I am so excited that I start my Leed Green Associate Exam Prep course tomorrow at Atlantic Cape Community College here in Atlantic County, NJ (they also have a campus in Cape May County, hence the name).  Before I decided to join the fascinating world of real estate in Ocean City, NJ and surrounding Atlantic and Cape May County communities, I worked at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) when they started the process of becoming a LEED certified building.  For those who may not know, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design which is a program of the US Green Building Council.  LEED is a rating system for how "green" a building is.  It takes into account so many facets of both construction and, commercially, green practices of the company itself.  Things like Energy Star appliances get you points, and using recycled materials in carpet, tile, shingles, etc., composting, recycling... the list goes on and on.  I will be able to tell you more over the next couple of days as I will be learning a ton. 

I already knew I wanted to work to become a LEED Green Associate, but it is not really a super easy thing to do.  With my science background in the environmental field and my practical experience with being "green" both personally and professionally, I feel like I will be able to do well on the test, but I didn't think a prep course would hurt as there are so many details. 

The knowledge I gain and the affiliation with LEED I will obtain will be invaluable to my real estate clients, whether building new or purchasing an existing home.  I will be able to assist them with ways to green their home saving money on heating, air conditioning, water use; making their home healthier; and thinking sustainably.  The bonus, as minor or sometimes major improvements to their home help the homeowners, my clients, they will be helping their home planet, Earth.

For more green real estate news check YourShoreTownAgent.com over the next few days, weeks, and months as I will be taking additional courses that will give me even more experience with green real estate and assisting home buyers and sellers in the Ocean City area.