GOING GREEN - 2

GOING GREEN
What are REALTORS Doing about Sustainability?

By Steve Wright

Norris believes that sustainability includes energy efficiency within a house’s walls plus a walkable, traditional neighborhood development.

“To me, sustainability means doing things that make sense over the
long run,” he said. “In 1998, I first heard of the Indian principle
that we owe a duty to ensure the survival of the seventh generation
beyond us. It was wise a long time ago, and it still is today.”

Norris said even if gasoline spirals above five dollars a gallon and the price of heating/cooling energy continues to skyrocket, homeowners won’t go broke – they’ll simply learn to adapt.

“Spray foam insulation, energy-efficient windows, solar energy, tankless water
heaters, energy-star appliances and high efficiency HVAC systems are
available to owners of new homes as well as old homes. The combination of these technologies permits us to create zero energy homes,” he said. “The big change will not come from self-interest in the seventh generation, it will come from an economic self interest.”

TOMORROW: Candace Lightner

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