Certified Green Broker Program Featured in the DJC

Portland is known as one of the greenest cities in the country, and tenants and owners around the area are increasingly aware of the environmental benefits and savings that can come with green building. So how do they find commercial real estate brokers who are well versed and educated in all aspects of green leasing and sales?

Yesterday an article in the Daily Journal of Commerce examined the Certified Green Broker program, developed by the Commercial Brokers Association of Seattle and the Cascadia Green Building Council that was launched in 2008. Certified Green Brokers complete a 30-hour online course and must pass a comprehensive exam. Course topics include the business case for greening commercial buildings, energy use, green materials, and indoor environmental quality.

Two of NAI NBS' brokers, MaryKay West, an investment specialist, and Charlie Floberg, who specializes in office leasing and sales, recently achieved the Certified Green Broker designation.

While certifications like LEED can be useful for commercial real estate brokers, "it’s difficult to find continuing education offerings that are relevant to commercial practitioners," West said. The Certified Green Broker program is attractive because it is created specifically for brokers and the unique issues they face, like drawing up a green lease.

“Many office tenants, especially large office users, are interested in at least some types of green features,” Floberg said. “It’s important for brokers to know the benefits of green building and effectively communicate them to clients.”