The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) have announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will advance the benefits that both organizations provide to the plumbing industry. David Fink, president, PPI, and Billy Smith, FASPE, executive director/CEO ASPE, made the joint announcement virtually from their respective headquarters. PPI is a leading North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry. ASPE is the international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems.

“For the past 70 years, PPI and our members have embarked on research projects that have led to the creation of many manuals and standards, and influenced codes,” Fink stated. “We have always sought ways to work with other like-minded groups to amplify the benefits to the industry. Our work with ASPE has been highly rewarding, and we are looking forward to doing even more. For example, we will explore how to best educate legislators on issues important to the members of each organization, plus promote mutually beneficial positions during the development and passage of state and federal legislation.”

One of the key components of the MOU is advocacy. Where mutually beneficial, and to the extent allowed by laws and corporate policies, PPI and ASPE will work together on common public affairs goals and ideologies.    

“Being 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 our members, and to the health, welfare, and safety of the public," Smith said. "Having the opportunity to continue our core goals by collaborating with industry partners through advocacy for the benefit of all is a valuable asset.”

“PPI has enjoyed a close relationship with ASPE for a number of years,” said Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's Building & Construction Division (BCD). “ASPE’s scope of work, related to plumbing and fire protection systems, is very much in line with PPI BCD’s scope of work.  Since becoming a professional member of ASPE in 2015, I have benefitted from the resources made available to their members, and participated in the ASPE Main Design Standards and its Legislative Committees. Also, PPI has been registered with ASPE as a continuing education CEU Provider since 2016.  This has helped PPI to connect with plumbing engineers through ASPE conferences and chapter meetings. I encourage more PPI members to join ASPE.”

Part of PPI’s mission is to educate the plumbing industry about correct applications for plastic pressure piping systems using CPVC, HDPE, PEX, PE-RT, PP-R and PP-RCT. “It is important that plumbing engineers have access to accurate information about these pipe materials. There are ideal applications for each of these materials, when utilized correctly,” MacNevin said. “The MOU with ASPE will help to accelerate our goal to deliver accurate and thorough information about these systems, so that the best pipe material can be selected for an application.”

Other areas addressed in the MOU include education, technical activities, and research.

“This Memorandum is certainly very exciting,” MacNevin said. “It clearly defines our goals, outlines the initiatives and sums up the strong support structure of why and how we have forged this agreement. The collaborative work of ASPE and PPI members, based on their years of experience and knowledge, is intended to benefit the plumbing community and, ultimately, the public.”

“The wealth of knowledge contained in both of our organizations is second to none, so we are looking forward to expanding our relationship with PPI to help increase the technical knowledge of the industry,” Smith said.

Additional information can be found at www.plasticpipe.org/building-construction or at www.aspe.org.