Environmental Basics

The Alabama Real Estate Commission has approved and authorized Alabama Real Estate Institute to teach this Environmental Basics Course which provides 6-hours of CE (Continuing Education) as an elective course that can be applied to the total 15-hours CE credit required to renew any salesperson or broker license every two years.

The goal of this course is to identify environmental hazards and how they affect the real estate industry, including environmental factors that may require a disclosure statement. Topics covered include Air Quality, Radon, Asbestos, Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation, Mold, Ground Water, Smart Growth, and Green Housing. Students will learn about the major health effects and remedies of these substances, as well as ways of preventing or eliminating biological pollutants.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course the student will be able to:

• List common environmental hazards that require disclosure.
• Discuss sources of pollution that affect indoor air quality.
• Explain why Urea-Formaldehyde foam insulation may be a problem to certain people.
• Identify the major health hazards of formaldehyde.
• Identify the major health effects of exposure to Lead and Asbestos.
• Recognize the types of material that contain Asbestos.
• List sources of Lead Poisoning.
• Know how to advise or disclose to buyers/sellers when lead contamination is suspected.
• Understand what Mold is, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.
• Learn the health effects of Mold exposure.
• Recognize the steps licensees can take to reduce Toxic Mold liability.
• Be able to explain the provisions of the Melina Bill.
• Identify the major health effects of exposure to Radon and how to test for it.
• Recognize sources of groundwater contamination.
• Know clues to look for when inspecting properties for possible underground storage tanks.
• Discuss the testing methods for leaking underground storage tanks.
• Recognize signs of a hazardous waste dump site.
• Understand Brownfields and learn why their cleanup and redevelopment is important.
• Cite legislation which governs Brownfields and explain the intent of legislation.
• Understand who is liable for the cleanup costs of a Brownfield.
• Illustrate the functions of Wetlands and the importance of Wetland Remediation.
• Classify the unique characteristics of different Wetland types.
• Evaluate the various landowner assistance programs available to Wetland owners.
• Identify entities that regulate the management and use of Wetlands.
• Discuss courses of action a buyer could take when an environmental hazard is found on a property.
• Describe responsibilities of a license to a client.
• Learn why Smart Growth is important.
• Understand the key features of Smart Growth that relate to environmental issues.
• Learn about demand for Green Houses and how to sell them.
• List the four main causes of poor indoor air quality.
• Recognize the potential dangers of modern materials used in construction.
• Explain the components of energy efficient houses.
• Discuss energy ratings and energy efficient mortgages.

Learning Strategies:

• We encourage online participation to ensure a more complete understanding of the subject matter.
• Provide group discussion and quizzes; then the correct answers are given to ensure the student retains the proper knowledge.
• Provide quiz builders to allow the student to realize their knowledge base of the topic and to peak their interest.
• Picture and charactures are used to capture attention, create more excitement and enthusiasm, and make the learning process more retainable.
• Books, examples, illustrations, and pertinent information are given to each student.
• Web links to various sites are provided to enhance possible knowledge dealing with specific topics.
• Web links to editorials provide additional pertinent information.

Learning Strategies:

• We encourage online participation to ensure a more complete understanding of the subject matter.
• Provide group discussion and quizzes; then the correct answers are given to ensure the student retains the proper knowledge.
• Provide quiz builders to allow the student to realize their knowledge base of the topic and to peak their interest.
• Picture and charactures are used to capture attention, create more excitement and enthusiasm, and make the learning process more retainable.
• Books, examples, illustrations, and pertinent information are given to each student.
• Web links to various sites are provided to enhance possible knowledge dealing with specific topics.
• Web links to editorials provide additional pertinent information.

Click on this link to register for Environmental Basics for Online/CD ROM.