IAPMO Signs MOUs with CIPHE, ASPE at 14th World Plumbing Conference

Birmingham, U.K. — IAPMO^® signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during the 14th World Plumbing Conference, held in Birmingham, United Kingdom, establishing expanded international collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE).

The agreements formalize a shared commitment among the organizations to advance public health, safety and wellbeing through education, sustainability initiatives, water efficiency, research, professional development and the exchange of technical expertise.The first agreement, signed by IAPMO CEO Dave Viola and CIPHE CEO Kevin Wellman, establishes a framework for cooperation between IAPMO and CIPHE across a broad range of areas, including education, sustainability, water efficiency, heating, ventilation and cooling technologies, research, membership engagement and publications.

The organizations will explore opportunities to collaborate on professional training initiatives, technical guidance, public awareness campaigns, water management programs and research projects. The agreement also encourages joint efforts to advance water efficiency through initiatives such as a Global Water Efficiency Labelling System, promotion of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator^®, and greater adoption of water reuse systems including rainwater, stormwater and greywater applications.

In addition, the organizations will share information related to renewable energy technologies, net-zero initiatives and low-temperature heating, ventilation and cooling systems while expanding the exchange of technical publications and standards within their respective markets.

The second agreement brings together IAPMO, ASPE and CIPHE in a trilateral partnership designed to leverage the combined expertise of the three organizations. Signed by Viola, Wellman and ASPE Executive Director/CEO Billy Smith, FASPE, the agreement focuses on collaborative efforts in education, sustainability, water efficiency, research, membership and publications.

Through the agreement, the organizations will pursue opportunities for joint technical guidance, professional training, public awareness initiatives and collaborative research related to plumbing and mechanical systems. The partnership also provides a framework for sharing publications, promoting reciprocal membership opportunities and expanding the global dissemination of technical expertise, standards and best practices.

“The challenges facing our industry — from water scarcity and sustainability to workforce development and emerging technologies — are global in nature and require global collaboration,” Viola said. “These agreements reflect a shared commitment among IAPMO, CIPHE and ASPE to work together in advancing education, research, water efficiency and public health. By combining our expertise and resources, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen professional development and help ensure safer, more sustainable plumbing and mechanical systems for communities around the world.”

“This collaboration presents a wonderful opportunity for ASPE to join with likeminded partners such as IAPMO and CIPHE to address the many industry and worldwide challenges we face on a daily basis,” Smith said. “As the international organization representing the plumbing design community, ASPE is devoted to advancing this profession while promoting public health, welfare, and safety. Through this agreement we will help provide technical resources, education, research, and opportunities for continued collaboration to help engineers and designers apply innovative approaches to plumbing design, contributing to the development of effective, sustainable solutions around the world.”

“CIPHE is pleased to strengthen its relationship with IAPMO and ASPE through these agreements,” Wellman said. “By working together, we can share knowledge, support professional development and help advance sustainable, safe and effective plumbing and heating solutions that protect public health and benefit communities worldwide. The recent highly acclaimed World Plumbing Conference held in the UK served as a timely reminder that there are global plumbing problems that we can support each other with.”

The agreements were signed during the World Plumbing Conference, which brought together industry leaders, technical experts and stakeholders from around the globe to discuss issues affecting the future of plumbing, mechanical systems and public health.

The MOUs establish an initial one-year term with automatic annual renewals and provide a foundation for future collaborative projects and initiatives among the participating organizations.


About ASPE
The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is the international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. ASPE is dedicated to the advancement of the science of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its members and the health, welfare and safety of the public.

The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry. ASPE members are leaders in innovative plumbing design, effective materials and energy use, and the application of advanced techniques throughout the world.
For more information, visit www.aspe.org.
 
About CIPHE
Founded in 1906, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. It was set up to raise professional standards within the industry, provide technical support to installers and manufacturers, and protect consumers. Its membership is made up of individuals, practitioners, consultants, specifiers, designers, public health engineers, lecturers, trainers and trainees.
 
The institute’s vision is to create technical excellence through which the public will receive the benefit of a protected environment and enhanced sustainability, together with improved safety and health through the provision of correctly installed, commissioned, maintained and decommissioned plumbing and heating systems.
 
CIPHE was incorporated by the Royal Charter on Feb. 12, 2008. It is a registered educational charity, obtaining charitable status in 1979, and is governed by its Royal Charter, Bylaws and Regulations. The Bylaws and Regulations are under constant review and were last updated in June 2025, and future amendments will be carried out when necessary. For further information, please visit Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering | CIPHE