NAR's Green Designation Residential Elective Course provides real estate professionals with knowledge and awareness of green building principles applied in residences so that they can guide buyer–clients in purchasing and retrofitting green homes as well as help sellers by listing and marketing green properties. The Course encourages the real estate professional to be an advocate for green principles in the design and use of homes and a positive force for creating sustainable communities.

In order to earn NAR's Green Designation, the student must successfully complete the Core Course and one of three elective course. Elective courses are Green Residential Real Estate, Green Commercial Real Estate, and Green Property Management.

The overall goals of the NAR's Green Designation Residential Elective Course are to:

• Respond to customer trends and preferences for green home features in new construction and remodeling/retrofitting of existing homes.

• Describe resource–efficient home systems, appliances, building methods, and materials.

• Explain the benefits of an energy audit and guide clients and customers in obtaining one.

• Assist clients and customers in evaluating the cost–benefit of green home features and actions.

• Discuss green home principles and actions and respond to consumer preferences for green home features in new construction and remodeling/retrofitting of existing homes.

• Guide clients and customers in evaluating the cost–benefit of remodeling/retrofitting green–home features.

• Take into account green–home features when developing a price–proposal/offer for a seller or buyer.

• Demonstrate the cost/benefit value of green–home features in marketing properties.

• Inform clients and customers of green housekeeping, gardening, and landscaping methods.

• Recognize sources of VOCs and toxins that impact indoor air quality and the environment.

• Guide clients in selecting energy–efficient appliances and disposing of old ones.

• Exemplify green principles in disposal of recyclable and unrecyclable items.

• Identify coalition partners in the community.

• Compile information on green resources and programs in the community.

• Develop a network of professionals who adhere to green principles (contractors, designers, builders, repair service providers, landscapers).