What Differentiates GreenPlumbers Training from GreenPlumbers Licensing

It is important for everyone involved in any phase of the GreenPlumbers program to understand the difference between training & accreditation and licensing. We will discuss the differences, and the benefits of each, in this document. The simplest definition is that training & accreditation is an individual relationship, and licensing is a business relationship.

GreenPlumbers Training & Accreditation

The GreenPlumbers Training & Accreditation program is actually a benefit not only to the individual plumber – but also to his or her employer, the community, and society in general. It is for that reason that the goal of the global GreenPlumbers program is to offer training to plumbers at minimal cost to them whenever possible. This is accomplished through government grants, water agency and utility sponsorships and manufacturer/wholesaler partnerships. Training is also available on a fee basis when companies or groups desire the training on their terms, at specific times and places. The GreenPlumbers USA training & accreditation program is managed through a corporation registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable, educational non-profit organization, and all funds are used exclusively for the purposes of training.

As the individual plumber completes the GreenPlumbers course series (currently five are offered_the plumber receives a certificate of accreditation. The plumber also is listed on the GreenPlumbers website as an accredited GreenPlumber in each category for which he/she has qualified. It is impossible to list all of the benefits that individuals receive from an educational experience, but the goal of the GreenPlumbers organization is that each plumber will be able to complement their considerable plumbing knowledge with a new awareness of the role that they play in energy and water conservation. The accredited GreenPlumbers is a more valuable employee, and is of more value to the customer because now their installation and analytical skills are matched with the motivation to further protect the customer through water and energy savings.

The employer benefits with more valuable employees, but the business does not accrue any rights to the GreenPlumbers “brand” except those rights that are conferred upon the accredited Green-Plumber. What does this mean? Listed below are some things that the employer of a GreenPlumber can and can’t do:

Can say in advertisements or phone messages: “We employ accredited GreenPlumbers” or “We hire accredited GreenPlumbers”.
Can bid on jobs that require GreenPlumbers.

Can’t use The GreenPlumbers name or logo in connection with their business name—for instance: Jones Plumbing, the Green-Plumbers, or Jones Plumbing—Licensed GreenPlumbers.

In other words, the employer can not appropriate the individual value of GreenPlumbers status to the business. GreenPlumbers is a registered, protected Trade Mark, and any business would be wise to check with GreenPlumbers on any questions before spending money to advertise, print letterhead, or begin any venture in which they would propose to make use of their employee’s Green-Plumbers rights.

GreenPlumbers Licensing for Association Members

GreenPlumbers Licensing represents the employer’s decision to engage all of the GreenPlumbers concepts and business plans into their operation. Because 100% of all funds raised in the Training & Accreditation program are segregated and used only for that purpose, the participating employers in the GreenPlumbers licensing program are responsible for all of the funding necessary to achieve success in the global GreenPlumbers marketplace.

The employer desiring to participate in the licensing program makes a commitment to train all employed plumbers as GreenPlumbers.

• The one time fee to enter into the licensing agreement is $300
• The monthly fee is $200, paid on an automatic deduction basis.
• The employer commits to honor the integrity and purpose of the global GreenPlumbersbrand.
• The employer receives the right to use the GreenPlumberslogo and name in all aspects of business; receives referrals from the GreenPlumbers national call center; participates in specialized local, regional and national marketing programs in conjunction with participating manufactures, and benefits from a comprehensive global marketing program designed to drive commercial and consumer business to licensed GreenPlumbers.

GreenPlumbers Licensing

Many companies will satisfy the ‘need to be green’ by having some of their plumbers trained as GreenPlumbers. A Select Group of companies-globally-will choose to be licensed GreenPlumbers

Your commitment:

• The commitment to train all field personnel as GreenPlumbers or green technicians
• The commitment to abide the GreenPlumbers Code of Ethics
• The commitment to fund and participate in specialized installations and service programs
• The commitment to share information and resources in your green specialty (solar, graywater, rainwater, indoor water conservation, GHG reduction) with licensed GreenPlumbers in the same specialty

The Financial Commitment with Proof of Association Membership:

We expect that small to medium sized Licesed GreenPlumbers will increase their business by 10% in the first year and up to 25% in the second year, in the green and green-related revenues.
For instance, if your annual gross receipts are $1,500,000, we would expect you to add $150,000 the first year, and approximately $435,000 the second year, in new business that comes to you because of the GreenPlumbers brand and your commitment as a GreenPlumbers.

The GreenPlumbers Brand Commitment:

• GreenPlumbers will be the most recognized and trusted plumbing brand in the United States within three years.
• More than 35% of all monthly fees will be dedicated to building the Global GreenPlumbers Brand.
• GreenPlumbersUSA will develop specialized programs responding to government rebate programs.

The GreenPlumbers ® licensed program is not a franchise and does not confer exclusive territories, it is a co-branding marketing opportunity that offers incredible name recognition across the United States and provides substantial additional business opportunities referrals for existing businesses. Plumbing companies are eligible to become GreenPlumbers ® Licensees after the MO/General Manager has been accredited in two GreenPlumbers ® courses. Licensed GreenPlumbers ® make a commitment to train their staff and adhere to the GreenPlumbers ® Code of Ethics.