How To Green Your MLS
Have you ever thought about adding features to your local MLS? Have you thought, “I wish _______ was in the feature list?” With today’s advanced technologies and energy efficient features, there are loads of items that could be added.
That was my thought back in 2009 when I started volunteering for the U S Green Building Council. Why can’t these new features be included? With a little research and understanding of the process, it can be done!
The first item on your to do list is to understand the inner workings of your MLS. How are features added? Does your MLS have a Committee that meets monthly, then submits items to the Board for review? Does the Committee vote to approve a list of features before presenting to the Board for review and approval? 
Our Arizona Regional MLS has such a Committee of volunteer realtors from different associations around the Phoenix Metro Area that meet monthly. Learn who the contact person is for the meeting schedule and ask about their format. Our contact is the “manager” of the ARMLS who reviews these and determines if they are viable. You'll also want to explain your workings in that field or experience, which is beneficial when asking for new features to be added.
The features you wish to add need to be researched fully, with a one or two sentence definition for each feature. This should be typed in a list, or something that mirrors your MLS with the section for inclusion. Helpful website links for .org or .gov sites are recommended. You’ll need to be able to explain these features in easy to understand terms as not everyone may understand these features. 
If you are adding green features, it’s a good idea to review NAR’s Green MLS Toolkit site. This site was created jointly with the US Green Building Council in 2009. On this site, you’ll find Case Studies and a wealth of information and contacts. Reviewing this site has been helpful as we’re set to add about 20 more green features, hopefully next month if there is a quorum to vote this week at the Committee meeting.
Updating your MLS with features isn't that difficult and everyone benefits!
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