Certification Standards

A red three-story house with white trim and a front porch, flanked by green bushes and trees, on a sunny street.

Real Estate, Realtors, and Brokers

Advising clients, comparing properties to sell to clients, promoting properties, preparing documents and purchase agreements, soliciting potential clients, negotiating properties for clients.

  • Required:

    • Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.

    • Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on website.

    Preferred:

    • Banking with a community development, minority, or socially & environmentally responsible bank or credit union.

    • Protocols in place (e.g., trainings, HR policies, support group(s), statement of commitment, accountability mechanisms, etc.) that advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) within the company.

  • Required: 

    • Ensures health and social equity 

      • Prioritize access and inclusivity of services (e.g., works with mixed-income communities) For example, many low-income communities are more prone to health issues due to water and air quality issues, like placing them closer to incinerators, etc. 

      • Create goals to improve equity issues related to real estate

      • Benefits the community (e.g., philanthropy, services) Improving the health of the overall community and its people 

      • Provides equitable financing recommendations for clients.

    • Familiar with sustainability best practices and benefits  

      • Avoids selling “flipped” properties that do not include energy saving features such as eco-friendly insulation, energy efficient appliances, alternative power source, etc.

      • Energy and water efficient appliances (e.g., EnergyStar rated appliances, water saving fixtures) 

      • Practices in place to reduce stormwater runoff 

      • Landscaping done with sustainability in mind (irrigation, xeriscaping) 

      • Energy efficient lighting 

      • Buildings are properly insulated (e.g., energy efficient windows, insulation) 

      • HVAC system well-maintained 

      • Access to renewable energy; knows EPS (Energy Performance Score) or HERS (Home Energy Rating System) score 

      • Ensure resilience of buildings from natural disturbances 

      • Minimize exposure to toxins and pollutants (pest control, lawn maintenance) 

      • Location is near access to alternative transportation  

      • Informs potential homeowners or renters and sellers of sustainability initiatives and has this information on their website 

      • Offer virtual showings and meetings

      • Use of digital documents

    Preferred: 

    • Provides a list of recommended green businesses/contractors to potential buyer 

    • Familiar with a variety of sustainable and high-performance building methods and certifications  

    • Earned a Green Certification or completed a course in how to be a green realtor or real estate agent

  • Required:

    • Employees have access to family friendly benefits including high-quality health insurance, sick days, paid parental leave and childcare help.

    • Offer a flexible workplace culture that encourages work/life balance and makes reasonable accommodations for telecommuting and flex schedules.

    • For employees that are not commissioned, pays a wage that ensures employees well-being.

    • Has an established non-discrimination policy and procedure and ensures an inclusive workplace culture.

    • Governs fairly and in a transparent manner. Is open to employee input. Has a whistle blower protection policy in place.

    Preferred:

    • For employees that are not commissioned, living wage is paid.

    • Has an established program that invests in employee growth and development.

  • Required:

    • Use transparent and truthful marketing.

    • Advocate for green business practices in your industry.

    • Established program for receiving input from both internal and external stakeholders.

    • Participation in continuing education such as Earth Advantage.

    • Familiarity with Home Energy Score and the EPA’s Indoor airPlus.

    Preferred:

    • Actively seeks feedback from industry peers and participates in industry associations and mentor programs.

    • Provide educational materials to clients on value of energy efficiency homes

  • Required:

    • HVAC system well-maintained, building well-insulated, and smart and efficient climate control employed.

    • System in place for reducing electricity consumption from lighting and electronics.

    • Use of Energy Star rated appliances and CFL/LED light bulbs in office.

    • Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials.

    • Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double sided printing as the default, and more.

    • Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products.

    • Maximum amount of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges.

    •  Action on clean energy such as purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or use of on-site clean energy.

    • Compost all food waste.

    • Landscaping done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.

    • Only fair trade and USDA certified organic coffee and tea served in the office.

    • Use of green or local caterers for events.

    • Use of a certified E-Steward for electronics recycling.

    • Proper disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, motor oil, etc).

    • Knowledge of recycling/composting guidelines at your local recycling/composting facility.