Do You Know The Way — to a Greener Home?

Yosemite Meadows and Mountains

Concerned about the environment, global warming, rising energy costs or home-related health issues? Are you aware that there are more and more homes that address these concerns?  Did you know that Earth  Advantage*, a regional leader in green home certification, has a realtor certification program, EA S.T.A.R. (Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals)?

According to Sean Penrith, Executive Director for Earth Advantage, the program goal is to “equip realtors with the necessary knowledge and tools to educate their clients on products, features, building methods and values that make homes energy efficient, healthier, and green.”     

What might an EA S.T.A.R. certified realtor do for you?  A lot!

They can point out features that are more efficient, such as Energy Star(r) appliances and give you information about the initial costs and long-term savings associated with them.

Home Interior

They can inform you about products that off-gas and what that means for your family’s health and well-being. And tell you why linoleum is a better flooring choice for the environment than vinyl flooring. They can introduce you to suppliers and builders, architects and designers who focus on sustainable, durable and renewable products and materials. They can help you find a green certified home, or a home with green features. They also have information about financing, appraising and insuring a green built or remodeled home. And that’s is just the tip of the information an EA S.T.A.R. certified realtor has.

Many work closely with and are Trade Allies of The Energy Trust of Oregon, a public-purpose organization dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.  The Energy Trust will schedule a free one-hour walkthrough of your home and give you personalized, energy-saving recommendations and tell you about Energy Trust cash incentives and programs.

If you have not scheduled such an energy review, please do.  You will be amazed at how a few small changes will decrease your energy use, and save you money.  Plus they will bring you some CFL’s (Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs) – and that will result in a lower electric bill!

Talk to an EA S.T.A.R. realtor even if you aren’t buying today, it’s never too early to start thinking about how to live more sustainably.  Talk to one to get information even if you plan to stay in your home a long while – upgrades you make now will help sell your home later.  More and more people want energy efficient and healthy homes.

And yes, I am an EA S.T.A.R. certified realtor.  Get in touch anytime you want more information about living green — I love to share what I know.

*Earth Advantage, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, is a leader in the sustainable building industry in the Pacific Northwest. At a minimum, Earth Advantage homes are designed to use 15 percent less energy than houses built to standard code practices. Earth Advantage homes adopt the philosophy of holistic sustainability (4-pillar approach) and are accordingly certified for energy efficiency, healthier indoor air, resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. The organization has the ability to certify homes as Earth Advantage (Gold and Platinum levels exist too), ENERGY STAR®, or LEED for Homes® and certified close to 2,500 homes in 2006.