Sustainability

Under all is the land.

REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment. 

 

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?

Sustainability is based on the simple principle that everything we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations. 

 

sustainabilty forum

VISION

REALTORS® thrive in a culture of sustainability that promotes viability, resiliency, and resource efficiency.

MISSION
Provide education, leadership, and strategies on topics of sustainability that promote collaboration between members, REALTOR® associations, communities, and consumers.

GOALS

  • Education and awareness.
  • Work with existing committees and other Columbus REALTORS® programs to:
    • Educate fellow REALTORS® about Sustainability:
      1. Build sustainability topics into discussions and programs of committees and other groups.
      2. Increase use of the Green Features Checklist and make green features searchable [MLS].
      3. Support/encourage the Education Committee to offer classes/partner with programs that promote sustainability.
      4. Create section on the Columbus REALTORS® website to act as source of information on Sustainability.
      5. Work toward Columbus REALTORS® achievement of GREEN SPOT designation for association headquarters. – Corey Skinner
    • Facilitate cooperation of industry professionals to spread green education across the membership (appraisers, title companies, lenders, etc.)
    • Provide material resources that empowers members to educate consumers on the benefits of sustainability and available incentives (“green” programs and products).
    • Advocate and work with state and county elected and administrative officials to promote and support sustainability (support present programs/provide input on new programs).

Resources

New Homeowners GreenGuide Green Features Checklist 2024 NAR SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 

Columbus REALTORS Sustainability Ambassador Program

Take the pledge. Become a Columbus REALTORS® Sustainability Ambassador by emailing Lynn Hackworth.

  • Email clients and friends to get their Energy Assessment (comes with free stuff!)
  • Attend a CAR Sustainability training session to learn about a new topic.
  • Give a sustainable closing gift, like a smart thermostat, subscription to a composting service, or MightyNest, a green home product subscription.
  • Post about sustainability best practices on social media. You can find content at ColumbusRealtors.com/Sustainability.
  • Help your office shrink its footprint by improving recycling or switching to reusable supplies.
  • Go through your past transactions and identify which of your clients may be a good fit for solar. Email them information on credits and incentives.
  • Read up on the city, state and federal laws shaping sustainability. Better yet: ask your elected officials to prioritize sustainable legislation.
  • Ask your managing broker to set up a sustainability training session. We have great presenters ready to share!
  • Brainstorm your ideas! How else can REALTORS® contribute to sustainability? Share with us!
  • Recruit your peers to join this important cause! Together, we can make an impact. Take the pledge and become a Sustainability Ambassador today!

MLS Green Features

"Green Features Y/N - Form Required" was added to the Residential property type in 2018 to allow members to let you know about the property's green features. If "Yes" is selected, the Green Features Checklist is required to be completed and attached as a PDF to the listing on the MLS. Items on the form include Energy/Green Certifications and Energy and Water Efficient Features. The Green Features Y/N field allows you to search specifically for listings that have "green/energy efficient features" of some type. After searching, you can then review the attached form to see all green features present on that property.

Reports, Articles & Blogs

Webinars, Classes & Designations

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