The National Association of Realtors (NAR) stood in front of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and expressed its support for energy efficiency tax credits, block grants and weatherization assistance investments last week.

According to Jim Helsel, the NAR treasurer, there have been steps taken to raise public awareness about the benefits to green building, including a green designation program that offers certifications and training for real estate professionals.

“The federal government plays an important role in the green effort, providing public research, as well as capital and economic incentives,” Helsel says, “It is NAR’s belief that the government should continue to have a limited role offering incentives and grants to encourage the movement toward energy efficiency. However, we do believe it is important that the government’s role continue to be incentive-based only versus mandated and overly regulated processes.”