1. Let's imagine a buyer walking into a automobile dealership and asking the salesperson for help in purchasing a new car that produces low CO2 emissions and is economical to purchase and own. The buyer is willing considering electric cars, hybrids or even gas engined cars with excellent mileage and lower purchase price. You'd expect the salesperson to be familiar with the cars available at that dealership that were likely to meet those criteria. You'd also expect the salesperson to be somewhat familiar with the technologies of the different approaches to fuel efficiency and driving tips to help increase mileage.
BTW I recently bought a 2013 Porsche Boxster. Not an archetypical "green" car, but Porsche has developed some interesting technologies that allow a sports car that is 94% recyclable and capable of 163 mph top speed to get 30 mpg on the highway. Oh, and the salesperson explained all that to me (I already knew the details from their website).
2. Now, consider a home buyer walking into a real estate office and asking an agent for help in purchasing an energy efficient home in a location and orientation that minimizes utility and transportation costs. Will the agent know which homes are energy efficient? Will the agent know why? Will energy saving technologies be discussed? What about possible upgrades for older homes that are in prime locations, but lack current technology? Will solar path, wind patterns and commuting distances enter into the discussion?
Yes, the comparison is awkward! Maybe you've had the good fortune to find an agent who's knowledgable about green features and things to look for in an energy efficient house. There are excellent "green" agents out there, but not many. If you asked about an ocean view or granite counters, you'd get lots of assistance.
Car salespersons may be the brunt of some classic sales jokes, but, on average, car manufacturers and those that sell their cars are doing a much better job in addressing CO2 emission than the real estate industry. Look at several automobile websites to see lots of information about energy efficiency. Now look at major real estate websites. See anything about energy efficiency? Views are mentioned and lot size and sqft and granite etc. Utility costs?
What's it gonna take? What scientific revelation would push awareness across a magical threshold and cause the real estate industry to seriously consider Climate Change as a real estate related matter that represents an immediate priority? The real estate industry ignores the science that continues to flow out of copious research and continues with "business as usual" because it can.
Ultimately, the consumers of real estate services get the kind of representation they deserve, but what about the Earth?
