Chris Moss says he survived the "childhood trauma" of having real estate brokers as parents, only to become one himself for a large Manhattan company. Four years ago, Moss decided to blaze his own trail in New York City, and he made it a green one by founding Moss Real Estate Group, an agency that considers the environment an important part of a property transaction.

For clients who buy or sell property through Moss, the company will purchase carbon offset credits for one year, with the aim of inspiring those clients to continue the eco-friendly action when Moss stops paying the tab. Moss says, "We walk them through the process and pay for it for one year. It's really about letting people know that this is something they can do, and showing them how simple it is." In addition, the Soho office purchases wind power from the utility company.

Moss says that though great strides have been made in the eco-friendly building industry, most people don't yet have an understanding of how they're affected personally by greener construction. He says his company intends to change that. Moss says he can't resist pointing out the eco-friendly choice in a home renovation or construction project, but he isn't interested in forcing anyone to go greener. He says, "It's not about just smothering people with information they don't want. I put a teaser out there like, 'Did you know there's a great place in Williamsburg to get environmentally designed construction materials for your renovation?' If you get positive feedback, you go from there.

The company founder feels a certain responsibility due to his chosen profession: Worldwide, buildings consume nearly 40 percent of the world's energy, 25 percent of its wood, and 15 percent of its water.

"The real estate services industry really has a great opportunity to influence change because it all starts at home," Moss says.

Related Resources

Related Articles Eco-conscious Products Here's to Solving a Real Drinking Problem- The Green Glass Company Wal-Mart's Conscience See All Related Articles

Related Eco Categories Transportation & Travel How to Guides Top 10s Science & Technology

Topics Saving Money Home Recycling Alternative Energy Health

Tip of the Day Grab a Short Stack of Napkins Retire the Spare Fridge See All Tips

Glossary Linoleum Polyester Hazardous waste Composting toilet Cross-ventilation Full Glossary

Site Resources Directory Answers Quizzes