homes. Blane Judd, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), welcomed the White Paper and emphasised how important qualified plumbers were to realising Waterwise's goals. He said: "It is vitally important that consumers understand the need to use competent plumbing and heating professionals who have the training, knowledge and skills required to specify appropriate products and then carry the installation correctly and safely to make these changes happen." Mr Judd went onto say that homeowners should use the services of a qualified plumber as they can help advise on how to improve energy efficiency within a property. People looking to become a plumber will have to learn the trade at private training centres as many colleges are cutting their plumbing courses because of government cutbacks. Peter Nangle, vice-principal for learning and achievement at Calderdale College, told the Halifax and Calderdale Evening Courier: "There is provision elsewhere with private training providers." It is important that potential plumbers learn with training centres that have been accredited and approved by recognised industry organisations. The NVQ 6129 level 2 course in plumbing is the first step on the road to becoming a fully qualified plumber and it will allow progression onto the NVQ level 3.
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