The EcoBroker designation straddles the divide between real estate and construction, so I hope I'm not stepping on any toes by reviewing it. President and CEO of EcoBroker, Dr. John Beldock has a solid history in both industries, having taught courses in "energy engineering, energy and environmental technologies, statistics and pollution prevention at the University of California, Davis; George Mason University; and the University of Maryland at College Park," as the EcoBroker website states. Given the complex identity of the EcoBroker as knowledgeable in both the real estate and green building fields means that an agent with this certification necessarily has a wealth of knowledge about the home or building he or she is showing. Not only must the agent be aware of the safety and stability of the home, including all of its desirable and less desirable features; that agent must also be able to educate his/her clients on the property's potential carbon footprint, energy use, and other green aspects that an average broker may not be required to know. EcoBrokers are also responsible for developing green professional habits in their own practices, including paper use, recycling, alternative power sources, and contributions to eco-friendly nonprofits. As befits his profession, Dr. Beldock lives in Evergreen, Colorado, and holds a realtor's license from the state of Colorado. An EcoBroker is a holistic green entity rather than simply a professional designation, though it is also that. What I find admirable about this program, and what makes me hopeful that its popularity will grow, is that it encourages both personal and professional responsibility for the environment where so many in the construction industry are looking for just another star on their chart in terms of green features. Certainly an EcoBroker strives for a designation, but there are so many peripheral expectations that other routes to a green sticker seem far easier for those simply motivated by reputation. This program seems to be holding to its values, and its adherents are impressive in their own right.
The EcoBroker designation straddles the divide between real estate and construction, so I hope I'm not stepping on any toes by reviewing it. President and CEO of EcoBroker, Dr. John Beldock has a solid history in both industries, having taught courses in "energy engineering, energy and environmental technologies, statistics and pollution prevention at the University of California, Davis; George Mason University; and the University of Maryland at College Park," as the EcoBroker website states. Given the complex identity of the EcoBroker as knowledgeable in both the real estate and green building fields means that an agent with this certification necessarily has a wealth of knowledge about the home or building he or she is showing. Not only must the agent be aware of the safety and stability of the home, including all of its desirable and less desirable features; that agent must also be able to educate his/her clients on the property's potential carbon footprint, energy use, and other green aspects that an average broker may not be required to know. EcoBrokers are also responsible for developing green professional habits in their own practices, including paper use, recycling, alternative power sources, and contributions to eco-friendly nonprofits. As befits his profession, Dr. Beldock lives in Evergreen, Colorado, and holds a realtor's license from the state of Colorado. An EcoBroker is a holistic green entity rather than simply a professional designation, though it is also that. What I find admirable about this program, and what makes me hopeful that its popularity will grow, is that it encourages both personal and professional responsibility for the environment where so many in the construction industry are looking for just another star on their chart in terms of green features. Certainly an EcoBroker strives for a designation, but there are so many peripheral expectations that other routes to a green sticker seem far easier for those simply motivated by reputation. This program seems to be holding to its values, and its adherents are impressive in their own right.