Until recently, I was a non-believer.
Not about the fact that global warming is happening. But about it’s cause.
I doubted the whole notion that mankind’s excesses have been the main, or even a significant, cause of global warming. To me and other doubters, global warming was simply a natural phenomenon over which humans have negligible impact.
In recent months, I have gradually parted company with that thought. I’ll confess – I didn’t experience an epiphany, nothing like that. Instead, I suspect I’ve simply yielded to the constant and seemingly overwhelming barrage at every turn of dire warnings about global warming and its consequences.
And the consequences are likely to be catastrophic consequences, whatever the cause of global warming. Maybe that was the clincher for me to adopt the ‘man made’ theory. Because the optimistic prospect that by collective action we humans can possibly do something about our plight feels good, and the alternative doesn’t. Embracing ‘green’ is a feel good thing.
But ‘going green’ surely must involve more than warm fuzzy feelings and good intentions. If my recently changed mindset doesn’t trigger some meaningful changes in behaviour, what’s the point? Happily, with very little thought I can see there are literally dozens and dozens of things we can do to make a difference. Use reusable shopping bags. Bike to work. Give your computer a break. The list is open ended. Everything counts.
As I cast about for ideas, I realize that one’s home represents the single biggest opportunity, or the biggest collection of little opportunities, to make a difference. Some estimates say that activities relating to buildings account for 40 to 50% of worldwide green house gas emissions, of which about two thirds comes from energy consumption relating to residential buildings. Making our real estate greener is a good thing.
Green real estate is more than just turning down the heat, or changing light bulbs. It’s also about healthful living in a non-toxic environment. It’s about incorporating locally produced or recycled sustainable resources in our homes. It‘s about minimizing our consumption of non-renewable precious resources such as water and energy. And it’s about making intelligent use of what mother nature provides – free of charge.
Where does the REALTOR come into all of this? Here’s how I see it.
I believe a real estate agent has the unique opportunity to provide a bridge between the local real estate market on one hand and practical, green techniques, technologies and programs on the other. But to be that bridge, the REALTOR first needs a good working knowledge of and eye for those green techniques, technologies and programs.
I’m committed to an ongoing acquisition of that working knowledge, and to being that bridge. The more I learn the more I can help. Maybe you can help too?
Have you discovered a ‘green’ idea you use in and around your home? If you have, why not share it with everyone – just post your discovery in the comments section below. The more of us that put your idea to use, the better.
Bye for now,
...Victoria's blogging real estate professional.
Tags: Green Real Estate, Green Realtor, Victoria Real Estate
[...] mentioned in an earlier post (”Your Green Real Estate Agent”) that I am committed to acquiring a working knowledge of and eye for green techniques, technologies [...]