The Green Advocate

I have a history of interest and involvement in energy and environmental issues. In a continuing effort to add to my knowledge and experience, in 2008 I completed the rigorous training program conducted by EcoBroker International, the first and largest green real estate training and communications program in the world, becoming one of the area’s first certified EcoBrokers.

As a result of my EcoBroker certification, I have acquired additional education, knowledge, resources and tools that I in turn can utilize to assist my clients in taking advantage of the rapidly developing and ever-changing energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design practices in real estate. Through this unique energy and environmental curriculum, I can assist clients in their pursuit of properties that provide affordability, comfort and a healthier environment, and which along the way, may serve to reduce their individual carbon footprint.

My passion for energy efficiency and green-building came as a result of my experiences as a volunteer for The Climate Project, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the education of the public on the science and public policy issues surrounding climate change and alternative energy solutions, and my partnership in Balanced Development LLC, which recently completed two highly energy efficient, green-built homes on Chicago’s northside.

In 2006, I was honored to be selected from a pool of over 10,000 applicants to participate in one of the first training sessions of The Climate Project, a non-profit volunteer organization formed by former Vice President Al Gore. Mr. Gore, with the assistance of a blue ribbon panel of international climate scientists and environmental educators, led a series of intensive training sessions designed to me and my fellow participants to return to their respective communities and raise the awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and the tremendous economic opportunities presented by alternative energy solutions. I had the pleasure of concentrating a substantial portion of my time over the span of two years to the study of the science, technology and public policy issues surrounding climate change and low-carbon renewable and alternative energy solutions. Following the training, I took the opportunity to travel around the State of Michigan giving over 70 public presentations on climate change and alternative energy solutions to a combined audience of over 6,000 interested citizens.

In 2007, I joined with partners, Kevin Friend and George Wedemeyer, to form Balanced Development LLC, a green-home development company with a stated goal of providing quality residential homes built with sustainability, environmental compatibility and enhanced energy efficiency. The company’s first  project located in  northside neighborhood in the City of Chicago, incorporated a variety of green-home building techniques (including solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, green roofs, high efficiency windows, insulation and mechanical systems, energy star certified appliances, and recycled and rapidly-renewable building materials) within the conventional luxury home design template. The homes, were featured in several magazines, including the Chicago Magazine.

In 2008, I achieved my certification as an EcoBroker from EcoBroker International. Founded in 2002, EcoBroker International is the first and largest green real estate training and communications program in the world. With members in all 50 United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and New Zealand, EcoBroker and its members serve real estate consumers, communities, and the environment with an unparalleled level of care, commitment, and follow-up. With the benefit of oversight from the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professsionals, EcoBroker training and communications provide professionals with the resources to be constructive green ambassadors in an ever-changing business and consumer world.

In order to earn the EcoBroker Designation, I had to complete the following courses:

EcoBroker Environmental Advantage™ – which educates the real estate professional on how to proactively address potential environmental issues such as radon, asbestos, lead, and mold and how to provide workable solutions. In addition, the course concentrates on helping clients evaluate and improve indoor air quality and water quality for health and comfort and educating clients about the environmental, health and savings benefits of green buildings.

EcoBroker Energy Advantage™ – which educates real estate professionals about energy saving home features and sustainable energy options such as solar, wind and geothermal. In addition, the course assists the professional with staying up to date on the leading “green” home certification programs including Energy Star®, LEED® and Built Green®, how to help clients buy and sell certified properties and to assist clients in using  energy savings and green financing tools to realize larger loans and make transactions easier to close.

EcoBroker Green Market Advantage™ - which educates real estate professionals on how to apply this energy and environmental training to add value to the services provided to their clients.