In the coming years, the annual report will offer a snapshot of NAR’s current state of sustainability activity – existing programs, resources and services – while tracking the association’s progress over time on stated goals within the context of NAR’s multiyear sustainability and resilience plan.
“Leading by example, NAR is driving the real estate industry toward a more efficient and sustainable future,” NAR CEO Bob Goldberg said in a release. “As part of this responsibility, we are strengthening the association’s support of sustainability efforts and increasing engagement on policies and programs that prioritize viability, resiliency and adaptability. We are working to generate meaningful, lasting change that will benefit both current and future generations.”
Some of NAR’s major environmental sustainability achievements in 2021 included the Chicago Headquarters’ Master Vision Project. Initiated in 2018, this project has brought forth the most significant updates to the building in 60 years. Under normal operations, these changes will bring up to 25 percent in energy savings from the installation of new mechanical systems and a 75 percent reduction in energy consumption from the new elevator system. Materials, resources, and waste tracking all aim to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.
In addition, NAR continued its partnership with the Food Recovery Network in 2021 to donate any unused food portions from major meetings to those most in need. To date, NAR has provided more than 4,170 pounds of unserved meals to local organizations.
The resilience category included a variety of short- and long-term actions that help Realtors and communities respond to and prepare for extreme weather and a changing climate. For instance:
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