Chicago real estate leader, RE/MAX, announced it is making a nationwide commitment in support of the new Green Professional Designation program recently introduced by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) through its Green Resource Council.
As part of its commitment to the “green” initiative, RE/MAX will have its educational arm, RE/MAX University, develop training materials for RE/MAX Chicago Realtors® to use with the NAR Green Designation Program. RE/MAX University includes 24/7 on-demand Internet courses, nationwide classroom instruction, an extensive library of training materials and the RE/MAX Satellite Network (RSN).
The Green Designation Program will provide real estate agents with the knowledge they need to become advocates in spreading the “green” philosophy and incorporating “green” practices into their business operations. Those earning the designation will be better able to assist buyers and sellers who rate energy efficiency as one of the most important aspects of the home they want to buy. According to NAR projections, “green” buildings could soon make up 25 percent of all new construction nationwide.
“We want to put the full extent of our resources behind this,” said Margaret Kelly, RE/MAX CEO. “We believe that going ‘green’ is not only good for business, but good for the communities we serve.”
The 18 hours of training required to earn the Green Designation will make Realtors® familiar with “green” building concepts, principles and practices and the financial advantages offered by eco-friendly, energy efficient buildings. Among the other topics to be covered are:
- LEED, Energy Star and other rating systems used to evaluate buildings;
- Planning for sustainable development and communities;
- How to help clients find qualified “green” professionals;
- Regulatory, zoning and building code issues.
“Home buyers and homeowners are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental implications of their homes, and this designation program will help address their priorities by identifying real estate agents with ‘green’ expertise,” said Jim Merrion, regional director of the RE/MAX network in northern Illinois. “It is extremely satisfying to see that the entire RE/MAX organization is stepping up its commitment to making homes and business properties more eco-friendly.”
RE/MAX International Inc. recently received an “Energy Star” designation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, an honor given only to companies and businesses that have made a significant commitment to energy conservation. The RE/MAX International Inc. headquarters building, located in Denver, is among the top 4 percent in the nation in energy efficiency. The Energy Star award is the first element of a nationwide effort by RE/MAX to conserve resources and educate its employees and associates on “earth friendly” living.
The RE/MAX program will include RE/MAX offices across the country, and will encourage and reward participants who lower their energy consumption.
“Even just one person can have a positive effect. Just imagine what can happen when thousands of our U.S. associates take part,” said Kelly.
