News / Business
Marlyand Appraisal Firms Earns Green Certification
“Just because your business may be small doesn’t exempt you from your environmental responsibilities.” These words, stated by Jude Biedenkapp of Bay Area Appraisers, not only clearly expressed her environmental concerns but also signaled her desire to have her firm take a leadership role in this critically important area.
As a result of this commitment, Ms. Biedenkapp worked with Jean Cozzolino of Greener Perspectives, a Certified Green Consultant, to see exactly what additional things her firm might have to do to achieve national certification. “Many of us want to do the right things” said Ms. Biedenkapp, “but I also wanted to see what other things I may be able to do to contribute even more”.
Consequently, Ms. Cozzolino conducted an independent, third-party audit of Bay Area Appraisers business practices to determine exactly where the firm was in terms of meeting the stringent standards to achieve national certification.
This in-depth evaluation indicated that Bay Area Appraisers had not only incorporated solar heating for hot water but also had installed programmable thermostats, low-flush toilets, power strips to reduce phantom load, rain barrels for landscape watering, EnergyStar appliances, and only uses vacuums with HEPA filters. Additionally, the firm’s routine business practices include duplex printing, recycled paper and ink, paperless invoicing, primary use of e-mail over regular mail, water filtration system, and plastic bag recycling. And there’s more…much more.
In fact, this audit proved that Bay Area Appraisers not only met the minimal requirements for national certification but was eligible to receive a “Gold” status certification indicating significant accomplishments.
When presented with the findings, Ms. Biedenkapp noted that, while she was very pleased with her firm’s present accomplishments, there was still a long way to go. “This is just the first step. While I’m appreciative of the recognition, I was most excited that I was able to learn what more I could do. Plus, I hope many more firms will join us in our efforts to help our environment”
Bay Area Appraisers is a local firm that prides itself on providing the highest quality valuation services while maintaining competitive pricing. While they utilize the latest appraisal and information technologies, their real goal is to maximize customer satisfaction. And they’re obviously committed to conducting their business in a way that is mindful of their environmental responsibilities.
In conclusion, Ms. Cozzolino noted that “It’s always a privilege to work with a firm that is genuinely committed to minimizing its negative impact on the environment. Bay Area Appraisers is truly a firm that has earned its national certification and it was a pleasure to award them this small recognition for their achievement.”
Firms seeking Green certification, however, are warned to avoid certifications offered by website hoaxes which require only a fee and no live audit. Greenwashing hoaxes are all too common. Work only with a Certified Green Consultant.
If you would like to learn more about Bay Area Appraisers, you can go to their website at www.BayAreaAppraisers.com. If you would like to learn more about national certification, you can go to www.GreenerPerspectives.com.
