Mechanical system industry manufacturers, labor unions, contractor organizations, educators, students, consultants, individual contractors, and others have joined together to form the Green Mechanical Council (GreenMech). GreenMech, an international not-for-profit organization, was formed in part, "to bring bold, decisive, and innovative action to the critical question of global warming. GreenMech members believe that no less than the planet's future is at stake," according to Dan Chiles, GreenMech chairman of the board of directors.

Tom Meyer, executive director, describes GreenMech as a "Clearing house of information and education for designers, installers, and service techs who deal with mechanical systems every day. They are the people who can have the most immediate effect on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. We give them the information to take green components, to make them into a green system and to commission and service the systems to keep them green.

"One of the benefits to manufacturer involvement is there is a feedback communication from the field to the manufacturers making practical changes and improvements to products based on field experience and ingenuity. It's a win-win deal," Meyer added. "There is no doubt the world we know will change. GreenMech was formed to ensure the change is one the world can live with."

The organization's founding members include Watts-Radiant, HVAC Excellence, Legend Valve, Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA), Mechanical Contractors Education and Research Foundation (MCERF), the FloorHeat Company, the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), and Ferris State University.

Chiles said the organization joins the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the USGBC, and others in rising to the "2030 Challenge." "We accept the challenge to meet building performance targets of a reduction in fossil fuel consumption by 60% before 2010 stepping by decade to a goal of totally carbon neutral buildings by 2030."