Article for Plumbing & HVAC Product News - January 2005
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Hydronics and the Wisdom of James Allen by Constance Wrigley-Thomas
I recently received a very heart-warming e-mail from Richard Peck, Chair of the National Hydronics Design Standard Committee (NHDS) and the brand new CSA B214 Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems Technical Committee. As you may know, my employment with CIPH has ended as I am moving on to establish my own association management company and Richard was writing to say “adios.”
In his e-mail, Richard quoted a little known author by the name of James Allen.
The quotation said, “For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why now?"
Since I was preparing to write this article, I was inspired by the quote to do a little research on Mr. Allen to perhaps arouse the muse that usually helps me eke out these 650 words. Little did I know about the impact James Allen has had on the modern personal development industry. His influences are predicated on his belief that the individual has the power to form his own character and create his own happiness, and thought and action are inextricably connected.
So, here’s my thinking...
The hydronics industry is currently perched on the brink of important change and relevance. This didn’t happen overnight.
In the late 1990’s, the leaders of this industry including CHC, NHDS and regional hydronics groups, envisioned a future which requires that only should qualified contractors perform hydronic heating system installations, but that they be installed according to a national standard.
With the publication of the CSA B214 in July of 2001, the industry was now in a position to reference an official document that outlined the core competencies for the hydronics designer/installer. The next logical step in this sequence was to develop training based on a nationally accepted and recognized standard.
The competencies contained in the CSA B214 were acknowledged as a major influence for the course content developed by British Columbia Institute of Technology and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology for their hydronics technicians’ programs. With the validation by the Canadian Hydronics Council, BCIT’s and NAIT’s programs, these programs became “national standard curricula”. Within the next twelve to eighteen months it is anticipated that a handful of technical colleges will be jumping on the bandwagon to deliver this very same hydronics curriculum in their own communities as well.
This is where the “thought to action” part comes in...
In order for CHC to close the loop on their vision for a truly qualified workforce and their goal for safe and appropriate installations, a mechanism for inspection authorities and consumers to confirm qualification will need to be established. An industry-directed certification body should be launched within the next six months to meet the demands of the new crop of graduates who will be produced by BCIT and NAIT programs later this year.
What will this certification body look like?
By March of this year, CHC will have produced both the tactical and operational plans for this new structure. The purpose of the certification body will be to provide official recognition to the new crop of hydronics training program grads; to validate that installers and designers have completed their requirements for certification; to act as a resource to inspection authorities, code officials and consumers; and to enhance the professionalism of the hydronic heating industry.
In James Allen’s most prominent work, As A Man Thinketh, he says, “Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment...A man (woman?) should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it.” I think that with a well-defined purpose in place, Canadian Hydronics Council will realize its potential as the certification organization that the hydronics industry needs and wants. I’m just sorry that I won’t be around to enjoy the fruits of our labours.
Constance Wrigley-Thomas is the former Program Manager for the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating and Secretariat for the Canadian Hydronics Council. She has established an association management company and can now be reached at admin@allinorder.ca or www.allinorder.ca.
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