Green Overview

PURPOSE

It is the purpose of the Green Committee to promote and encourage the development of Green Building Practices, and to recognize the many ways REALTORS® can encourage sustainability through education, community involvement and environmentally friendly business practices. This committee will act as a resource for REALTORS®  by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, facts and experiences related to Green Building and environmentally conscious, real estate practice. The committee will work closely with the Legislative Committee, Education Committee and any other Committee, Group or Organization interested in and/or providing information and support regarding environmental issues involving real estate.

Overview

In response to growing interest in “green building” from the public in general, and REALTORS ® in particular, the Board is creating pages that provide in formation about green building practices. This information will be available to REALTORS® and the general public through this web site as well as a variety of other activities overseen by the committee.

Green building guidelines are followed not only to provide sustainable, environmentally friendly practices to preserve our natural environment, but also to provide healthy living and work environments for human occupants.

 The GBBR accepts the following as “green building practices”:

1. The placement of homes in socially and environmentally responsible ways

2. The use of the entire property to minimize the project’s impact on the site

3. Indoor and outdoor water conservation practices

4. Energy efficiency in the building envelope and heating and cooling design

5. Efficient use of environmentally preferable materials and minimization of waste during construction

6. Reducing possible indoor air pollution

7. Educating the homeowner about operating and maintaining his home’s green features

8. Considering global impact

The National Association of REALTORS®  itself has taken the lead in demonstrating a commitment to green building. In October of 2004, NAR moved into its new Washington D.C. headquarters located in a 12-story green building with a clear view of the nation’s Capitol just three blocks away.  The curved, glass building was awarded a “Silver” certification for achieving a high degree of environmentally-sound construction. The designation is offered by the  U. S. Green Building Council and was the first awarded to a newly constructed building in Washington, D.C.