Manitoba Becomes First in the World to Mandate Adoption of a Proven Energy-Saving Technology

Details of an update to the Manitoba building code to include Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) technology as a standard part of their building code. DWHR technology saves money and energy for water heating, and is becoming a common practice for new home builders across North America.

Hazleton, PA - The Government of Manitoba has updated its Building Code to make Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) Technology mandatory in new residential construction starting in April 2016.

DWHR technology uses outgoing, warm drain water to pre-heat incoming, cold fresh water resulting in energy and carbon savings. DWHR technology also increases effective hot water capacity and extends the life of primary water heaters.

In America, water heating is the largest or second largest energy load in new single-family homes and multi-family buildings. DWHR technology is recognized as an energy-saving measure (www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/drain-water-heat-recovery) and many utilities currently have incentive programs for the adoption of DWHR technology.

Builders and homeowners can also cost-effectively improve their home's Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index scores by 1 to 3 points with DWHR. EnergyStar for New Homes, LEED for Homes and Building Energy Codes all reference the HERS Index so builders and developers can also save money by using DWHR in order to comply with these various programs or laws. HERS is recognized for energy compliance in the 2015 version of the IECC (www.HERSindex.com).

Including DWHR technology in new homes has become common practice for many builders and developers in North America because DWHR helps them to build more affordably while saving energy for occupants. DWHR for new construction is actually a more cost-competitive energy saving measure in most of the United States (where space heating and cooling loads are lower) than it is in Canada where water heating makes up a smaller percentage of total energy consumption.

The International Energy & Conservation Code (IECC) also provides credit for including DWHR in multi-family residential buildings and commercial buildings.

RenewABILITY Energy Inc. has been manufacturing the Power-Pipe® DWHR technology for over a decade now. The CEO and Founder, Gerald Van Decker, states, "I believe the Government of Manitoba took this bold step for a number of reasons.
- First and foremost, DWHR is a proven, maintenance-free, energy-saving class of technology that doesn't ask anyone to change their lifestyle but instead it improves occupant comfort by increasing hot water capacity.
- Next, similar to wall insulation, DWHR units essentially become a part of the infrastructure in the buildings they are installed in such as homes, apartment buildings, and dorms. Minimum wall insulation is mandatory almost everywhere so why should we continue to let energy be wasted in the form of warm drain water when much of that energy can easily be reclaimed?
- Also, DWHR is usually a lower cost for the amount of energy saved than many other options."

The Government of Manitoba and the HERS Index only permit CSA B55.2 compliant DWHR technology thereby ensuring that devices are safe and made from quality components. Furthermore, DWHR efficiency and pressure loss must be tested and labelled on devices according to CSA B55.1. Manitoba's Building Code requires that DWHR devices have a minimum rated efficiency of 42% and stipulate maximum rated pressure losses so the devices do not negatively affect water flow.

Government of Manitoba Regulation:
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/annual/2015/052.pdf

About RenewABILITY Energy Inc.
Founded in 2000, RenewABILITY Energy Inc. is the Global Leader in Drain Water Heat Recovery Technology. The Company manufactures the Power-Pipe® and has offices in Pennsylvania, Ontario and the United Kingdom. Patented and patent pending Power-Pipe® systems are sold across the United States, Canada, and Europe. For more details, please visit http://www.Power-Pipe.com or contact us at: media ( @ ) renewability dot com, 1-877-606-5559 or 1-519-885-0283 dot

http://www.RenewABILITY.com