Realtors in the Denver, Colo. area are thinking of developing a certification program that would identify homes for sale (existing, not new construction) that meet water-efficiency standards. They are thinking of including strategies such as low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, inspection of irrigation systems for leaks, and Xeriscpaping as part of the certification. They believe certification would provide a marketing advantage to the seller and an educational opportunity for the buyer. Does anyone know of an existing, or similar, program to encourage water conservation by certifying water-efficient homes prior to sale?
Thanks!
Cynthia Peterson
AWARE Colorado and Colorado Water Protection Project
1410 Grant Street, B204 Denver, CO 80203
303.861.5195
www.awarecolorado.org
Water-Efficient Home Certification Prior to Sale
Sign in or Sign up to comment
The ACT government has had a program of energy efficient disclosure at point of sale for some time see http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/design-guide/acthers/index.htm and http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2003-40/default.asp. The Web Site is due to change so, if these links don't work try a search on mandatory disclosure. Additional work is being done to explore the potential more widely under the National Framework for Energy Efficiency see http://www.nfee.gov.au/buildings.jsp?xcid=123#Mand%20disc%20building
%20energy%20performance
Cheers
Kathryn Tracy
ACT Planning and Land Authority
GPO Box 1908 CANBERRA ACT
2601 02 6207 4786
Cynthia
Have considered this an excellent idea myself for some time, inspired by the example set by the Fenland Energy Award scheme in the UK - no reason why this cant be extended to water efficient products. The Fenland Energy Tax Credit scheme is part-funded by EST's Innovation Programme, and has been running since 2003. The scheme encourages homeowners and landlords to invest in energy-efficient and renewable technologies. The scheme is open to anyone who has carried out sustainable energy work on their property in the current year. These households can apply to have their home surveyed and energy rated. After the survey, the householder receives feedback on the energy standard of their home (No rating, Bronze, Silver, or Gold) and information on how they can improve the standard. By 2005, the scheme had generated over 500 inquiries and 227 households are taking part in the scheme. The scheme works in partnership with estate agents and provides council tax reductions to incentivise homeowners.
Best wishes
Paul
Paul White
Director The Social Marketing Practice
T: 01235 211049
M: 07799 525453
www.socialmarketingpractice.co.uk