Green Living Blog

President of EcoRealtors Costa Rica receives Green Designation

Peter van Hussen, the president of EcoRealtors Costa Rica, has been awarded the U.S. National Association of Realtors’ Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR. Peter is the only realtor in Costa Rica to have received this designation.

The Green Designation is awarded by the Green Resource Council established by NAR to provide comprehensive training and access to cutting-edge resources and tools, as well as to promote green excellence, leadership and consumer awareness within and across multiple real estate disciplines.

Peter achieved the prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of coursework designed specifically for realtors. The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary panel of experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, the Institute for Real Estate Management, National Association of Home Builders, United States Green Building Council and other organizations with ample experience in green building technologies.

Specifically, Peter was trained in understanding what makes a property “green,” helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings and helping consumers see a property’s green potential.

“Living green is about making healthy choices that are also easy on your wallet. NAR Green designees have the necessary resources and relationships to effectively work with you on your next green project. The program was developed in response to a growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings,” said Kristen Short, executive director of NAR’s Green Designation program.

The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify realtors who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.