Homebuyers are increasingly interested in buying a home that has a healthy living environment and is more energy efficient, more commonly called a “green” home.
Five years ago, you didn’t see too many of them. You didn’t see too many hybrid cars on the road either. Now they are everywhere. Thanks in large part to the leadership and support of the home building industry, including The Home Builder’s Association of Lane County who has adopted more environ-mentally friendly building techniques; there are more options than ever. And they are becoming more affordable too.
The idea of owning a green home can mean different things to different people. Some argue that a home is not truly “green” unless it has been through a certification process. For example, Energy Star is a national program that certifies its homes if they are at least 15% more energy efficient than our current building code standards.
Earth Advantage, a program based in Portland, Oregon offers a green home certification for new construction and pre-existing homes. The contractor is required to meet a certain level of criteria that involves not only energy efficiency but also indoor air quality, type and source of building materials, along with showing environmental responsibility in the build-ing process. For example, a home that is built or remodeled to meet Earth Advantage standards would have a minimum 90% efficient heating and cooling system, use building materials and methods designed to retain our natural resources, have a ventilation system that promotes healthier indoor air quality, use Low or No VOC paint and finishes, install energy efficient appliances and windows and all the building mate-rial waste would be recycled on site as much as possible.
The most comprehensive certification available comes from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” and is most widely known in its commercial building certification process. Their residential program was launched in 2007, covering the highest performance standards in green building.
To better assist their clients who are interested in these features, Realtors have an opportunity to obtain “green” certifications as well. Currently there are several programs avail-able that provide education and certifications to Realtors who wish to help their clients obtain more energy efficient and environmentally sensitive homes.
EcoBroker Certified designation was launched in Colorado in 2002 and is the first and largest international program for Realtors to help clients reduce their carbon footprint. Regionally, Earth Advantage S.T.A.R. (Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals)provides onsite training where Realtors meet with builders in a work shop environment.
The “Ph.D” of certifications is the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Accredited Professional certification. LEED Accredited Professionals have to show a thorough understanding of green building practices, principles and expertise in the LEED rating system. Launched in 2001, it covers commercial and residential building applications that earn a LEED certification for buildings.
Similar to EcoBroker, the National Association of Realtors launched their green certification program in late 2008 called NAR’s Sustainable Property/Green Designation. Real estate professionals have an opportunity to provide leadership and expertise in buying and selling green homes through these programs and certifications. Contact me at:
Kristena Cox,
Residential Broker
EcoBroker Certified
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