3/19/2009 9:37:00 AM Real estate broker known as 'ecobroker'
Linda Wuebben/CorrespondentJoan Thomson of Bloomfield is shown outside the Welcome Center on Highway 81 near Crofton. She works as an “ecobroker.” “We have such a beautiful area up here and we need to develop it but remember to be environmentally conscious,” she says.
BLOOMFIELD - For Joan Thomson, it's all about going green.
Thomson is a real estate broker from Bloomfield who has achieved a broker's license specializing in being "eco-friendly."
"Go green, it's all about conserving energy," said Thomson. "It's the way of the future. We're running out of oil. Our atmosphere is polluted. It's something we need to do for us, our children and grandchildren."
Thomson is a real estate broker with Wood Bros. Realty of Lincoln. She is the first "Green Designation Realtor" in Nebraska.
Being involved in real estate since 1968, she has traveled and lived all over the country. She has also lived off the electrical grid two times in her life so conserving energy is just the way she lives.
Adding it to her job description was a natural thing to do.
The green designation allows Thomson to promote "green" principles when she lists and sells her real estate listings.
"In my go-green presentation, I use it as a selling concept," Thomson said. "I show buyers and sellers how much good can come from going green."
She talks to homeowners about energy efficiency savings with insulation, windows, appliances and heating and cooling systems.
Making people aware of indoor air quality, ventilation, radon testing and water quality is a new aspect for real estate brokers and something ecobrokers are licensed to point out to property owners.
Ecobrokers also are certified to talk to contractors and architects about being green-certified builders. They are qualified to discuss building orientation, windbreaks, shading and quality of construction materials from the get-go of a building project. Chemical composition of the building materials is also considered.
"A new home should not have an odor about it," Thomson said. "When you go in a home and breathe a whiff of air, it should be clean. That new home smell is the chemicals in the paint or the glue and that is not healthy."
But the eco-education does not stop there. Thomson has prepared presentations for schools and churches as well.
Green schools are popping up all over and energy savings are the driving force. A green school is a facility conducive to learning but also saves energy, resources and money.
Thomson is a member of the Flatwater Chapter of the United States Green Building Council in Lincoln. It encourages the practice of going green in their community and are all shades of green by promoting farmers markets to demonstrating water savings by changing plumbing in bathrooms.
Thomson pointed out that the council offer suggestions to architects when considering building placement for the greatest use of natural light and using of recycled construction materials. Solar panels are a successful option.
Improved acoustics make learning easier and energy efficient lighting can save lighting. Geo-thermal heating and cooling systems that make use of ground water wells allow windows to be opened for better ventilation.
Using paint and carpet glue that does not have a chemical smell improves air quality, too. Studies show children in green schools are healthier and achieve higher grades.
Encouraging alternative transportation like carpooling, walking or biking, developing recycling habits and sharing facilities in a community for a city-wide environmental impact are all areas Thomson touches when she talks to clients, schools and even as she shows congregations in churches how they can save money.
"We have so much to learn about saving energy and money," Thomson said. "I like to educate the public and local politicians. It's important for our children."
