Developed primarily for local associations to help field member questions about sustainability, NAR’s new Sustainability Resource Guide addresses the growing role environmental stewardship is playing in the real estate industry. NAR research shows that consumers have a growing interest in sustainability and that REALTORS® encounter this topic in their daily businesses.

“Sustainability expertise is a great way to elevate the value that your association provides to members,” says Todd Shipman, a REALTOR® and the 2018 Chair of NAR’s Sustainability Advisory Group. “By including sustainability in your community outreach plans, you can take a seat at the table helping your local area address a variety of sustainability-related topics.”

The downloadable guide available at nar.realtor/sustainability features information about organizations, programs, research, and other resources for real estate professionals in any market interested in sustainability issues, including energy efficiency, healthier homes, walkability, building performance, and weather-related risks.

The guide also addresses implementing and using green features in MLSs: NAR Research says that 71 percent of ­REALTORS® find value in promoting energy efficiency in a residential listing, and 70 percent of commercial agents find value.

“Ultimately, incorporating sustainability into our association at multiple levels can improve social capital for our organization and industry, helping to change the narrative for REALTORS® and positioning them as professionals poised for our changing environmental, economic, and social needs,” says Shipman.

At the NAR Sustainability Summit in August, attendees created and ranked a list of sustainability priorities for the association, which will be the basis for future programs and resources. For more details, contact Amanda Stinton, astinton@realtors.org.

Sustainability Resource Guide

Sustainability Resource Guide

This resource integrates sustainability principles and knowledge for REALTOR® associations with a goal to positively impact business practices.

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