National Association of Realtors adds green designation

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said NAR President Richard F. Gaylord, in a news release.

The first green designation course will be held Nov. 5–6 at the 2008 Realtors Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla.

To earn the designation, Realtors must complete the core course plus one elective. The program is designed to help Realtors:

• understand what makes a property green;

• explain to clients and customers the cost benefits of green building features and practices;

• distinguish between industry rating and classification systems;

• list and market green homes and buildings;

• discuss financial grants and incentives available to homeowners; and

• guide buyers in purchasing resource-efficient homes.

According to NAR, 40 percent of Realtors report that green building is important to their business and clients, while 87 percent believe it will be of even more interest a year from now.

Registration for the core course is available at www.greenresourcecouncil.org. According to the site, the introductory price for the course is $150, discounted from $295.