PM Engineer sat down with several plumbing industry experts to see what engineers could expect in the coming year.

How can we attract the next generation of young designers and engineers to join our industry, and how can we keep the ones already in?

What do the 3-model codes, UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code), IPC (International Plumbing Code) and NSPC (National Standard Plumbing Code), have to say on the subject?

While some cities have banned or attempted to ban gas-fired boilers in new buildings, other areas favor hybrid electric/gas or high efficiency gas systems as sustainable solutions.

How are engineers staying up-to-date on the latest products, technology and training? Is there still a need for in-person training and meetings with the ability to do video conferences and training online?

I do not fully agree with the statement about the quality decline in the plumbing industry. A couple of bad installations do not define the entire plumbing contractor industry. How do we fix it?

How are you polishing your technical skills? How are you taking those next steps in your career? How are you positioning yourself for new opportunities? For me, it’s in-person, in the office.

Jonathan Cristino's knowledge and experience in new heat pump technologies, and his willingness to explore sustainable engineering designs and practices has earned him the distinction of being named PM Engineer’s 2023 Mechanical Engineer of the Year.

Volume 3 covers specialty plumbing systems, including fire protection, irrigation, swimming pools, industrial waste, compressed air, laboratory gases, and more.

In my last column, I focused on talking about how engineered plumbing systems were at a crossroads. This month, I would like to discuss some of the emerging trends in plumbing science.