Macdonald Realty offers our clients the ability to make all of their real estate transactions earth friendly.
The best way we have seen so far to "green" some of the worst impacts arising out of real estate transactions. This is a project that I proposed to Macrealty-so it is near and dear to my heart. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!
So what are we doing?
Macdonald Realty pays to offset the car emissions released by our agents in the course of business. Our partner – Offsetters – uses these funds to invest in carbon-reducing initiatives both in Canada and internationally.
CLICK 2 OFFSET!
How Macdonald Realty is putting its words into action:
- Office analysis and retrofitting, led by an LEED accredited specialist, to ensure that our offices conserve as much energy as possible.
- 800 Agents reducing emissions on Thousands of Transactions.
- No cost to the client to make any transaction earth friendly (costs are paid by the realtor).
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a carbon offset?
A “carbon offset” is an emission reduction credit from a project that results in less carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere than would otherwise occur. There are various kinds of offset projects such as tree planting or reforestation, building retrofits (i.e. installing more efficient heating/cooling systems) and renewable energy projects such as ground source heat pumps or wind power. The common goal of all such projects is to reduce fossil fuel usage, which in turn, eliminates harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
How is offsetting my CO2 going to help reduce the threat of climate change?
Climate change is a serious threat facing humankind. All of us need to do what we can to reduce our emissions. What remains should be offset to minimize our impact on climate change. Offsetting reduces climate change by: reducing amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere (that would not otherwise happen without the individual’s or company’s contribution); providing funds for renewable energy projects and efficient appliances; raising awareness of the impact that our lifestyles have on the climate.
What are high quality carbon offset projects?
Many types of activities can generate carbon offsets. However, not all projects result in credible reductions in greenhouse gases and some cause other environmental and socio-economical problems. High quality offset projects can reduce emissions while providing sustainability benefits. Purchasing high-quality carbon offsets, such as those from renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects, helps make these projects economically competitive with fossil fuels, and create jobs and know-how for the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
What are the benefits to us, as buyers and sellers?
At no additional cost, you will know that if you buy or sell a house through Macdonald Realty, and register for our Macgreen carbon offsetting program, you will be contributing to the fight against global warming at no additional cost to you. We also encourage you to visit Offsetters to purchase carbon offsets for your entire year of driving. I have done this so when you do a real estate transaction through me, the offsets can be compensated for doubly (I have already offset my yearly emmissions but will buy further offsets to apply to your transaction).
What is the cost to participate in this program?
There is no cost to you for participating. All of the costs are borne by Macdonald Realty and its agents.
Do we have to sign up?
If you want your transaction to be carbon neutral, you will have to sign up. All you need is the agent’s name, office location, and the address of the bought or sold property. It only takes a few minutes to register the information on Macdonald Realty’s website (click on ‘Click 2 Offset’ at the top of this page).
How does it work?
You simply sign up after the transaction has been completed and Macdonald Realty will send a cheque to Offsetters.
What percentage goes to Macdonald Realty?
As a non-profit division of Macdonald Realty, MacGreen does not take a cut from this transaction. In fact, the Company is an active financial participant with the realtors, in this initiative.
What is Offsetters?
Offsetters is Canada's first and leading provider of high quality carbon offsets. The Vancouver-based organization works with individuals and businesses to calculate, track, reduce, and finally offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Offsetters' funds are invested into renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that achieve tangible reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that would not have taken place without its involvement. Every credit sold by Offsetters is verified - and comes from a project that has been validated - by a third party to the best available standard as being real, additional, permanent, quantifiable, and unique.
Where does Offsetters invest its funds?
Offsetters invests the funds it receives from Macdonald Realty and other clients into renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that would not take place without its involvement. Past projects include installation of high efficiency light bulbs in South Africa (where electricity is 95% coal-generated) and installation of less polluting bio-gas stoves in Honduras. Their most recent Canadian projects include fuel switching and energy efficiency in greenhouses and ground-source heat pump installations at five residential and community-based facilities.
If you have any questions on the MacGreen program, please contact Patricia for more information. phoulihan@livegreennow.ca or 604-376-7653
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