Pasco County is going Green

The term 'shades of green' refers to the builders or sellers claiming to have 'green' homes. They may install energy star appliances, or energy rated windows and consider this 'green'. It is a growing problem because consumers, realtors and the builders do not have formal guidelines for the label 'green' home.

Pasco County is working to change that. The Pasco County Commission is working hard to complete a Pasco Green Building Ordinance which will be optional for builders, developers and remodeling. It will have clearly defined measurement parameters and reporting criteria. Pasco County is not reinventing the wheel with the Pasco Green Building Ordinance, they are using well established guidelines from LEED: Leadership in Energy and Enviromental Design rating system of the U. S. Green Building Council. NAHB: National Association of Home Builders Green Home Program and FGBC: Florida Green Building Coalition.

As Realtors we need to step up our education in this growing market. I obtained my Eco-Broker certification. It is available on line and it has changed the way I think about the homes I sell and is vital if we are going to sell 'green' certified homes.

Pasco County is taking a leadership role to establish a more sustainable community and the commision is asking that more Realtors get involved. If you would like the dates, time and place, please contact me via e-mail.