Viega ProPress® installed in Olympic Village housingThe redevelopment of the former heavy industrial lands on the south shore of Vancouver’s False Creek found a new purpose and a sense of urgency when the city hosted the world in February 2010. Around Metro Vancouver there were many projects that not only served an immediate need for the events of 2010, but formed part of the legacy that will continue to shape the future of the city. Such is the case with the seven-story and 14-story condominium buildings located at 151 and 181 Athlete’s Way, where the unique architecture of the buildings helps to create a distinctive neighborhood feel.

According to the City of Vancouver’s website there is a strategic effort to, “leverage the once-in-a-lifetime economic development potential of the 2010 Games.”

The city’s Greenest City Action Team released its long-term action plan to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world: Vancouver 2020: A Bright Green Future. The intended LEED® Platinum status of these buildings will, in some small way, contribute to this outcome.

This commitment to building green meant that products, systems, construction methods and contractors all contributed to achieving that goal. The Viega ProPress system for copper has been used on many LEED projects before. In the Vancouver market, Viega ProPress has become a staple product for domestic water and hydronic heating installations in high-rise construction.

With over 20 years of history as one of the leading mechanical contractors in the Metro Vancouver area, Sentrax Mechanical was well quali� ed to deliver on the commitment. Having seen Viega

ProPress on many of his competitor’s job sites, Ernest Fink, owner of Sentrax Mechanical, was somewhat familiar with Viega ProPress but had not used it.

According to Mark Evans, Viega Director of Sales in Canada, “Simply demonstrating a product doesn’t always tell the whole story. Seeing the product being made and talking with those responsible really changes one’s perception of a product and highlights the commitment of the company that produces it.”

Fortunately, the timing allowed Ernest to join a group of local contractors on a Viega factory tour prior to starting the project.

“I was comfortable with Viega and the LEED rating of this job was a major factor in choosing to use Viega ProPress for the � rst time,”

CUSTOMER: City of Vancouver

APPLICATION: Domestic water and hydronic heating systems

LOCATION: Vancouver, British Columbia

CONTRACTOR: Sentrax Mechanical

I was comfortable with Viega... along with the potential labor savings, Viega ProPress contributes to the green aspect of the job.

“ProPress contributes to the green aspect of the job.”

©2014 Viega LLC

said Fink. “I liked the fact that by eliminating soldering, there would be no acetylene b-tanks, � ux or solder consumed. Along with the potential labor savings, Viega ProPress contributes to the green aspect of the job.”

Fink continued, “I knew that there would be a learning curve, where my crew had to be educated on how best to use Viega ProPress.”

Viega ProPress was used on all copper piping as part of the domestic water systems, as well as the hydronic heating system. All connections on the risers and distribution mains and the in-suite copper connections were made with Viega ProPress.

In comparing his past experience with soldered � ttings and t-drilled connections Fink said, “Just comparing the cost of the Viega ProPress � ttings to solder � ttings, the prices seemed high but I am happy with the result.”

“This way,” Fink said, “we can really � nd out how to be even more ef� cient using Viega ProPress and determine the true extent of the potential savings that we can and have made.”

According to Evans, “Training is a key element in our sales strategy, because it allows Viega’s customers to be hands on with other people from the industry. They see how our products are used in other markets and learn tricks and tips from trainers and contractors who have more experience using Viega products like ProPress. This is just one more way that Viega demonstrates its commitment to the long-term success of its customers,

something that non-system or commodity systems suppliers who are selling strictly on price and on a job-by-job basis cannot do.”

For more information on Viega products, visit www.Viega.us, or call toll free: 800-976-9819.