An advocacy group for the water heating sector in Australia and New Zealand has been established. The Australian and New Zealand Water Heating Association (ANZWHA) succeeded the Australian Water Heating Forum (AWHF), which was a managed forum created in 2018 under the management of the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group).
ANZWHA comprises a diverse group of manufacturers and suppliers of potable water heating systems, including electric, gas, solar and heat pump technologies used in residential and commercial settings. Its founding members are Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Stiebel Eltron, Reclaim Energy, Chromagen and Bosch.
Ben Teeger, the inaugural President of ANZWHA and outgoing Chair of the AHWF, has said the launch is coming at a critical time on both sides of the Tasman, given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, energy transition and increased regulation.
“Water heating is a basic necessity for every household and is critical to the health, safety, amenity and livelihood of consumers and businesses alike,” Mr Teeger said. “The opportunity for industry to play its part in helping to ensure quality outcomes for consumers, the energy grid and the environment is significant.”
Water heating accounts for around 25 per cent of a home’s energy use and a significant portion of running costs. Depending on the fuel type, it can also significantly impact a home or business’s carbon footprint.
ANZWHA is committed to continuing the AWHF’s efforts in:
- Working with governments, regulators, and other industry stakeholders to develop and advocate for policies, standards and regulations that are practical, workable and safe
- Promoting the manufacture and sale of high-quality, high-performing and efficient water heating products and systems, and their compliant and safe installation by licensed and skilled tradespeople;
- Encouraging consumer understanding of and confidence in water heating products and systems
- Ensuring that water heating, an essential industry in both Australia and New Zealand, remains viable and competitive
ANZWHA acknowledges the dedicated support provided by Ai Group in its stewardship of the AWHF leading up to the launch announcement, as well as the vision and leadership of the AWHF’s founding chair, Gareth Jennings.
James Thomson, Lead for Standards and Product Regulation at Ai Group, said, “We are pleased to have established the AWHF and supported it for over six years. We look forward to working with its successor, ANZWHA, in the future.”
For further information about ANZWHA, including membership queries, please contact info@anzwha.org.au or visit www.anzwha.org.au.
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