Mission:
Plans, promotes and identifies professional development programs and business opportunities for the association to increase member awareness and understanding of green-building, high-performance homes and energy sustainability initiatives in the real estate sector. Also explores, reviews and implements projects and procedures that encourage resource and energy efficiency within the association and for members and member firms, as well as the creation and availability of lending products that support responsible energy use and conservation.
Upcoming Events:
Green Loan Panel: Valuation of Green Homes
Wednesday, September 20
GBAR Member Training & Service Center
68 Main St, Reading, MA
Join us as we learn how the process works when valuating your homes, what to look for when assessing your home and how to make the home energy rating system work for you. On this panel, you will hear from a lender, an assessor, and a HERS Rater (Home Energy Rating System).
Our speakers will:
- Explain what green lending products are available to you and your clients
- Current green technology and its potential tax benefits
- Learn how solar and other energy efficient products affect your real estate assessment
- Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS Ratings) – what it is and could it impact your listings
Sustainability Symposium
Wednesday, October 18
8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Four Point by Sheraton Norwood
1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Norwood, MA
The Sustainability Committee invites you to this no-waste event where you will hear from our keynote speaker Katherine Antos, Undersecretary of Decarbonization & Resilience in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Following will be a panel of our affiliate members who will share the fiscal benefits and pros and cons of decarbonization and electrification. Finally, you will take the course Fundamentals of Sustainable Homes with Craig Foley.
During this symposium you will learn about:
Greening the Grid: How the grid is being de-carbonized
Understanding the fiscal and health benefits of electrification
Pros and cons of electrification
Learn about decarbonization of investment properties and management
Instructor: Craig Foley GREEN, LEED Green Associate, NAR EverGreen Award Winner
When finished, learners will be able to:
Identify the characteristics of a sustainable home;
Recognize various sustainability programs that go beyond the minimum building code requirements;
Identify ways to increase a home’s sustainability through improving energy, heat, and water efficiency; and
List various sustainable products and systems, based on third-party certifications, that will increase a home’s energy efficiency and sustainability and reduce its impact on the environment.
Education:
Continuing Education Course offerings from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Resources: