REAL ESTATE
by Jim Coleman, REALTOR®
GREEN, THE NEW NOW THING, WILL AFFECT EVERYONE
Just a month ago, it was my opportunity to be part of an historic event. The effect and fervor of the situation caused me to think of it like those in line for a flu shot or to be inoculated for a new dreaded disease, or like those clamoring to take advantage of the newest and hottest deal or bargain, maybe a little like the after Thanksgiving sale, although the current awareness of this new concept is not yet to that level. But as the populous gains knowledge about this subject of "Green," there will be those on the one side who will become avid proponents and cheerleaders, while on the other side there will be naysayers and objectors.
The event of which I make reference took place at the Annual Convention of the National Association of REALTORS® at Orlando, Florida. The specific meeting was the inaugural Green Designation core course. The purpose for the launching of this first course presentation was to begin the education process for REALTORS® to become specialists and meet the demands of consumers. The NAR's Green program provides "real estate professionals with knowledge and awareness of green building principles applied in residences, commercial properties, developments, and communities so that they can help consumers in purchasing, retrofitting, and operating green properties." This national program "encourages the real estate professional to be an advocate for green principles in the design and use of homes and commercial buildings and a positive force for creating sustainable communities."
In response to growing consumer demand for green homes and building practices, the NAR developed its new Green Designation. "The designation will help home buyers and sellers, developers, property managers, and commercial building owners who care about energy efficiency and environmentally sound building practices identify real estate professionals who can help them meet their green real estate goals." NAR's Green Designation is the only one of its kind recognized by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Green building principles and concepts for design and construction can have a huge impact on the conservation of natural resources. Homes and buildings have a major impact on the environment. "According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, residential and commercial buildings account for more than one-third of the nation's total energy use, 12 percent of water use, 68 percent of electricity consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions." U.S. Department of Energy representative Lani MacRae explained the benefits of retrofitting existing homes with energy efficient features and said, "Existing residential buildings represent the single largest source of potential energy savings."
Victoria Schomer, from Green Built Environments, said, "We know that the building industry impacts the environment in a very major way. The goal is to support clients and their families to live more sustainable, environmentally friendly lives."
There is no section or region of the country, or the world for that matter, that is not affected and that will not be impacted by this concept of green and green buildings with the various programs that will come forth.
It is the opinion of this writer that the objectives and goals of this program and its related principles are designed and intended to promote the highest quality of life while conserving natural resources and energy, and protecting the environment. There will of necessity need to be careful planning and evaluation of the various components that play into the big picture, whether for new construction or making over an existing structure. Location, weather, cost of materials, availability and supply of resources, life style, age and physical condition of occupants of buildings, and other such related factors must all be balanced with costs and benefits, personally, politically and environmentally. But one thing for certain is that the idea of Green is here and will become ever more prominent in everyday life for each of us.
St. George REALTOR® Jim Coleman is Associate Broker and Partner/Owner of ERA Brokers Consolidated. He Specializes in Residential, Investment and Commercial Real Estate, holding National Designations of Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). You can contact him by e-mail at Jim@RealtorJimC.com. Call: (435) 674-0600; or write: Jim Coleman, 201 East St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah 84770. This and other columns are available at www.RealtorJimC.com/articles.