LEED AP Certification--any Realtors have this? How about eco-brokers?

Have you found any helpful information about this? I've also been considering taking the LEED-AP exam for existing buildings, as I specialize in commercial property and have the highest interest in the reuse and redevelopment of existing properties. I am also EcoBroker Certified and am currently in the process of working it into my business, redesigning my websites, etc.  I would love to hear anything you may have heard about the LEED-AP idea. Thanks!

From what I could tell EcoBroker is geared more towards the residential side of things.  The LEED-AP designation is geared more towards the architects and builders; however, a lot of the requirements for the LEED-CI certification tie into commercial real estate.  I'm planning on taking my LEED-AP exam for Commercial Interiors in the next few weeks.

I recommend any REALTOR conversant in planning, engineering, or construction apply to take the LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) exam.

Pick one of three specialized exams: New Construction, Core & Shell, or Existing Buildings (it hardly matters which test ... your designation will still be LEED AP) ... you'll need to understand ASHRAE standards and building code ... as well as the applicable LEED rating system ... new LEED rating systems include LEED Retail, LEED Homes, and LEED Neighborhood Development, among others.

In my commercial/retail leasing practice, a handful of retail tenants are specifying LEED in their site-selection criteria ... so being an LEED AP sets me apart quite easily.

For residential, I recommend no REALTOR buy themselves their next residence without taking the EcoBroker course at www.EcoBroker.com ... it's an eye-opener!

Most laypersons and consumers have come to refer to me as their "eco-broker" and don't remember my designation(s) ... but that's good enough branding for me!

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, Main Street New Jersey Downtown Revitalization 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, US Green Building Council - NJ Chapter

Subsequent to my last posting here in Sep 2008, I've opened my own real estate brokerage, Green Paradigm Realty LLC, in Feb 2009.  You ought to read my latest press release on my website, www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com ... it's a real eye opener.

If you (Mesha) have all those academic credentials, I would definitely get the LEED Green Associate credential.  The highest paying residential real estate specialty is new construction, which is where the LEED credentials would be most useful.

You might meet like-minded folks at http://www.greendrinks.org/ ... very few REALTORS at these events yet.

Definitely join your local USGBC chapter ... very affordable ... and read up on LEED for Homes.

All of this at www.usgbc.org and usgbc.org/leed/  (click on rating systems).

Marketing myself as LEED?  It takes a few years ... you might hold a seminar on green homes, say, once in the Fall, and once in the Spring.  You might have to help green your MLS.  Check out http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/greening_the_mls.cfm   (You'll see Houston listed).

Hi Jennifer,

         I just passed my LEED AP Home here in Ct. We have an excellent green program at the local colleges that really helped along. the link is

http://activerain.com/blogsview/2095194/green-build-courses-offered-in-connecticut-