The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC), a council within the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), recently became one of the three founding members of the North American Congress on Hydronics (NACH). The intended result is a deliberate, coordinated approach towards growing the hydronics market in North America, which currently rests between 5% – 6% of the heating sector.

The Congress comprises of three of the leading trade associations related to hot water heating: CHC, the Hydronics Industry Alliance (a marketing arm of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association), and the Radiant Panel Association. According to the organization’s press release, it was formed to provide synergies to the marketing efforts of all three organizations. “This is a momentous event!” announced Jason Bourque, CHC’s Manager and the inaugural Chairman of NACH. “Never before has there been a formalized collaboration of hydronics trade associations attempting to grow awareness and strengthen the industry,” Bourque explained. 

The meeting formalized NACH’s Terms of Reference, which include provisions such as continually increasing the influence of the hydronics sector via marketing plans that consider government relations, legislation and regulations, training of industry personnel, and current research and statistics.  There was also a roundtable discussion on current marketing activities by each association and the future goals of the Congress.  At the next NACH meeting, the group expects to formalize a 3-year plan of action it will undergo to achieve its objectives.