WASHINGTON — The National Association of Realtors (NAR) opened for business in Washington, D.C.’s most environmentally advanced commercial building expected to receive “green” certification.

The building will be the first newly constructed building in the District of Columbia to meet “green” standards — high levels of environmental performance as set by the U.S. Green Building Council. NAR expects to earn a certification from the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System for the structure. The building’s efficient use of water and energy will benefit the environment while keeping operating costs down. The building uses an abundance of natural daylight and low-emitting materials to help create a worker-friendly and visitor-friendly indoor environment.

NAR President Walt McDonald said the building was more than a symbol of NAR’s growing strength and influence. “It is one more way we are achieving our mission as an association to be the leading advocate in our nation’s capital for our business and for property owners’ rights. It also represents the important work our members do to help America’s families achieve the dream of homeownership.”

“The building is also a testament of NAR’s commitment to this community,” McDonald said, noting that NAR has had a consistent presence in Washington for more than 60 years.

Publication date: 12/06/2004