REALTORS(R)' Energy Conservation Kit improves energy performance for Canadian homes

    TORONTO, May 11 /CNW/ - The National Association of Green Agents and
Brokers (NAGAB) has announced the completion of an Energy Conservation Kit for
REALTORS(R) to implement electricity efficiency and conservation measures by
the use of energy saving items.
    "The Realtor Energy Conservation kit will assist over 50,000 Realtors in
Ontario by providing them with the knowledge and tools to help their client
home buyers and sellers reduce their home energy use," says NAGAB Executive
Director, Elden Freeman.
    This Conservation Kit is made possible through the generous support by
the Ministry of Energy Ontario through their Community Conservation
Initiatives (CCI) program. This is the CCI program's third year helping to
support community-based conservation projects in an effort to continue
building Ontario's conservation culture.
    This kit will contain a whole-home checklist that will allow REALTORS(R)-  to observe key areas of the home that impact energy efficiency
    -  information on the different elements of the home
    -  tips on improving the energy efficiency
    -  information on retrofits and renovations pertaining to that area of
       the homeThere will also be information on grant programs that have been
established to provide the home-owners with funds in order to make these
important changes. It is made available FREE to REALTORS(R) and their client
home buyers and sellers across Ontario, and will be accessible via a
downloadable document on the NAGAB website, www.nagab.org.
    Using energy efficient products can add worth to a home. Upgrading with
energy-saving features can increase a home's value by up to 5%. If marketed
properly, home-owners could use energy improvements as another selling
feature. For buyers, utility costs and upkeep costs will be much lower with
the decision to go green. For sellers, more money can be made from the
increased value of their home.
    The kit will officially be launched during the Realtor Quest Show of the
Toronto Real Estate Board that kicks off May 12 and 13, 2008 at the Toronto
Congress Centre.

For further information: Media Contact: Graeme Bennett, Director of
Communications, [e-mail]