Chicago, Illinois – On Saturday, April 20, 2013, leaders of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and ASSE International gathered in Cleveland, Ohio, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly advance and promote the mutual interests of regulations, codes, standards, design, specifications, installation, and inspection of plumbing systems.
The intent of the agreement is to work collaboratively to achieve technical consistency in plumbing and mechanical code provisions and to support measures, including federal and state legislation, that increase the level of enforcement of plumbing and mechanical codes and standards in the United States and internationally. To achieve these goals, the two organizations will periodically meet to review model plumbing and mechanical codes for inconsistencies, exchange information and encourage continuing dialogue, and leverage their strengths for the mutual benefit of both organizations’ memberships. ASPE and ASSE International will also jointly develop technical publications, standards, educational programs, conferences, and trade shows to help educate professionals in the construction industry.
“Both ASPE and ASSE International are devoted to ensuring the proper installation and manufacture of plumbing systems and products, and this MOU will improve our ability to do that,” says ASPE President William F. Hughes Jr., CPD, LEED AP, FASPE. “Protecting public health is of upmost importance, and the collaborative efforts that result from this agreement will further help our members design safe, innovative systems.”
“The strength of each of these organizations, ASSE International and ASPE, is the expertise and knowledge base represented by their members and staffs,” says ASSE International President Steve Silber. “The general public can only benefit when such considerable talent is brought together to advance common interests and establish new directions for our industry as a whole. I see great things coming from this formal collaboration.”
ASPE is the only professional organization devoted to the training and certification of plumbing engineers and designers. ASPE and its 6,000 worldwide members are dedicated to protecting the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the dissemination of technical data and information to expand the base of knowledge among plumbing engineers, designers, contractors, code officials, inspectors, and manufacturers. For more information, visit ASPE.org.
ASSE International is a standards developer and certification body comprised of members representing all disciplines of the plumbing and mechanical industries. ASSE’s product performance standards, professional qualifications standards, professional certification and product listing programs aim to improve the performance and safety of plumbing and mechanical systems. Learn more about ASSE International at asse‐plumbing.org.
Last modified: April 23, 2013