Silicon Valley REALTORS® continue to show their concern for the future of the environment. Upon meeting new and stricter standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste, the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) has earned recertification as a Bay Area Green Business from the California Bay Area Green Business Program. The local trade group was the first REALTOR® association in the state to obtain the green certification in 2007. With stricter requirements in place, the association this month completed the re-certification process administered by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Santa Clara County.
Certification as a Green Business is in line with the local Realtor association's goal of community involvement by being proactive in conservation and concern for the environment. The association educates its members and collaborates on projects that create a more sustainable environment. Many real estate offices in the communities SILVAR serves have followed suit and achieved green certification.
"We are very pleased that we have been recognized as a Green Business. Undergoing re-certification under more stringent requirements was a task worth achieving. We want to continue to be an example for our region and members," said SILVAR Executive Officer Paul Cardus.
The Green Business Certification Program is a successful partnership of environmental agencies and utilities that assists, recognizes and promotes businesses and government agencies that operate voluntarily in a more environmentally responsible way. To be certified "green," participants must comply with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. This certification focuses on helping businesses improve and implement green best practices for office operation.
Since it was first certified nine years ago, SILVAR has been following most of the best practices required by the county as part of its policy to recycle and conserve energy, resources and money. Some of these practices include recycling, double-sided printing, use of email to communicate with members and providing member and customer services via the phone and Internet, including Realtor tour sheets and PRDS residential purchase forms, to decrease the need for member travel and use of paper.
To be re-certified under the new guidelines, SILVAR, which is based in Cupertino, expanded its conservation practices by using recycled paper and envelopes, recycling printer ink and batteries, transitioning all cleaning supplies, including paper towels, to items that are environmentally-friendly, and installing low-flow faucets in its restrooms and breakroom. SILVAR has joined the Spare the Air Day Program and encourages members and staff to participate in efforts to cut down on pollution by combining or eliminating trips and carpooling to meetings and association functions.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.