About the Course

What students say about this course

American consumers -- whose buying decisions are most often influenced by functionality, convenience and price point -- are slowly but surely beginning to see the monetary green in green living.

Home owners and renters alike have endured small but consistent increases in residential heating costs, and foresee more ahead. They’ve heard about local, state and federal tax incentives offered for home energy conservation programs. They worry about the fragility of the nation’s energy supply, in part due to media coverage of the United States’ dependence on petroleum imports, and in part due to the calamitous effects of the East Coast and Midwest blackout of 2003.

Their concerns have resulted in a new boom of green homes.

“Green buildings” are specifically designed, engineered and constructed with human ergonomics, energy consumption, and environmental impact goals in mind. Building sciences are again borrowing from the space program, from computer technology breakthroughs, and in some cases even from bio-engineering to reach “green” targets that can be tested and certified by government and private agencies. As a result, home owners and multi-unit housing tenants benefit from lower direct operating and maintenance costs, which in turn may allow them to afford more in a home purchase.

“The Green Future (Residential Edition)” focuses specifically on the rise of green buildings in residential real estate. It reviews conditions that have led to the green building movement. It examines state and federal laws that both regulate and encourage green construction and maintenance. It looks at green building innovations already available and due within the next three years, and also reviews the just-issued green standards for existing buildings promulgated by the U.S. Green Building Council. It discusses the availability of green building tax incentives, and provides a variety of resources for further research.

This is a half-day course. It fulfills 3-1/2 hours of the 14 hours of mandatory continuing education (MCE) required by the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission for salesperson's or broker's license renewal.

What students say about 'The Green Future'

"The subject was a new one for me. Very interesting."

Marguerite Parker M & M Anzaldo Inc., West Grove PA May 23, 2006

"The orientation to green building was a thorough and common-sense approach to a sophisticated topic."

Jamie M. Bracey Nova Realty LLC, Philadelphia PA May 10, 2006

"An interesting topic. Certainly, a future trend and a true necessity."

Jill Daily Long and Foster, Lower Gwynedd PA May 9, 2006