Certification Standards

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.