WHAT ARE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS DOING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY? --3

WHAT ARE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS DOING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY?

By Steve Wright

The Seattle King County Association of Realtors (SKCAR) created The Realtors Environmental Council (TREC) to a promote Green practices such as:

(2) Accomplish projects that provide on-the-ground benefits for the environment. The project at the Hylebos (a watershed conservation area) was the first such project to be undertaken by TREC. It was chosen because it is one of the outstanding environmental assets in the entire Pacific Northwest and because the Friends of the Hylebos, with whom we partnered on this project, have a superb reputation for their environmental remediation and enhancement efforts.

The Realtors would not be content to only talk about the environment and raise funds for environmental projects, as some environmental efforts have done. We worked with dirt under our fingernails, making a difference for the environment. As part of our local board’s centennial celebration, this fall TREC will work on the ground or provide environmental stewardship to improve a significant greenbelt or park within King County.

(3) Enhance Realtor understanding of environmental issues through education -- particularly as they may be related to regulation, conservation, enhancement and remediation that affect the sustainability, utilization and development of real property. This is being accomplished through state-approved clock-hour classes Realtors must complete in order to renew their real estate licenses.

(4) Develop and provide to Realtors brandable point-of-sale brochures members can download and use with clients and customers on "How To Be An Earth-Friendly Homeowner." This brochure may be downloaded from our web site.

TOMORROW: TREC INITIATIVE #5

Wright frequently writes about smart growth and sustainable communities. He and his wife live in a restored historic home in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana. Contact him at: stevewright64@yahoo.com