environment and sustainability
irem position
the free-market system is the most appropriate means of attaining energy conservation and production goals. increased conservation and domestic expansion are essential to our nation's security and economic prosperity. the nation should strive for greater energy self-sufficiency through further development of existing sources, decontrol of energy prices and the development of all new sources of domestic energy to reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies.
irem supports the development of voluntary standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. we support the use of sustainable materials in the construction of buildings, and programs that reduce the “carbon footprint” of real estate assets. however, requirements to retrofit existing buildings must take into consideration the needs of the buildings and costs associated with such changes. additional research is necessary to determine to what level greenhouse gases are affecting the environment versus natural climactic changes humans’ control.
thus, we strongly urge that legislators and policymakers focus on voluntary standards for new construction and existing properties such as energy tax credits, tax deductions and voluntary programs like energy star.
irem strongly opposes mandatory national standards for building energy conservation such as mandatory installation, purchase, or usage guidelines for energy conserving products.
(adopted 6/86, updated 11/05, 10/09, 8/12, 10/24)
environmental pollution
irem position
efforts to control pollution and to protect natural resources must be balanced with efforts to increase (a) energy efficiency and independence, (b) economic vitality, and (c) productivity. we support legislation and/or regulations requiring more complete disclosure of information pertaining to hazardous waste on property that is to be sold or leased. however, provisions should be included to relieve intermediaries of liability when they are unknowingly involved in property transactions where hazardous waste has been generated, stored, or disposed.
we believe the federal government cannot and should not assume all the responsibility for eliminating pollution problems. state and local governments should participate fully in such decisions, free of the threat of federal sanctions.
we oppose those aspects of environmental and natural resource legislation that amount to uncompensated condemnation of private property through government actions. it is essential that the rights of private property owners be fully recognized in federal programs and laws.
irem further urges all property managers to be familiar with state enforcement of megan’s law as well as state privacy law requirements.
(adopted 10/24)
energy emission trading
irem position
providing an economic incentive, in the form of credits, would encourage energy efficiency improvements and assist in paying for those upgrades. irem supports voluntary, market-based incentives for energy efficiency. irem supports federal funding of a cost/benefit analysis and research into the feasibility of an emissions trading program for the real estate industry.
(adopted 4/08, 10/11, 4/16, 10/24)
indoor air quality
irem position
irem believes that our members should be informed as to the potential hazards to tenants and employees from indoor air contaminants, including but not limited to asbestos, radon, mold, volatile organic compounds (vocs), and lead, any handling, notification or remediation of the same, be handled using qualified professionals following all federal, state and local regulations and industry best practices.
any regulation of indoor air contaminants in buildings should be based on scientifically proven significant levels of exposure and hazard to the public. such regulation should allow reasonable time periods in which to comply with regulations, provide flexibility in how to comply, require comprehensive training and certification for treatment or abatement contractors and laboratory technicians, and provide for a "prioritization" of regulation with respect to the particular hazard posed by certain building types and classes as well as geographic location.
any regulation of indoor air contaminants in buildings should be based on scientifically proven significant levels of exposure and hazard to the public. such regulation should allow reasonable time periods in which to comply with regulations, provide flexibility in how to comply, require comprehensive training and certification for treatment or abatement contractors and laboratory technicians, and provide for a "prioritization" of regulation with respect to the particular hazard posed by certain building types and classes as well as geographic location.
further, we support the position that properties receive real estate tax credits to recognize the fact that the imposition of building codes in many instances forced owners to use materials which were later discovered to pose health risks and which they must now bear the cost to remove.
(adopted 11/90, updated 4/06, 4/10, 4/13, 10/24)
irem position
irem is concerned over the health and well-being of individuals, the environment, and visitors of residential buildings. when no federal, state or local smoking/ vaping laws exist, residential property owners may decide what is in the best interest for their occupants and maintenance of the property and develop policies accordingly.
(adopted 4/11, updated 10/16, 10/24)
mold
irem position
fungi are present almost everywhere in indoor and outdoor environments. mold is a real estate problem because it consumes products made from wood, and the paper facing on gypsum board (drywall). however, without water, mold cannot grow.
there is no established dose-response relationship nor is there an established safe level of exposure. this absence of scientific and health-related research and data presents a risky situation for property owners, managers, and other real estate industry professionals.
the institute encourages all governmental bodies to conduct vigorous scientific study of indoor mold prior to promulgating any regulations or legislation on mold.
irem recommends its members resolve moisture, leak, and flood issues quickly including initial drying and remediation within 48 hours of an incident. if mold is found, it is recommended members consult with a qualified expert and follow the epa’s guidelines.
further, owners, buyers, sellers, lessees, and lessors should consult with appropriately qualified experts for any desired advice and guidance about mold, and avoid conduct inferring real estate brokers, managers and appraisers are experts in the field of mold or its effects.
the institute encourages the adoption of state laws providing a defense to claims against real estate brokers and property managers who have truthfully disclosed any known mold problems or conditions and provided buyers/tenants with specified disclosure information regarding mold.
the institute encourages the federal government to develop a national mold hazard insurance program akin to the flood hazard insurance program. we also support the establishment of federal tax credits that reimburse a taxpayer for expenses paid during a taxable year for mold inspection and remediation.
irem position:
irem supports epa's energy star program as a means for reducing energy costs. irem agrees to be an endorser of this program, and will encourage our members to use proven energy-efficient technologies to eliminate waste and cut energy costs.
(adopted 11/02, confirmed 4/07, updated 3/11, 10/24)
water conservation
irem position
irem supports voluntary water conservation efforts. states and localities should have the authority and flexibility to determine which measures are most suitable for their state or location.
(adopted 11/00, updated: 4/02, 4/07, 3/11, 10/16, 10/24)