WHAT ARE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS DOING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY? --2

WHAT ARE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS DOING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY?

By Steve Wright

“Our association lobbies state and local officials for jobs-housing balance. Recognizing that one-half of all green house gas (GHG) comes from transportation, one of the best approaches to address climate change is to lobby for jobs-housing balance. This concept advocates for housing opportunities near employment centers.” Hokanson said of the necessity to combine Smart Growth with Green housing. “Jobs-housing balance helps prevent sprawl, provides housing opportunities for workers near their jobs, and greatly reduces the vehicle miles traveled and GHG.”

SKCAR conceived and created The Realtors Environmental Council (TREC), an organization pending non-profit status that Hokanson believes is the first of its kind in the Nation. In his words, TREC was created with the intent to:

(1) Improve the congruence between public perceptions and the fact that the Realtors are sensitive to, and supportive of, well-grounded and responsible environmental stewardship.

Many folks don't know that the Realtors are a founding member of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition and for many, many, years have annually contributed thousands of dollars to the Coalition's efforts to secure environmental and recreation project funding for jurisdictions throughout Washington State.

The TREC is a natural fit with our strong support for schools, infrastructure and housing, which like a quality environment are all pre-requisites for quality of life.

TOMORROW: TREC GOALS 2 THROUGH 4


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