Joseph Scarpa's Blog

GREEN REAL ESTATE BROKER OFFERS GREEN AID

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 06:34:24 -0700

GREEN REAL ESTATE BROKER OFFERS GREEN AID TO INTERESTED BROKERS

Salem County NJ. Green Paradigm Realty LLC, a Southern New Jersey real estate firm specializing in high performance buildings, announced an increased commission to cooperating brokers with the appropriate green credentials. Green Paradigm Realty's Broker of Record, Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, GREEN, EcoBroker, threw down the gauntlet at Salem County's Energy Symposium to his fellow REALTORS^®.

Joe Scarpa said "virtually all the speakers here believe Salem County is ready to attract businesses involved in green energy technologies." Scarpa saluted Salem County's only LEED certified building, the PSE&G Energy and Environmental Resource Center. Scarpa also noted that all the LEED certified buildings in nearby Gloucester County are fully leased, e.g., the LogistiCenter^® at Logan and the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University. Scarpa observed that PNC Bank has several LEED certified branches in South Jersey and TD Bank and South Jersey Federal Credit Union are following suit.

Scarpa stated that not enough real estate brokers in Southern New Jersey are trained in what makes a property genuinely green and too few brokers hold professional credentials such as the LEED GA or LEED AP from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) or the National Association of REALTORS'® (NAR's) Green Designation. "To get more projects and buildings built green, to attract green businesses, we have to be able to explain to clients why building green is economically feasible in addition to its environmental aspects, not to mention the increased wellbeing of the building occupants," said Scarpa.

A proclamation of sorts was presented by Green Paradigm Realty announcing the need for the extra incentive from the company and explaining the rules to earn the additional commission.

Basically, any licensed real estate agent who holds a green credential from GBCI or the National Association of REALTORS^® at the time they submit an offer on behalf of their clients on a property listed by Green Paradigm Realty will be given an extra half-percentage point of the sales/lease price. "Green Paradigm Realty already gives 50 percent of its commission to cooperating brokers; we just would like the other broker to do at least 50 percent of the work-and if they are not conversant in green building-they are not helping us sufficiently to complete the transaction," said Scarpa. The incentive could help pay for the requisite training courses.

The offer is good until the 4^th of July 2012, which Scarpa likes to call "End Dependence Day."

Green Paradigm Realty's declaration is provided below (next page).

Listings can be viewed at http://www.showcase.com/jscarpa@greenparadigmrealty.com

GREEN REAL ESTATE BROKER OFFERS EXTRA DOLLARS TO LIKE-MINDED BROKERS

Whereas, it is the mission of the U.S. Green Building Council to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life;

Whereas, the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS^® asserts the interests of the nation and its citizens require the preservation of a healthful environment, and that such interests impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS^® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves;

Whereas, Green Paradigm Realty LLC is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the National Association of REALTORS^®;

Whereas, Green Paradigm Realty LLC is dedicated towards educating the public and building the market for green buildings, sustainable development and renewable energy technologies;

Whereas, the Founder of Green Paradigm Realty LLC, Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, GREEN, EcoBroker, is professionally credentialed by the Green Building Certification Institute (under the auspices of the U.S. Green Building Council) and the Green REsource Council (under the auspices of the National Association of REALTORS^®);

Whereas, Joseph Scarpa and other credentialed professionals are trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry and third party rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to property owners and potential property owners, and helping consumers and businesses see a property's green potential;

Whereas, Green Paradigm Realty LLC believes the market transformation towards a green economy will be substantively complete by the Year 2012 but needs stimulus until then;

Whereas, Green Paradigm Realty LLC is a fully cooperating and collaborative broker in the practice of real estate;

Therefore, Green Paradigm Realty LLC is offering an additional half percentage point (0.5%) in sales/lease commission beyond a 50/50 split to any licensed real estate agent of a cooperating broker representing the Buyer or Tenant, who at time of offer to purchase or lease a property listed by Green Paradigm Realty LLC, is a LEED Green Associate, LEED AP, or holds NAR's Green Designation. This offer of additional compensation is good thru 4 July 2012.

About the U.S. Green Building Council. The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, including the Delaware Valley Green Building Council and the U.S. Green Building Council - New Jersey Chapter; more than 18,000 member companies and organizations (600 in New Jersey); and more than 140,000 LEED Professional Credential holders (3,000 in New Jersey); USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads a diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO₂ emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of high performance buildings. Over 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 6.9 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

National Association of REALTORS^® Green REsource Council was founded to make the knowledge of green real estate practices available to everyone. We accomplish this by focusing our attention on real estate agents and property managers; the link to millions of consumers, tenants, developers, and building owners.

We award students who successfully complete the program requirements with NAR's Green Designation and membership to our council. Designed for residential, commercial and property management professionals, NAR's Green Designation addresses multiple specialties.

Green REsource Council members place themselves at the leading edge of green real estate, gaining access to member benefits including ongoing education, up-to-date green resources and professionally crafted marketing tools. We also work to promote NAR's Green Designation, building consumer and builder awareness and supporting green real estate advocacy.

For more information, visit www.GreenREsourceCouncil.org.

CONTACT: Joseph Scarpa
JScarpa@GreenParadigmRealty.com
856 981 2973

Solar Architectural Design - Seminar - 5 May 2010 - Pedricktown NJ

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 10:15:19 -0700

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED^®)

Energy and Atmosphere | Solar Architectural Design / Construction Costs

Wednesday - May 05, 2010 - - 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM [$10 at the door] [register]

Light Breakfast provided (program starts promptly at 9:00 am)

Speaker: Jason Kliwinski, AIA, LEED AP, Spiezle Architectural Group

Continuing Education: LEED Credential Maintenance Program (1.5 hours)

AIA CE (1 hour) (approval pending)

Why: Learn the mandatory prerequisites involved in "Energy and Atmosphere" for U.S. Green Building Council LEED Certification. Energy demand reduction and rightsizing your HVAC system is critical before drawing up specifications for a geothermal or solar system. Speaker will address costs and benefits and architectural alternatives of designing solar energy into your building and offer case studies of successful New Jersey LEED projects incorporating solar.

Where: Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park (Bldg 322)

300 Route 130, 322 Artillery Ave, Pedricktown NJ 08067-0420
Salem County - six miles south of Commodore Barry Bridge

RSVP: RSVP@GreenParadigmInstitute.com or www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

RSVP by Monday 3 May 2010 | Directions or Questions: 856 981 2973

Green Plumbing - World Plumbing Day & Fix a Leak Week

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:37:30 -0800

March 11 is World Plumbing Day, established to further understanding of the vital role the plumbing industry plays in guarding the public's health and safety. World Plumbing Day also honors the often underrated ways in which contractors, inspectors, installers, engineers, and manufacturers do great things for the environment.

March 15-21 is Fix a Leak Week. One pays for leaks as water coming in, sanitary waste going out, and-in the case of wasted hot water-electricity or gas to heat it and not use it! Instructions on how to fix a leak are available in English and Spanish at the EPA web site.

For more information, visit www.GreenPlumbersUSA.com, www.epa.gov/WaterSense, and www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Real Estate Licensee Mandatory Continuing Green Education

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:38:03 -0800

New Jersey will be the last state in the nation to mandate continuing education for its real estate licensees, legislation in place now to implement for the license renewal cycle July 2011 thru June 2013. With all the programs/monies promoting energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, it would be comforting to know that our real estate professionals have the capability and skills to properly market energy efficient buildings.

Why not have the NJ Real Estate Commission mandate that 3 hours of the ~15 mandatory hours be specifically on "green real estate." (It is not uncommon for state real estate commissions to mandate specific topics for one or two courses of the mandatory set of courses required for relicensing).

Benefits:

(1) Property values might be appraised and marketed more in line with the increased value truly attributable to the property that is, say, more energy efficient than its competitor property.

(2) Site Selection - Renewable energy firms around the world looking to locate in the USA will take note of our cultural mindset favorable to green building and renewable energy ... it will get us top of mind in site selection officials and onto their short list.

It's important for NJ to be first in mandating green real estate education (3 hours) as mandatory continuing education for its real estate licensees. Branding for the state(s) that mandate such a green real estate educational requirement would be enormous.

LEED for Neighborhood Development Certification | Community Planning | Transfer of Development Rights

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:01:43 -0800

Community Planning, Transfer of Development Rights, and LEED for Neighborhood Development Certification & Training - LEED AP and LEED Green Associate Credential Maintenance

Participate in a 90-minute forum on TDR and LEED ND on Wednesday, 3 Mar 2010, for Planners, Developers, and Real Estate Practitioners

Hosted by Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, Green, EcoBroker, e-PRO, Broker of Record for Green Paradigm Realty LLC / NextRE, Inc. (NJ)

Speakers: Robert Melvin, AICP/PP, Principal of GROUPmelvinDESIGN a specialist in planning, community development, smart growth and sustainable development. He will discuss Transfer of Development Rights in Woolwich Township (Gloucester County), the once-fastest growing community in the country, and the implications of TDRs elsewhere in Gloucester and Salem County, New Jersey.

John Hasse, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography, Rowan University, Co-Chair of Rowan University Campus Master Plan Committee. Specializes in land use, environmental planning and geospatial systems. He will discuss the alignment of U.S. Green Building Council's pilot LEED rating system for Neighborhood Development, due to be released this year, with New Jersey municipal master planning.

$10 at the door - Register now at www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Light Breakfast provided. (Program starts promptly at 9:00 am)

Why: Presentation and open discussion on sustainable development practices regarding neighborhood and community development; and the formulation and implementation of a plan for regionalized "Transfer of Development Rights". The speakers will synthesize their knowledge with the audience on the opportunity offered by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in land use and master planning.

Click here for promotional flyer on our TDR / LEED ND seminar.

Attend our green building certification series ... every 1st Wednesday of the month!

Green Building Seminar - LEED - Sustainable Sites - Site Selection & Stormwater Management

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:56:21 -0800

Participate in a 90-minute forum on Green Building (Sustainable Sites) on Wednesday, 3 Feb 2010, for Real Estate Practitioners

Hosted by Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, Green, EcoBroker, e-PRO, Broker of Record for Green Paradigm Realty LLC / NextRE, Inc. (NJ)

Sam Renauro, P.E., PP, LEED AP, Civil Engineer and Planner, SR3 Engineers, an expert in feasibility studies, redevelopment projects, and stormwater management, will discuss the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Sustainable Sites category from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification and rating system:

•· Construction Activity Pollution Prevention (Prerequisite);

•· Site Selection (Sustainable Sites Credit 1);

•· Stormwater Design and Management - Quality Control (Sustainable Sites Credit 6.1);

•· Stormwater Design and Management - Quantity Control (Sustainable Sites Credit 6.2).

$10 at the door - Register now at www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Light Breakfast Provided (Program starts promptly at 9:00 am)

Why: Presentation and open discussion on sustainable site development practices and related engineering requirements.

Where: Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park (Bldg 322)

300 Route 130, Pedricktown NJ 08067-0420
Salem County - six miles south of Commodore Barry Bridge | six miles north of Delaware Memorial Bridge

What to bring: An appetite for learning sustainable site planning, site selection and stormwater management!

Open to real estate brokers, agents, surveyors, property owners, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and concerned citizens!!

RSVP: RSVP@GreenParadigmInstitute.com or www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Promotional one page Flyer for above event available at http://www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com/archives/

Environmental Stewardship and the REALTORS® Code of Ethics

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:27:16 -0800

You will recall that the REALTORS® Code of Ethics was adopted in 1913 (the National Association of REALTORS® was founded in 1908) and the preamble was added to the Code of Ethics in 1924.

My favorite part of our Code of Ethics is the preamble. It seems we skip it in our quadrennial ethics training. For those of us in the green space, the preamble seems to provide our raison d'être.

Excerpting the 1^st paragraph:

"Under all is the land.

Upon its wise utilization ... depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization.

... the interests of the nation and its citizens require the preservation of a healthful environment."

Advocating for and practicing sound environmental practices--indoor and outdoor--seems to be what a REALTOR should be all about.

Excerpting the 2^nd paragraph, we see:

"Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS^® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves."

The 3^rd paragraph explains why I share so much information in this blog:

In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS^® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others.

Copyright National Association of REALTORS^®, Reprinted with permission.

Stay tuned to this blog and you'll be well positioned to help lead the real estate profession into the new green economy. If you live in the Delaware Valley / Greater Philadelphia area, attend our "First Wednesday of the Month" breakfast seminars on green building. Visit the resources section of our website www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Need advice on green real estate or a renewable energy project? Give me a call at 856 981 2973.

1 Jan 2010 - Pope Benedict XVI ... World Day of Peace ... Major Economies Forum

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:52:08 -0800

Pope Benedict XVI's Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace this 1^st of January asserts the stewardship of our environment as a moral imperative.

The Pope asks "Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with such realities as climate change, desertification, the deterioration and loss of productivity in vast agricultural areas, the pollution of rivers and aquifers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase of natural catastrophes and the deforestation of equatorial and tropical regions?"

Continuing his global perspective, he notes, "Sad to say, it is all too evident that large numbers of people in different countries and areas of our planet are experiencing increased hardship because of the negligence or refusal of many others to exercise responsible stewardship over the environment."

His Holiness's view of sustainability is consistent with that of the United Nations and other environmental advocacy groups defining sustainability as using natural resources responsibly today so as not to negatively impact the needs of future generations.

The Pope calls for "development of joint and sustainable strategies to satisfy the energy needs of the present and future generations." He cites solar energy as an example.

Since the United States-and our region in particular-has always been a leader in chemistry and engineering, it seems that we should target organic [polymer-based] photovoltaics for intensive research, development and demonstration as building-integrated components. Such an investment will go a long way in building an export-based industry leveraging existing U.S. strengths. The Major Economies Forum has designated the United States as the lead agency for energy efficiency technologies in the building and industrial sectors. We pray that all nations find environmental stewardship to be a moral imperative.

End-of-Year 2009 Planning for LEED APs

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:53:12 -0800

For those of you who are legacy LEED Accredited Professionals (like me), you have some decisions to make by 31 Dec 2009. If you elect to pursue a LEED credential with specialty, you continuing education and volunteer hours for 2009 may be grandfathered in. Further, certain fees for project registrations, e.g, LEED New Construction Version 2.0 will be waived if you transition your existing LEED registration to the new LEED Version 3.0. Details at http://www.gbci.org/

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. For those who wish to further burnish your green credentials, we highly recommend you consider the entry level "LEED Green Associate" credentials offered by the Green Building Certification Institute. Details at http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=83

And if you are a veteran, be sure to use your GI bill to help defray the cost of exam and exam prep course ... see http://www.gbci.org/News/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?ID=10

"LEED Accredited Professional" and the related acronym are trademarks owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and are awarded to individuals under license by the Green Building Certification Institute.

Mailing & Addressing Best Practices

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:04:56 -0800

Give your customers and clients the impression that you are on the cutting edge. Use 9-digit zip codes, officially known as Zip+4, on all correspondence (they have been around since 1983). 9-digit zip codes enable the U.S. Postal Service to systematically sort mail down to one side of a city block between two intersections, enabling efficiencies and reducing time in transit (your cooperating brokers will appreciate it). Find your 9-digit zip at http://www.usps.com/zip4/

One might also implement postal addressing standards in your office practice, found at http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/Pub28/pub28.pdf or in html format at http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub28/welcome.htm

Briefly, the only punctuation that should be in your address is the hyphen in the 9-digit zip.

For address and reverse phone look-ups, try http://www.addresses.com/

Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, GREEN, EcoBroker, e-PRO
Green Paradigm Institute - Tomorrow's Real Estate Education ^SM
Green Paradigm Realty LLC - Tomorrow's Real Estate Experience ^SM
Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park - Bldg 322
322 Artillery Ave (Use "300 Route 130" for GPS)
PO Box 420
Pedricktown NJ 08067-0420
856 981 2973
856 385 7061 (green fax)
JScarpa@GreenParadigmRealty.com

http://showcase.costar.com/jscarpa@greenparadigmrealty.com

Green Paradigm Realty LLC is a real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in green building, renewable energies, and sustainable development.

Visit www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com on first Wednesday's of the month (check web site often for course topics, directions, and times).

Air Pollution Database - EPA

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:10:31 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency has released toxic air pollution data, intimating that New Jersey's largest polluters are disproportionately in Southwestern New Jersey. Year-over-year data show an increase of pollutant releases from DuPont Chambers Works of 25 percent, Deepwater Generating Station of 11 percent, Valero Refining (Paulsboro) of 30 percent. Sunoco (Westville) shows a decrease of 17 percent. Data available at http://www.epa.gov/tri/ .

The old paradigm would suggest a correlation between pollution and employment but we don't see that anymore. Recommend these companies bring their Sustainability Vice Presidents and their union leadership to the next Economic Development forums in Gloucester and Salem Counties.

LEED Minimum Program Requirements & Prerequisites - Green Paradigm Institute Seminar

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:10:45 -0800

Green Paradigm Institute - Monthly Mid-Atlantic Events Alert!

Green Building LEED Certification - Minimum Program Requirements, Prerequisites, and Credits

Participate in a 90-minute forum on Green Building on Wednesday, 6 Jan 2010, for Real Estate Professionals

Hosted by Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, Green, EcoBroker, e-PRO, Broker of Record for Green Paradigm Realty LLC / NextRE, Inc. (NJ)

$10 at the door - Register now at www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Light Breakfast provided by Green Grille (Program starts promptly at 9:00 am)

Why: Learn in detail the minimum program requirements and prerequisites by rating systems category regarding Green Building LEED Certification.

Open discussion on marketing of green properties and future of green building industry.

Where: Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park (Bldg 322)

300 Route 130, Pedricktown NJ 08067-0420
Salem County - six miles south of Commodore Barry Bridge | six miles north of Delaware Memorial Bridge.

How: Bring an appetite for learning the minimum requirements for third party green building certification!

Open to real estate brokers, agents, property owners, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and concerned citizens!!

RSVP: RSVP@GreenParadigmInstitute.com or www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Promotional one page Flyer for above event available at http://www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com/archives/

Click here for a copy of our [8MB] Sustainability presentation at REALTORS Triple Play 2009.

January Green Events:

Virtual Green Build Event - 12-14 Jan - http://www.virtualgreenbuildevent.com/

Salem County State of the County Address - Salem NJ - 14 Jan - http://salemnjchamber.homestead.com/ChamberEvents.html

Philly Home Show - PA Convention Center - 16-24 Jan - http://www.phillyhomeshow.com/

IEEE Power & Energy Society Conference on Innovative Smart Grid Technologies - NIST Conference Center - Gaithersburg MD - 19-21 Jan

Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey Energy Symposium - Voorhees NJ - 22 Jan - http://chambersnj.com/events/Event.aspx?id=736

LEED Green Associate Exam Prep - Baltimore MD - 28-29 Jan - http://www.everblueenergy.com/locations?location=Baltimore,+MD

LEED Green Associate Exam Prep - New Brunswick NJ - 28-29 Jan - http://www.everblueenergy.com/locations?location=New+Brunswick,+NJ

Mid-Atlantic Business to Business Green Forum - Baltimore MD - 29 Jan - http://www.b2bgreenforum.com/

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor-Elect --> Secretary of State Appointment

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:21:41 -0800

New Jersey's new [first] Lieutenant Governor, Kim Guadagno, will have broad influence over the every-day lives--and the long-term prosperity--of New Jersey citizens. During the campaign, the Christie-Guadagno team promised to consolidate the state's "fragmented economic development activities" under a new umbrella organization called the "New Jersey Partnership for Action" (no details yet).

Lieutenant Governor-elect Guadagno has been appointed as Secretary of State for New Jersey, effective 19 Jan 2010 (no confirmation from state Senate required). She will oversee the New Jersey Partnership for Action and be additionally responsible for the state's ventures into tourism, arts and humanities, and elections. For the whole list of current responsibilities, see http://www.state.nj.us/state/secretary/

Much needs to be done to leverage New Jersey's current--but tenuous--position of leadership in renewable energies and green building. Pray with me that she will work closely with the soon-to-be-nominated Commissioners of the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Environmental Protection, as well as the entrenched President of the Bureau of Public Utilities. If these positions can work together synergistically--and remember that the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Agriculture are equal partners--the future of New Jersey and our region could look bright indeed.

Green Your Business - Free Online Courses - Technology, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, etc.

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:26:21 -0800

Greening your business can happen a lot faster with a little knowledge--free at the following venues.

For blogging about climate change, learn the basics at http://www.newsu.org/courses/course_detail.aspx?id=internews_climateChange09

Want to "paper-free" your business? Take free "how-to" technology courses at http://www.hp.com/go/learningcenter/

Save a trip to the library. Check out books on sustainability and most any other topic at http://ebooks.realtor.org/ (must be a REALTOR).

Buy Local ... or Support My Neighbor?

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:26:44 -0800

We recently purchased a pre-owned car, a Mazda 5 "mini-wagon," from my local Ford dealer in Pennsville NJ. The salesperson and the owner of the Ford dealership live in Delaware. We researched various vehicles on web sites supported by advertising of foreign and domestic car manufacturers. Living nearby, I was able to walk to the Ford dealer a few times throughout the negotiation and purchase. We looked at a new Ford Focus there--made in Mexico. My neighbor works at DuPont's research lab in Delaware, where they make the paint coatings for Mazda--and most other cars too. The nearest Mazda dealership where I'll have the car serviced is eight miles away in Delaware. The more modern car wash facilities in Pennsville are owned by folks who live outside Salem county.

If I were lucky enough to test drive a fuel cell concept car, I would use a hydrogen fueling station across the river, as there are no fueling stations in New Jersey.

Fisker Automotive and Quantum Technologies, both of California, formed a joint venture to manufacture plug-in electric vehicles at the former General Motors plant in Newark Delaware--available by 2014.

I hope they buy their paint coatings from DuPont.

December 2009 - Mid-Atlantic Green Events Alert!

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:36:47 -0800

Green Paradigm Institute - Monthly Mid-Atlantic Events Alert!

Green Building LEED Certification - Purpose, Strategy, Philosophy - Current Events - Pending Legislation

Participate in a 90-minute forum on Green Building on Wednesday, 2 Dec 2009, for REALTORS® and Friends

Hosted / conducted by Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, Green, EcoBroker, e-PRO, Broker of Record for Green Paradigm Realty LLC / NextRE, Inc. (NJ)

$10 at the door - Register now at www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Light Breakfast provided by Green Grille (Program starts promptly at 9:00 am)

Why: Learn Green Building LEED Certification - Purpose, Strategy, Philosophy - Current Events - Pending Legislation.

Open discussion on marketing of green properties and future of green building industry.

Where: Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park (Bldg 322)

300 Route 130, Pedricktown NJ 08067-0420
Salem County - six miles south of Commodore Barry Bridge | six miles north of Delaware Memorial Bridge

How: Bring an appetite for learning how past and current events are driving the market for third party green building certification!

Open to real estate brokers, agents, property owners, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and concerned citizens!!

RSVP: RSVP@GreenParadigmInstitute.com or www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

Promotional Flyer and Agenda for above event available at http://www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com/archives/

CANNOT ATTEND? EXPANDED SEMINAR PRESENTED 1st DAY OF REALTORS TRIPLE PLAY (NJ NY PA) CONVENTION - DEC 8 - ATLANTIC CITY NJ

Other Upcoming Green Events:

USGBC-NJ South Branch Presents: Highlights of Greenbuild 2009 - Westmont NJ - 1 Dec - http://www.usgbcnj.org/

Green Drinks at UD Marriott Courtyard - Newark DE - 1 Dec - http://www.greendelaware.com/calendar.htm

LEED Green Associate Exam Prep - New Brunswick NJ - 1-2 Dec - http://www.everblueenergy.com/locations?location=New+Brunswick,+NJ

Green Drinks - Cherry Hill NJ - 2 Dec - http://www.sustainablecherryhill.org/green-drinks-one-green-night-a-month/

Green Paradigm Institute - Green Building: The Prequel - Pedricktown NJ - 2 Dec - www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

REALTOR Convention & Trade Expo - Atlantic City NJ - 8 Dec - http://www.RealtorsTriplePlay.com/ - Booth #427 & 3-hour Continuing Education

Green Drinks - Maplewood NJ - 8 Dec - http://www.greendrinks.org/index.php?country=USA&city=Maplewood

LEED Building, Design, and Construction - Carneys Point NJ - 9-10 Dec - http://www.salemcc.edu/scc-today/news/article.php?article_id=293

LEED Green Associate Exam Prep - Carneys Point NJ - 9-10 Dec - http://www.salemcc.edu/scc-today/news/article.php?article_id=293

Green Drinks (Kickoff Event) West Milford New Jersey at http://www.wineinthewoodsnj.com/ - 10 Dec

Green Drinks at Moro Restaurant - Wilmington DE - 15 Dec - http://www.greendelaware.com/calendar.htm

LEED Operations & Maintenance - 16-17 Dec - http://www.salemcc.edu/scc-today/news/article.php?article_id=293

Green Paradigm Institute - Green Building: LEED Credit Minimum Program Requirements - 6 Jan - www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com

New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Implications

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:53:15 -0800

We have a new Governor in New Jersey, effective 19 Jan 2010, Chris Christie, and--in an entirely new post for New Jersey--Lieutenant Governor, Kim Guadagno. Both of these elected officials hail from a law enforcement background. What does this harbinger for diversity? There is a real estate professional on the Governor-Elect's transition team ... but the future direction that the Christie administration will take New Jersey won't be fully shared with the public until amidst the holiday season.

Governor-Elect Christie recently met nice-nice with the Governor of Pennsylvania. They met at a new renewable energy industrial facility, AE Polysilicon in Fairless Hills PA, a company that produces material for photovoltaic cells, and both professed their interest in clean energy (consistent with their previous pronouncements). Given that the Governor-Elect--and his spouse, Mary Pat--are University of Delaware alumni, we just might have a more open and collaborative relationship with our neighboring states. Regional growth will be helpful to all!

Presidential Race Q & A - REALTOR Magazine - Sep 2008

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:12:42 -0700

The 2nd and 5th questions below pertain to energy and the environment. Thought this would be helpful.

2OO8 Presidential Race: Candidate Q&A

We ask the Republican and Democrat presidential contenders to detail their stands on issues that affect you. By Robert Freedman | September 2008

The Republican and Democratic candidates for president share a belief in the private sector's ability to lift the economy back into growth mode. But their paths diverge on how the federal government should contribute to this goal.

For example, both Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama embrace the need to close the health insurance gap. Sen. Obama would take an aggressive approach by creating a national health insurance exchange; Sen. McCain favors providing a tax credit for households who purchase individual coverage.

To see where the candidates stand on issues vital to real estate practitioners, REALTOR® magazine went to the sources.

Q: What's the most important action the federal government can take to ease the mortgage crisis and prevent a recurrence?

Sen. Barack Obama: For the short term, the housing relief legislation [signed by Pres. George W. Bush July 30] authorizing the FHA to refinance the mortgages of struggling homeowners is the right approach. I've also called for the creation of a $10 billion foreclosure prevention fund that works in tandem with state, local, and community nonprofit efforts to help households facing foreclosure renegotiate with lenders or put their homes on the market. We also need to expand the mortgage revenue bond program to give state housing agencies $10 billion in new resources to help struggling homeowners. For the long term, the Stop Fraud Act that I introduced two years ago would create criminal penalties for mortgage professionals found guilty of fraud and increase funding for federal and state enforcement of antifraud programs. I also want to see a simplified, standardized metric for calculating the costs of a home mortgage, similar to the annual percentage rate used by banks to identify the effective interest rate a borrower ends up paying on a loan.

Sen. John McCain: First, we need to boost the economy to help borrowers in economically challenged states like Michigan. To this end, we need to keep tax rates low and increase business investment incentives while arming households with tools like middle-class tax cuts. Second, we need to help borrowers in fast-growth states forced into risky mortgages refinance into safe FHA financing through the housing relief bill. But it's important that borrowers, not lenders, be the ones to initiate the restructuring process. That way, undeserving lenders can't try to use the FHA as a dumping ground for all of the bad loans they made. We also need to crack down on unprofessional conduct among lenders and advance greater transparency about the risk of new mortgage securities that the market has developed. We also need to give the new national mortgage standards developed by banking regulators a chance to work.

Q: What role should the federal government play in reducing gridlock and carbon emission and in promoting livable communities?

Sen. McCain: We need to work with cities to help them grow-and downsize-effectively. Cities that are losing population have an opportunity to downsize in a smart way by converting obsolete areas into green space that can increase the quality of life for the people there. For growing cities, it's important not to stand in the way of local governments using federal community development block grants to grow in a sustainable way. That said, it's clear that allocations of CBDGs and other federal grants should be made based on need rather than size, with rich cities getting less and struggling cities getting more.

Sen. Obama: Our long-term competitiveness depends on the development of new transportation networks that reflect our increasingly mobile society. That's why a strengthened transportation system is a priority for me. We must renew the federal government's commitment to high-speed rail and take steps at the front end of planning processes for many transportation options. For example, I support a measure by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) to require states and metropolitan planning organizations to adopt policies that incentivize bicycle and pedestrian use of roads. I'll double the federal Jobs Access and Reverse Commute program to ensure that additional federal public transportation dollars flow to the highest-need communities and that urban planning initiatives take this aspect of transportation policy into account.

Q: Even though prices have been easing for the last two years, housing affordability remains a challenge for many people. What can the federal government do to improve this situation?

Sen. Obama: I've proposed a universal mortgage interest tax credit for families that aren't benefiting from the mortgage interest deduction. They would get an average credit of $500 a year. And I worked to pass the bipartisan homeownership tax credit. That's a strong incentive because it gives developers a credit to bridge the gap between the cost of building a house and a sale price that's affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

Sen. McCain: Housing affordability is really a question of good-paying jobs and making sure wages aren't eaten up by taxes and escalating costs like health insurance. If wage earners have to sink all their money into health care, they can't save for a down payment or meet a monthly mortgage payment.

Q: How should the federal government help millions of small-business owners and the self-employed obtain affordable health insurance?

Sen. McCain: The solution requires a two-pronged approach: First, lower the cost of health care by emphasizing prevention, early intervention, new treatment models, more competition in drug markets, expanded use of coordinated care, and reforms to payment systems. Then, improve insurance options by building on our existing employer-based coverage. I support a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per household to help offset its insurance costs. Families would use the credit to buy the coverage that works best for them and put any balance remaining into their own health savings accounts. We would also work with states to establish a guaranteed access plan for individuals who are otherwise unable to get insurance.

Sen. Obama: Let's build on our existing private health care system by allowing small employers and independent contractors to participate in a "national health insurance exchange" so they can purchase affordable health coverage similar to the plans available to federal employees. Individuals who need help paying for premiums will receive tax credits to ensure they can afford coverage. Employers that do not make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan. Small employers that meet certain revenue thresholds will be exempt. The plan will reimburse employer health plans for a portion of the catastrophic costs they incur above a threshold if they guarantee these savings are used to reduce workers' premiums.

Q: What's the federal government's role in promoting energy efficiency in commercial properties?

Sen. Obama: I'll establish a goal of making all new buildings carbon-neutral by 2030 and work to improve new building efficiency by 50 percent and existing building efficiency by 25 percent over the next decade. To achieve that, I'll seek to make federal buildings zero-emission by 2025, starting with a goal to make them 40 percent more efficient in five years. I'll create a competitive grant program to recognize states and localities that take the first steps in implementing new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency. I'll also seek to provide a federal match for states with public benefits funds that support energy-efficiency retrofits of existing buildings. In addition, I'll invest in green-collar job training programs and create a "Green Jobs Corps" to connect disadvantaged youth with job skills in high-growth clean-energy industries.

Sen. McCain: Government can encourage developers to make buildings more efficient with incentives for using what's already available-such as energy-efficient lightbulbs. But there shouldn't be a mandate. It's appropriate to use the White House as a bully pulpit on green building, motivating the private sector to migrate to a smarter way of doing things. What we don't want to do is go into a building and start measuring its carbon footprint.

Q: What IRS code changes are needed to spur growth while ensuring tax burdens are spread evenly?

Sen. McCain: We have to keep tax rates low because that's what spurs business expansion. I would reduce the corporate tax rate to 25 percent from 35 percent, keep taxes on dividends and capital gains low, and allow for immediate deductibility of business equipment. We also should scale back the estate tax and eliminate the alternative minimum tax. The mortgage interest deduction should be left alone; it's embedded in the U.S. tax code.

Sen. Obama: We need to reform our tax code so that it's simple and fair and advances opportunity rather than loopholes for special interests. I'll end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and reward companies that create good jobs here. I'll encourage innovation and entrepreneurship by extending the research and development and renewable energy production tax credits and eliminating capital gains taxes for small and start-up businesses. And I'll provide broad middle class tax relief-a "Making Work Pay" $500 tax credit, among other things-to help working families struggling with stagnant wages and skyrocketing energy and health costs.

Robert Freedman is a senior editor of REALTOR® magazine. He can be contacted at rfreedman@realtors

Solar Economics ULI Roundtable - 8 Oct - Pedricktown NJ

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:54:32 -0700

ULI Philadelphia - South Jersey/Delaware Regional Committee Eco-Industrial Park Behind the Scenes Tour - Solar Economics

Date: October 8, 2008
Location: Pedricktown, NJ
Venue: Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park

As a result of a Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission decision, a former Nike missile defense site in Salem County NJ is being redeveloped as an Eco-Industrial Park. Reconstruction, remediation, renovation, and leasing of space are approximately 10 percent complete. The redevelopment, equidistant between the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the Commodore Barry Bridge, is on U.S. Route 130 (just off I-295), just a few miles south of Gloucester County's DREAM Park.

The Salem County Eco-Industrial Park offers "energy freedom" to its tenants (targeting firms in the clean energy and sustainability sector) with on-site distributed bio-diesel generators, a centralized anaerobic digestion generation plant, geothermal closed loop heating and up to a 1.25 MW photovoltaic array (solar electricity), along with traditional shared services.

Construction planned for 2009 includes retrofitting existing buildings with unique R-40-equivalent insulation and condensation control systems, as well as multi-zone air handling systems using a geothermal closed loop base ($1.25 million); and construction of the photovoltaic array (up to $7.25 million) in phases.

Brian Blair, President, Energy Freedom Pioneers, will lead this luncheon roundtable discussion regarding the technical characteristics and financing of the proposed photovoltaic array and its implications for various stakeholders. The solar project is relevant for LEED certification of the various buildings on the campus; registration and progress towards LEED certification will be discussed.

Thank you to event sponsor: Energy Freedom Pioneers. Lunch will be catered by the Green Grille. Lunch will begin promptly at 12:00 pm followed by discussion and tour. Roundtable is limited to 25 participants so register quickly!

Directions and more information on Delaware Valley's only Eco-Industrial Park can be found at www.EnergyFreedomPioneers.com

Looking forward to seeing you ... be sure to register at http://philadelphia.uli.org/

e-PRO Workshop - 1 Oct 2008 - Salem County NJ

Joseph Scarpa (Green Paradigm Realty LLC) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:34:43 -0700

e-Pro Workshop - Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park - Pedricktown, Salem County, NJ

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Don't miss this free e-PRO Workshop, compliments of NAR and InternetCrusade. Attending this workshop will teach you technology tips that will immediately help differentiate you from your competition!

The e-PRO Workshop is free to attendees and covers the benefits of taking the online e-PRO certification course. It will also cover many beneficial technology tips you can apply right away. e-PRO is the only online technology certification course offered by the National Association of REALTORS and it's NAR's fastest growing certification course.

Anyone who attends the e-PRO workshop can receive a FREE full-featured Web Site.

At the e-PRO Workshop, attendees will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the $25 discount for enrolling into the online e-PRO course.

All existing e-PROs (and those currently enrolled in the course) who attend and bring a guest will receive an e-PRO pin ($25 value).

e-PRO is recognized for elective credit in the designation requirements for CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), and CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist).

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

8:30 am - 9:00 am Registration & Light Breakfast by Green Grille

9:00 am - 10:30 am e-PRO Workshop by Joseph Marovich, ABR, ABRM, e-PRO, GRI, PMN, RSPS, SRES

Location: Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park, 300 Route 130, Pedricktown NJ 08067 [former military base in Salem County]

From Delaware Memorial Bridge: Take Exit 1-B (Route 130 North) ... six miles north thru Penns Grove ... take left into park onto Artillery Drive ... [Yellow] Bldg 322 on right (free parking on both sides of Artillery Drive)

From I-295 Exit 7: (if going south on I-295, go right at top of ramp onto Straughns Mill Road ... if going north on I-295, go left at top of ramp onto Straughns Mill Road) ... go 1-3/4 miles west to five-way intersection (at cemetery) ... take soft left onto Penns Grove-Pedricktown Road (County Road 642) ... go 1-1/2 miles till dead end on Route 130 ... go left (south) for 100 yards ... take right into eco-industrial park onto Artillery Drive ... [Yellow] Bldg 322 on right (free parking on both sides of Artillery Drive)

From U.S. Route 322: 6-1/4 miles south on Route 130 ... take right into eco-industrial park onto Artillery Drive ... [Yellow] Bldg 322 on right (free parking on both sides of Artillery Drive)

From U.S. Route 40: Go west thru Woodstown and past Cowtown ... bear right onto State Route 48 ... go four miles through Carneys Point into Penns Grove (Incollingo's Market) ... turn right (north) onto Virginia Ave (Route 130) ... 2-1/4 miles north on Route 130 ... take left into park onto Artillery Drive ... [Yellow] Bldg 322 on right (free parking on both sides of Artillery Drive)

To register simply visit http://ePROworkshop.InternetCrusade.com or call toll free 866-ePRONAR (866-377-6627)

Can't make 1 Oct? Try Oct 2 at New Castle County Board of REALTORS in nearby Wilmington Delaware....

Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, EcoBroker^®, e-PRO^®
Broker Associate

Legend Properties, Inc.
20000 Horizon Way Ste 280
Mount Laurel NJ 08054-4321

www.LPRE.com o: 856 231 1010 x108 f: 856 231 1111 c: 856 981 2973

www.SalemCountyRealEstate.com

Graduate, Downtown Revitalization & Management Institute
Member, International Council of Shopping Centers
Member, Urban Land Institute
Member, TriState REALTORS^® Commercial Alliance
Member, Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware CCIM
Member, Commercial Industrial Realty Council of New Castle County Delaware
Member, Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART)
Member, New Jersey Green Building Council
Member, Southern New Jersey Development Council
Member, Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce
Member, Salem County Chamber of Commerce