A movement abounds where homes and buildings are recognized, even rewarded for being energy and resource efficient; for being healthy for their inhabitants and friendly to their environment. Products are being developed to add comfort and value to your home. What's not to like?
I'm guessing that given the choice between building a home that allowed you to spend less on utility bills and maintenance and that was a healthy place for you and your family to live and a home that was built with little consideration of any of these issues, wouldn't make for a tough decision.
Let's say that you're headed out to buy a few gallons of paint to spruce up your family room. If you could buy a paint that was healthier for your family than the brand that you typically use would you buy it?
If you needed to replace your furnace and air conditioning and could receive rebates from the equipment manufacturer and your energy provider, tax rebates from the government and a lower billing rate from your energy provider, just by choosing an energy efficient model, would you take advantage?
Sure, these are pretty easy examples that only scratch the surface of what being, dare I say it, GREEN is. I've been hearing from a number of colleagues and industry experts lately that the terms Green and Sustainability may scare consumers.
Fine, let's talk about energy efficiency and life cycle costs, indoor air quality and healthy homes. However you'd like to define it and whatever you want to call it, hopefully these examples begin to illustrate the fact that it doesn't take too much thought to realize that Green isn't that scary at all. In fact, it really makes a lot of sense.
Glenn Simon Inc. - Edmonton, AB
Nineteen years of excellence!
The words we use are so crucial to getting our ideas across. Especially in the real estate industry we tend to use jargon that some people may not understand. We have to speak the client in terms they understand. As you say tax rebates, healthier children or lower heating bills. I think your points are excellent.
Feb 26, 2008 11:09 AM
First Realty Company - Cookeville, TN
Your Best Cookeville Area Agent!
OMG! When I told my broker that I was studying to become an Green Realtor he just stopped and looked at me...HARD.. then said, Well, you've been in this three years already....I wouldn't call you Green anymore....LOL Then I began to explain and he said, OH YEA..I knew that! Good Girl! Go for it!
Feb 26, 2008 11:14 AM
Prudential YSU Realty - Durham, NC
Durham NC Real Estate
Well put. I think that sometimes the latest jargon makes you come across as an extremist. Relaying the concept to how clients will live in their homes, and the quality of life they'll have there is the way to go. Thanks for this post!
Feb 26, 2008 11:40 AM
Real Living Real Estate Solutions - Orlando, FL
Real Living Real Estate Solutions
Excellent observations Jeff. Visit my latest entry to see just how right you are (why should I give a green damn). Not only is a portion of the population scared, there is also quite a number of people who feel that they are being coerced into something that is political (sometimes it is used that way), religious(we do have fanatics), and moral(that too, is obvious). I am somebody who welcomes all kinds of comments to keep dialogue open. If you read some of the angry comments you will see that they are either 'hit & runs' or they are pure ignorance.
Please visit and comment.
And yes, intelligence is always scary. :)
Feb 26, 2008 11:41 PM
GLREA - Rockford, MI
2015: Solar Energy Is Still A Simple Machine!
HI Jeff - great post. The features need to be pointed out and focused on. It is so much less threatening to talk about living in a healthy home, lower bills, etc. Green makes a lot of dollars and cents for the home owner. When one looks at how much money is spent on allergy treatments and medications in this country living in a healthy environment is very appealing. Great post!
Feb 27, 2008 09:01 AM
ONE 10 STUDIO - Irvington, IN
CGP
Thanks Mary.
You're exactly right. In fact to prove your point, I broached the subject of "green" with a potential client just last week. Their response was that they were interested in it only from a cost savings and health of their children point of view.
Feb 28, 2008 07:57 AM
ONE 10 STUDIO - Irvington, IN
CGP
I think that every one of the comments posted here so far are completelly accurate and telling.
I'm sure that most of you have read Douglas Darbe's post by now and perhaps even commented on it. I'd also invite you to take a look at my Renovation Resources Blog. I've copied a portion of my comments on Douglas' post there.
In short, yes, the term "green" and it's overuse and misuse does seem to be alienating to some. But, like many things in life, there appear to be an inordinate number of people who have formed opinions that are not based on any type of education on the subject. That's too bad.
Feb 28, 2008 08:06 AM
Real Living Real Estate Solutions - Orlando, FL
Real Living Real Estate Solutions
Hey Jeff!
Just wanted you and your readers to know that I commented about you on my blog. I am now in the process of reading all of your entries. Will report about it later.
Your new fan.
Feb 28, 2008 02:59 PM
EarthSTEPS - Tallahassee, FL
Green Building Consultant
Jeff,
Nice post. This is a really good point. While green is considered as standing for quality, and something that is exciting to many these days... there are still quite a few folks who are threatened by it. Who would consider "green" to stand for unpatriotic, or as somthing that undermines good business.
I don't think i would want to stop using the word, but i do think that more work needs to be done to associate "green" with indoor air quality, energy efficiency, good american values, cost savings, etc.
Mar 01, 2008 11:02 AM
ONE 10 STUDIO - Irvington, IN
CGP
Excellent points Alex.
I serve on two different "Green" committees; one with our local home builder association and one on the recognition committee for our community's Green Initiative. So I work with a lot of people who are "in the know" about being green, living green, designing green, building green, etc. The point that I always like to stress is exactly what you're saying. We need to do more to educate the general public on what green is and what the benefits of green are.
I feel like we go to great lengths to market green (builders, realtors, products, communities, etc.). But we don't have a concise enough message about these benefits that you've listed.
Thanks for your comments.
Mar 01, 2008 01:34 PM
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