The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) and the National Apartment Association Educational Institute (NAAEI) have jointly launched a new Green Credential for Property Management (GCPM) designed for on-site managers, maintenance staff and supervisors of front-line staff.

The new credential meets the requirements of the voluntary Green Initiative established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Affordable Housing Preservation (OAHP) for its Mark-to-Market program (M2M).

The NAHMA / NAAEI Green Credential for Property Management will provide management companies and owners a mechanism for meeting their commitment to OAHP if they have opted for a Green restructuring. In addition, for management companies and owners not participating in the M2M program, the Green Credential for Property Management ensures that staff members who earn the credential have learned the latest techniques and technologies for making cost-saving green improvements at properties.

HUD introduced its Green Initiative in July 2007 as a nationwide pilot program designed to encourage owners and purchasers of affordable, multifamily properties to rehabilitate and operate their properties using sustainable Green Building principles. These principles comprise sustainability, energy efficiency, recycling, and indoor air quality, and incorporate HUD’s “Healthy Housing” initiatives. Details on OAHP’s Green Initiative are available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/omhar/paes/greenini.cfm.

According to HUD, Green rehabilitation practices should result in lower utility usage that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reduces costs to the benefit of owners, HUD and residents. When rehabilitation, repairs, and replacements are performed in a manner that meets both Green and Healthy Housing principles, owners and residents will benefit from lower utility costs, improved indoor air quality, lower risk of pest infestations, lower levels of allergens, and reduced risk of mold-related illness.

Owners who volunteer to participate in the HUD M2M Green Initiative can receive the benefit of a reduced owner contribution to the rehabilitation needs (to as low as 3 percent) plus an increased Incentive Performance Fee (to as much as 50 percent more than a Traditional M2M Restructure). Since its introduction, over 50 properties with over 4,000 units have opted into the Green Initiative with a projection that 60 to 100 additional properties per year will be rehabilitated.

To earn the GCPM and meet the OAHP requirements, an individual must complete a minimum of 16 hours of training in the required topics from an approved provider. A minimum of 8 hours of training must come from the following topics:

• Green Building Principles and Practices Overview
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Integrated Pest Management
• Indoor Air Quality
• Green Operations and Maintenance

Additional hours of training may cover:

• Green Site Landscaping, Xeriscape, Composting, etc.
• Green Building Systems
• Alternative Energy Sources (Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Combined Heat and Power, Co-generation)
• Energy Star (including indoor and outdoor lighting)
• WaterSense Programs
• Recycling and Waste Reduction
• Resident Green Education

To maintain and renew the Green Credential for Property Management, one must annually earn four hours of training in any of the 14 topics listed above. All training must be delivered by a provider accepted by OAHP. The initial and ongoing training can be instructor-led classes, on-line courses, training seminars, association or industry training sessions or college courses.

For a copy of the Green Credential for Property Management application and further details on the program, please visit http://www.nahma.org/content/greencred.html or http://www.naahq.org/education/designationprograms/other/Pages/default.aspx.

About NAHMA:

NAHMA is the leading voice for affordable housing management, advocating on behalf of multifamily property managers and owners whose mission is to provide quality affordable housing. NAHMA supports legislative and regulatory policy that promotes the development and preservation of decent and safe affordable housing, is a vital resource for technical education and information, fosters strategic relations between government and industry and recognizes those who exemplify the best in affordable housing. Founded in 1990, NAHMA’s membership today includes the industry’s most distinguished multifamily owners and management companies. Visit www.nahma.org for more details.

About NAAEI:

The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) is the education arm of the National Apartment Association. The mission of NAAEI is to provide broad-based education, training and recruitment programs that attract, nurture and retain high-quality professionals and develop tomorrow’s apartment industry leaders. Visit www.naahq.org and www.ApartmentCareerHQ.org for more information.