Sustainability Advisory Group

The GPBR Sustainability Advisory Group (SAG) was convened to educate and advise the GPBR, its members, their clients and associates on issues related to climate change and the economic, social and environmental impacts to the real estate industry. The SAG acknowledges climate change and supports efforts by businesses, organizations and government at all levels to undertake reasonable measures to achieve the necessary reductions in C02 and other greenhouse gas emissions.

The SAG operates as both an informational resource for members and the public as well as a provider of educational programs and activities. The SAG also monitors, supports and/or actively participates in a wide variety of ongoing efforts being undertaken by communities and professional organizations to develop sustainable standards and practices for building energy efficiency and performance, land use controls and community development, risk assessment and property valuation, and infrastructure resiliency to mitigate impacts in coastal and other vulnerable areas due to increased severe weather events.

Goal: to be an active, supportive and trusted stakeholder for the real estate community in Maine’s ongoing efforts to address climate change by providing:

• Informational Resources. Utilize website and other social media platforms to share relevant information on climate change, energy and sustainability issues, report on emerging trends and analysis affecting real estate including sustainable development, appraisal, financing, energy, cost/benefit, RE investment, insurance, underwriting, etc.
• Educational Opportunities. Classes, host speakers, presentations, workshops. CEU and non-credit classes on energy efficiency, building performance, embodied carbon, renewable energy systems such as solar PV, heat pumps, wind, the new building codes, flood zone management, risk assessment, etc.
• Ongoing Engagement. Continue working with local communities and private entities on strategies and solutions across all sectors, with a primary focus on buildings and infrastructure to support development of viable sustainability and mitigation strategies that achieve the greatest public benefit while minimizing the impact to individual home owners including low income, elderly and other vulnerable communities.
• Cooperation and coordination. Develop strategic partnerships with financial, insurance and appraisal affiliates to promote utilization of available energy efficiency financing tools including energy efficient mortgages (EEMs), loans and incentives, and develop support for new funding resources (e.g., a Green Bank) to help address Maine’s expanding electrification needs. Monitor community sustainability activities and programs to provide consistent and up-to-date information and advice to the Board, its members, and associate partners.
• Commitment. Continue making energy efficiency upgrades to GPBR’s building and expand activities to include operations and programing as appropriate. Work with the National Association of Realtors’ Presidential Advisory Group to explore development of a Sustainability Program for GPBR.