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Evening Program: $elling the Value of $ustainable Homes
March 12 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
We are excited to partner with the St. Louis Realtors Urban Affairs Committee for a joint program on how to communicate the value of sustainable homes.
Demand for sustainable homes is surging, and it’s not just about saving the planet. A recent study by Freddie Mac revealed that homes with high energy-efficiency ratings sold for 2.7% more than their less eco-friendly counterparts. This “green premium” is attracting both environmentally conscious buyers and those seeking long-term financial benefits.
Why the appeal? Sustainable homes offer cost-savings, reduced environmental impact, durability, and healthier indoor living. Driven by environmental awareness, economic benefits, and recent government incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act, the demand for sustainable homes is growing and is expected to continue. With this increased demand and with more sustainable homes entering the market, sellers and realtors will need to begin expanding their expertise around sustainable home technology so they can communicate its value within the market – especially to prospective buyers. Even though a growing number of homebuyers are interested or open to purchasing a sustainable home, they may come to the table with questions and concerns, such as:
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- What should homeowners look out for when purchasing a home with sustainable technologies? Is it a good investment?
- How easy is it to maintain sustainable technologies, and what is the associated cost?
- How will sustainable technologies be inspected to make sure they are operating correctly and effectively?
This program, hosted in partnership with the St. Louis Realtors Urban Affairs Committee, seeks to introduce the audience to two key sustainable technologies (solar panels and heat pumps), followed by a panel discussion with local experts, who will address key questions and concerns that come up pertaining to value (cost-savings, incentives) and maintenance. Attendees will learn key information about green home technology and will be able to communicate the value of sustainable homes to prospective buyers.
PRESENTERS
Eric Schneider, Director of Business Development, StraightUp Solar
Eric joined the StraightUp Solar team in 2019. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association, and is a certified PV Associate from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. With an Economics degree from Grinnell College and a Master’s of Planning Degree from the University of Minnesota, he has been interested in the triple-bottom line of people, planet and profit throughout his professional career. For sixteen years Eric held positions at the St. Louis Regional Chamber in sustainability, public policy and economic development, where he led the St. Louis Green Business Challenge which assisted 175 businesses to improve sustainable businesses and reduce their environmental impact. He also directed the Chamber’s green economy focus, producing the St. Louis Green Jobs Report and convening the Green Confluence Summit. Previous to his roles at the Chamber, Eric did planning and marketing for hospitals, city planning, and sports reporting.
Jason LaChance, Executive Board Member & Instructor, SMART Local 36
Jason LaChance began his career as a Union Sheet Metal Worker, in October of 1996 as a commercial HVAC apprentice. After his apprenticeship, Jason worked for a handful of mechanical contractors, running work, detailing jobs, coordinating jobs, and balancing HVAC systems. Through the years, he has worn many hats, working in just about every facet of his trade. Currently he is an Executive Board Member and instructor at SMART Local 36 Training School, where he teaches several things, focusing on testing and air balancing, computer aided drafting, duct design, and measuring and detailing. Jason is a TABB certified technician and supervisor, with a number of other certifications, including Fume Hood Testing Technician, Sound and Vibration Supervisor, Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor, Indoor Air Quality Technician, Duct Testing Technician, and Smoke Control Technician.
PANELISTS
Scott McIntosh, Realtor, Circa Properties
Scott McIntosh is a self-described architecture and design enthusiast with a penchant for community building. A native of Southwest Missouri, he relocated here in 2002 and was quickly blown away by the incredible and diverse architecture St. Louis has to offer. Scott was drawn to a career in real estate as it brought together his love of people, architecture, and being of service to others. With 20+ years of marketing, data analytics, project management, and customer service, he is well-equipped to help people on their home-buying and selling journey. After a five-year stint at Mizzou, Scott walked away with a degree in Communications and a minor in English. Swearing he’d never go back to school, Scott graduated from Washington University’s Olin Business School in 2007 with his MBA. Having lived in Ballwin, University City, Clayton, Tower Grove Heights, and Benton Park West, Scott has settled into South Hampton with his boyfriend, David, and two furry characters: Hermione and Millie.
Mark Goodman, Inspector, BPG Inspections
Mark is St. Louis, born and raised, and resided in Missouri all but approximately 5-1/2 years when he was living and managing an off-the-grid scuba diving resort in Mexico. For close to 20 years, Mark successfully owned and operated a professional construction company specializing in general contracting, remodeling, construction, and project management. Mark has also been involved in residential property management, project management, pr/marketing, and the hardware and building material industries. He entered the residential and commercial building inspection industry in 2014. Mark spends much of his spare time actively participating in the management and operations of St. Louis ASHI and volunteering on committees and as an ASHI national director. Mark has been a volunteer search and rescue team member for many years, helping local community emergency response teams, and likes travel, scuba diving, photography, cooking, and enjoying life.
Tom Miller, Director of Service and O&M, StraighUp Solar
Tom is the Director of Service and O&M at StraightUp Solar, and is a certified PV Associate from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Throughout his career, he has always tried to find meaningful work for society and the environment. Tom began his professional career with a 10-year span working in hazardous waste investigations and remediation, then he moved into potable water supply for the next 10, and most recently, for the past 8 years, has worked in energy efficiency consulting. Tom holds a BS and MS in Geological Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He has also taken courses in water and wastewater treatment, energy efficiency, construction, safety, and solar power systems. In his free time, Tom loves to be in the outdoors, where he enjoys hiking, canoeing, camping, and metal detecting. He’s also a big fan of live music and art.
ADMISSION
Free
CONTINUING EDUCATION: To be submitted for AIA CES.
Learning Objectives:
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- Explain key information about green home technology like solar panels and heat pumps and how they contribute value to homes through increased value and long-term savings for homebuyers.
- Describe key maintenance considerations for solar panel and heat pump technology to educate prospective homebuyers on how to maintain the value of sustainable technology in their homes.
- Identify the specific factors that contribute to the value of sustainable homes, including trade-offs of long-term savings v. upfront costs, available incentives, maintenance savings, future-proofing, and reduced environmental impact.
- Demonstrate strategies for communicating the value of sustainable homes to different audiences, whether sellers, buyers, or builders.
CONSENT TO USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES
This event will be recorded and shared on our website. Registration/attendance at, or participation in Missouri Gateway Green Building Council programs and activities constitutes an agreement by the registrants to allow the organization to use and distribute (both now and in the future) the attendee’s image, in photographs, video, and electronic reproductions of such events and activities.
AIA CES PROVIDER STATEMENT
Missouri Gateway Green Building Council is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number R341. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
