Green homes should have the following: a positive impact on human health and comfort; integration into a sound environment; and sustainable design, construction and systems (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®). Former Vice-President Al Gore’s Nobel Prize winning documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” helped inspire my decision to work toward a more sustainable existence as both a person and a REALTOR®. As a REALTOR®, I want to help people create environmentally-friendly homes.

As a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee, I can help you make educated decisions about green materials, energy-efficient technology, green ratings, green design, green living and green incentives. I can also help you obtain a LEED certification for your home. LEED is a third-party certification program that sets design, construction and operational standards for high performance green buildings.

LEED is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. Certification is available in the following areas:

1. New construction and major renovations
2. Existing buildings
3. Commercial interiors (fit outs by tenants)
4. Core and shell (total building without fit outs)
5. Schools (K-12), retail and healthcare facilities
6. Homes
7. Neighborhood Development

Qualified properties are awarded one of the following certifications: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. Properties can qualify for LEED certification by earning points in six areas:

1. Sustainable sites
2. Water efficiency
3. Energy and atmosphere
4. Materials and resources
5. Indoor environment quality
6. Innovation and design process

I can help you by making suggestions to help you “green” your home. I can also connect you with reputable green vendors who can provide the products and services that will help you make your home more sustainable.

Here are a couple of purchases you can make that will save you money and lessen your environmental impact:

1. ENERGY STAR windows – annual savings: $300
2. Solar Attic Fan – annual savings: $200
3. Low-flow Faucets – annual savings: $100

For more information on green building, I encourage you to visit the following Web sites:

Green Resource Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

ENERGY STAR

U.S. Green Building Council

Keywords: Realtor, Realtors, Green, Green Building, LEED, ENERGY STAR, Home, Certification, Environment, National Association of Realtors®