I hope the term “mission” doesn’t sound staid or pedantic. It is the best term I could think of to express my passion and sincere interest in creating the state of mind in the Jackson Hole real estate market where a buyer or seller automatically considers green attributes in their real estate related decisions. To accomplish this mission, I intend to have this blog serve as a resource center and “clearing house” for green definitions, references, ideas, topics, practices, concepts, materials, products, construction techniques, economic incentives, etc. that are evolving daily.

In order to accomplish all of this, I will be doing a lot of research for each of my postings. However, I hope that much of the information I share will also come from those of you who are interested in this topic, either as an individual, organization or business in the Jackson area or beyond. I have been very encouraged by many of you who have already contacted me as a result of my newspaper ads. If there are particular green topics you would like to know more about or to share your knowledge, please let me know. In a word, your involvement will contribute significantly to making this blog successful.

If you are wondering why I am getting involved in this sector of the real estate market (in addition to the general real estate marketplace), my background may be of some help. I was in manufacturing for 30 years where I was deeply involved in environmental issues, as well as certifying my company and producing aircraft, defense, pharmaceutical and pressure vessels, components and assemblies to military, ISO 9000 and ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessel standards. The current standards for green and sustainable building practices, which includes LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) are similar in many ways to the standards for manufacturing which I previously mentioned. Therefore, I am comfortable with understanding and interpreting these relatively new “green” standards and excited to learn about them in depth.

It has been documented that most green features and practices not only contribute to a sustainable environment, but they also produce a very durable structure or habitat, and therefore enhance its value for selling purposes or for the pride in ownership. I will work to develop and update a list of those features so that when I talk to you as a buyer, we can determine which green features are most important to you. If you are a seller, I will help you determine the green features you may have in your residence that will enhance the selling price of your home. The bottom line is that this approach is a win-win situation for you and the sustainability of a place we all love!