If you talk to 10 different people you’ll most likely get 10 different answers to “What does green mean?”

You’ll hear everything from “Yes, we’ve gone green at my office by buying recycled copy paper!” to “Green…sure I bought one of GM’s new SUVs, they’re environmentally friendly. See, the commercials place their vehicles in a forest setting?”  Actually, General Motors is a member of the Coalition of Vehicle Choice, an organization that opposes clean air legislation and laws directed at reducing auto emissions. Huh, are you sure? Yes, check it out!

What about housing?

When you purchase a home and the builder makes a green declaration how can you tell if he’s done the right thing or just blowing smoke to ride a wave of hype!?!

There are two basic types of Green Certification programs in America today. The builder or owner verified program and the unbiased 3rd party verification.

The NAHB Green Building Standard, LEED-H, Energy Star, Earth Craft and Green Built are some of the more promenant certifying bodies in the US.

Certifications

Certifications for green construction are awarded upon successfully adhereing to the particular specifications of their respective programs. Typically, points are awarded for specific energy or resource efficient principles. Other areas of note are water efficiency, indoor air quality and home owner education.

Verification

Verification for green is typically an indepth technical visual  inspection process that confirms program adherence and includes performance testing. This test is provided by highly trained “energy raters” who deterime, amoung other readings, how air tight the building is and how well the heating and air conditioning system operates.

For more info about green building contact me toll free 1-877-809-6139 or online at http://www.greenbuildinginspector.com.

Home Inspections and Energy Ratings in Central Mississippi at http://www.garynsmith.net

Jo Usry Executive Director JAR

I few months ago I spoke with JAR Executive Director Jo Usry about the idea of adding an option for Green or/and Energy Efficient homes to be showcased in MLS. This past fall the option’s were added.

Thank you Jo!

The idea is catching on all over the US. Now I see that NAR’s Green REsource Council (GRC) is promoting and supporting the options by publishing some examples.

What’s the GRC?  It was established by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS®, and was founded to make the knowledge of green real estate practices available to everyone.

They say:

A “green” Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system offers data entry fields to identify green features and certifications. This helps agents search for sustainable homes and properties, and allows builders and sellers to market their green endeavors.

In order to advance the green building movement, MLS systems should be including green data entry fields. This would involve local boards and MLS committees to understand and commit to a green initiative. The Green REsource Council hopes that by providing education, advice and panel discussions on sustainable property issues, we can expand our reach and encourage positive change.

The following is a list of green entry fields, guidelines and best practices organized by MLS systems across the US.

Department of Energy Guide to Greening Your MLS (PDF 55KB)

AZ-Tucson MLS Green Plans (PDF 348KB)
AZ-Phoenix MLS Green Plans (PDF 91KB)

CA-Santa Barbara MLS Inputs (PDF 434KB)
CA-SoCal MLS Inputs (PDF 219KB)

MI-Traverse City MLS Inputs (PDF 187KB)
MI-Traverse City Green Disclosure Statement (PDF 126KB)
This is the most comprehensive greening of the MLS the GRC has reviewed.

NC-Triangle Area MLS Inputs (PDF 460KB)

NM-Albuquerque MLS Green Plans (PDF 213KB)

OR-Portland MLS Inputs (PDF 622KB)
OR-Portland Listing Abbreviations (PDF 157KB)

SC-Charleston MLS Inputs (PDF 188KB)

TN-Middle TN MLS Inputs (PDF 93KB)

TX-Austin MLS Inputs (PDF 84 KB)
TX-San Antonio MLS Inputs (PDF 643KB)
TX-Houston MLS Green Plans (PDF 137KB)

To see this article or learn more about the GRC visit: http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/greening_the_mls.cfm

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The National Association of Homebuilders recently published a list of their most active Green Building Verifiers from across the country.  I’m proud to say, we made the list! With 13 green home verifications located from the MS gulf coast to the TN state line we’re named one of the top verifiers.

By encouraging and promoting green building, we’re helping Mississippians save energy by encouraging builders and individuals to construct their homes more energy efficinatly and to follow the NAHB’s guidelines for green construction. In short, we’re helping bring green building to Mississippians!

Green building practices promote improved indoor air quality, water savings, energy savings and a home comfort level that also increases in value.

The best part…green building is affordable.

Building Green is Smart!