Climate change is top of mind for many BC residents these days, including real estate clients who want to minimize their household carbon footprints. This means that REALTORS® need to be knowledgeable about things like sustainable and energy-efficient homes.
As a quick reference, you should check out the BC government’s greening your home tips, which include:
- Hiring a certified energy adviser who can suggest improvements and can apply for grants on behalf of a homeowner
- Hiring a certified energy assessor to conduct air leak tests
- Exploring alternative heating and hot water systems that are more energy efficient (e.g. a heat pump, which may include eligibility for system switch rebates)
- Replacing windows and doors that are not sufficiently sealed
- Utilizing environmentally friendly building materials
For more in-depth information, we encourage you to register for BCREA’s Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Homes course. This online, self-directed course offers three accredited PDP hours and will teach you to “identify ways to increase a home’s sustainability through improving energy, heat, and water efficiency.”
This Earth Day, take some time to focus on improving your professional capacity to guide and advise clients on environmentally mindful housing options. In doing so, you will fulfill CREA’s REALTOR® Code obligations.
Source: FVREB Professional Standards