|
The REALTORS® Environmental Council (TREC)
TREC was formed by the Seattle-King County
Association of REALTORS to protect and enhance
the quality of life in our communities.
TREC promotes responsible environmental stewardship
by REALTORS ® and homeowners, and to support
projects and policies to preserve a healthy,
natural habitat.
SKCAR TREC will operate as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
|
|
|
The REALTORS®
Environmental Council (TREC) inaugural class and field study
(next event coming Fall 08).... |
|
|
"EMERGING URBAN ENVIRONMENTS"
Course
A two-part 7.5 clock hour program, by John Spangenberg, to help brokers and agents understand the environmental issues and land use policies affecting real estate markets in the Puget Sound Region.
When clients ask you about the environment don't just quote the headlines or return a blank stare. Impress them with your "Green" knowledge by explaining the benefits of owning a home near healthy urban lands.
When SKCAR first introduced TREC it was the first council of its kind, in the nation. Now, TREC is offering a new program that is, once again, the first of its kind. Be one of the first few real estate professionals to participate in this inaugural environmental program.
Demonstrate your community leadership qualities, and commitment to the proactive preservation and protection of our urban environments by enrolling in this inaugural environmental program. Your clients will see the value and by the end of the program you might be seeing "Green". |
|
|
|
(Day 1)
Urban growth and new developments have resulted in strong land use regulations and environmental policies. We can no longer meet the demand for new housing by simply increasing our urban sprawl. We all must develop a better understanding of population density, sustainable urban land management and building construction.
- While in class you will also learn about...
- Political and cultural factors of environmental change
- State and local actions: changes in Puget Sound Region
- The effects and purpose of the GMA and other environmental standards
- The affects of critical areas, shorelines and fisheries on real estate development and construction practices
- How to understand and describe the benefits of green options and amenities found in real estate markets
(Day 2)
Field-Work:
You will reinforce your in-class information by participating in the restoration of the North Fork Open Space of the Hylebos Wetlands. This will be an active exercise of in-class materials
- This course includes:
- In-Class Materials
- Introduction of The REALTORS Environmental Council (TREC) as a new source of Green information
- Bus ride to and from the Hylebos Wetlands (Day 2)
- TREC T-Shirt
- Marketing Photography: Your participation in this inaugural event
Will be documented and a group photo will be provided (email 1 week after class).
T-shirt, photographs and a complimentary supply of pamphlets to help their home buyers and sellers become more earth-friendly. The class will be held at SKCAR?s training room in Bellevue. Fees are $99 for SKCAR members and $160 for non-members. More details, including an online registration form are at www.nwrealtor.com. Pre-registration is required.
Clothing: Everyone should dress to get dirty. Wear jeans or work pants are the most appropriate bottoms. Prepare for a wide range of weather by dressing in layers. Preferably avoiding cotton (if possible). Wear sturdy shoes and boots.
Brown Bag Lunch: Just like those field-trips in school, you need to bring a simple brown bag lunch. There will not be any options for food down there.
About The REALTORS® Environmental Council (TREC)
The Realtors Environmental Council culminates a two-year planning and research effort. The intent is to have an entity within SKCAR that focuses on the advocacy and advancement of sound environmental public policies and undertakings "that will protect and enhance the quality of life in Washington's communities.
TREC will operate to...
1. raise awareness and understanding of Realtors' sensitivity to, and support of well-
grounded and responsible stewardship;
2. engage in projects that provide "on-the-ground" benefits for the environment.
3. undertake the advancement of important environmental policies, and/or environmental
projects that other environmental organizations have failed to undertake.
The upcoming "Emerging Urban Environments" course is the first in a series of educational offerings TREC will present on environmental and sustainability issues related to regulation, conservation, enhancement and remediation that affect the utilization and development of real property.
About Course Instructor John Spangenberg
Spangenberg is president of Urban Connections, a real estate/urban planning and government relations firm in Kirkland. His teaching experience includes graduate and
undergraduate courses in urban design and planning at the University of Washington, as
well as numerous classes for real estate industry professionals. He recently taught
"Green Cities: Neighborhoods and Housing," a course offered as part of Sustainable September, a green learning program presented with support from the Eastside's
business, government, and education communities.
Friends of the Hylebos
The Friends of the Hylebos has been working with the community to protect and restore streams, wetlands, forests and open space in the Hylebos watershed since 1983. The site, located a mile west of I-5, is one of the last remaining bogs in South King County and is described as being ?equal parts wildlife refuge, ecological and hydrological conservatory, natural trail and just plain natural wonder.? Visit www.hylebos.org and learn more... |
|
