Toronto Real Estate Board joins Earth Hour

March 12, 2008—On March 29th, TREB will participate in a global initiative organized by World Wildlife Fund International called ‘Earth Hour.’ That evening, from 8pm to 9pm homes and businesses around the world will turn out their lights in a symbolic gesture to combat climate change. TREB is encouraging all offices and Members to participate in Earth Hour as well.

According to the March 8th issue of “The Toronto Star” the Canadian participation has reached 49 communities across the country, including 12 in the GTA. Canada is currently the leading participant in this international initiative.

Earth Hour participation is just one of the actions being undertaken as a result of TREB’s Green Task Force, which was established to research ways TREB and it Members can maximize their ECO-friendly footprint.

The following efforts will also begin at the TREB offices shortly:
• the use of eco-friendly paper and two-sided photocopying will be mandated where practical;
• the internal recycling program will be improved;
• the use of plastic bottles and non-recyclable food utensils will be reduced;
• a LEED certification audit of the building’s energy efficiency will be completed this Spring.
• liaising with other Boards across Canada to share ideas and updates on Green initiatives.
• inclusion of green building costs in the “Rough/Advanced Guide to Construction Costs” publication.

As well, the following new 3-CEU credit seminars have been added to TREB’s slate of courses currently offered on environmental topics:

• “Identification of Environmental Risk” - (Residential)
• “Identification of Environmental Risk” - (Commercial)
• “Radon Gas – What You Need to Know and How it will Affect the Future of Real Estate Transactions”
• “Green Market Opportunities for REALTORS®”

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