Accolades Grow for NAR's Green Designation

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2009

The National Association of Realtors® has received an Award of Excellence for its Green Designation, a program designed to equip Realtors® with advanced knowledge on green building practices and green property features.

The recognition was granted through the Associations Advance America program from the American Society of Association Executives and The Center for Association Leadership. The Green Designation is now eligible to be considered for a Summit Award – the top recognition for association programs from ASAE and CAL. NAR is one of only 21 organizations nationally to receive the AAA award for 2009.

“Realtors® are industry innovators who consistently find ways to provide their clients with cutting edge service,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “As green building issues become more important to buyers, sellers and businesses, more and more Realtors® are adding value to the real estate transaction by developing green business practices. The Green Designation is an excellent example of innovation in this area.”

NAR’s Green Resource Council confers the Green Designation, which was launched in November 2008 at the REALTORS® Annual Conference and Expo. The Green Designation program includes 18 hours of coursework, and Realtors® who have earned the designation are prepared to help consumers and clients in their search for environmentally friendly properties and work to incorporate green principles into their own practice.

“NAR’s program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society,” said 2008-2009 AAA Committee Chair Janet C. Gibbs, chief financial officer for Feeding America.

The AAA program is a national competition which recognizes associations that propel America forward – with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards-setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service