A NEW PARADIGM

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Green and public awareness

Green milestones

The core principles of green

In This Chapter

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Green and Public Awareness

Awareness is at an all-time high.

In simple terms, green means lessening environmental impact from society.

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Green Milestones

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1950s

Predictions for oil shortages

1960s

Analysis of disruption of natural systems

1970s

Ecology legislation/awareness/recycling

1980s

Ozone holes, first political “Green Party”

1990s

Biosphere 2 experiment, Kyoto Protocol

2000s

Climate change and “An Inconvenient Truth,” gas prices spike

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Green Milestones

Where We Are Today

Current demand on resources and environmental consequences cannot be minimized

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Ecological Footprint Is Large

Ecological footprint is measure of how much land and water area a human population requires to produce resources it consumes and to absorb wastes.

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Limited Resources Cannot Be Replaced

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Petroleum

Natural gas

Coal

Nuclear

Arable land

Freshwater

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Significant contributor to global climate change

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere:

– Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

– Methane (CH4)

– Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

– Fluorinated Gases

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According to the U.S. Climate Change Science Division of the EPA, there will be:

– Increasing temperatures– Portions of the population at risk– Millions of Americans living with poor air quality– Increased risk of decreased lung function, aggravated

asthma, and chronic bronchitis

Climate Change and Public Health

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Impact of Buildings on Environment

Buildings account for:

72% of electricity consumption

39% of energy use

38% of all CO2 emissions

40% of raw materials use

30% of waste output

14% of potable water consumption1-10

How Real Estate Professionals Can Help

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Agents can help clients and customers understand how real estate choices and actions can take away from or add to core green principles

Core Principles of Green

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Often a personal decision

Core principles include:

– Practicing resource efficiency and conservation

– Practicing social responsibility

Efficiency and Conservation

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Efficiency

– Decreasing the use of a resource to produce an effect

Conservation

– Not using a resource to produce an effect

Renewable Energy

Companies, e.g., General Electric, greening the production of power

Wind-generated power

– Decreasing dependence on foreign oil

– Producing less greenhouse gas

– Investing in U.S. manufacturing jobs

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Green Pricing and Net Metering

Green pricing

– Support utility company investment

– Pay premium to cover incremental cost

Net metering

– Homes or businesses that generate energy through solar or wind power “bank” excess power until needed

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Water Efficiency & Conservation

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Full-cost pricing

– Include operations, maintenance, and capital costs

– Helps signal value

Conservation pricing or efficiency pricing

– Establishing rate structures and practices

– Promotes efficient use of water

– Helps signal value

Water Efficiency & Conservation

Greywater recycling:

– Wastewater from laundry facilities, faucets, and showers

– Can be recycled for nonpotable use

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Rainwater harvesting, or rainwater catchment systems:

– Harvesting water from the atmosphere

– Limits urban runoff

– Growing in popularity for landscape use

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping:

– Dry landscaping

– Uses slow growing, drought-tolerant plants

– Requires proper design and planning

– Can save $ due to fewer pest control measures and fertilization needs

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Practicing Social Responsibility

Individuals, communities, and companies holding themselves accountable for social, environmental, and economic impact of their operations

See Figure 1.6

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Estimating Your Green Profile

Does your energy use come from renewable sources? How could you use other renewable energy and/or less resources?

Before today, had you paid attention to your home and office water use?

# of miles you drive each day? Vehicle type? How to limit driving and/or reduce fuel consumption?

Air quality where you live? Better, worse, or same where you grew up?

Health risks attributed to poor outdoor air quality? Steps you could take that might improve area’s air quality?

Why are resource efficiency and conservation necessary for today and future?

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