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Quick Start GuideMLS Green FieldsA CMLS Quick Start Guide To MLS Green Fieldspublished byCouncil of Multiple Listing Services1000 N. Green Valley Parkway #440-583Henderson, NV 89074
Quick Start GuideMLS Green FieldsA CMLS Quick Start Guide To MLS Green FieldsThe Council of MLS (CMLS) Quick Start Guide:MLS Green Fields is based on best practices andsuccess stories from CMLS members usingcertification requirements defined by the RealEstate Standards Organization (RESO). The intentof this supplement is to provide a best practicecheck list that makes the identification andimplementation of “green fields” or homeperformance indicators easier, and to provideinformation related to RESO certification.This guide was produced in collaboration with theCMLS Green Section Council and Real EstateStandards Organization. It was published by theCouncil of Multiple Listing Services.2018 CMLS Edition 1.0
Quick StartJump to the page that best defines your organization. You’llfind associated fields and “lookup value” lists grouped foreasy identification in each section.Just Getting Started (start with page 3). Update nine existing fields with lookup values. Implement the Green Search/Marketing Group. Update six additional fields with lookup values.Adding Best Practices (start with page 7). Implement Green Verification Group across one program. Implement PV solar fields in Power Production Group.Approaching Best In Class (start with page 9). Implement additional Green Verification Group fields. Implement Power Production Group.Terminology TipsDrop-downs. Lookup values. Pick-list options. Featuresets. Enumerations. Depending on where your MLS islocated and the role you have within your MLS, youprobably know at least one of these terms, but not all.That’s perfectly fine. They all mean relatively the samething. These are all the terms various MLSs use to referto a pre-programmed list of options that a user canchoose from when entering data into a controlled field.We’ve introduced them here as “lookup values,” whichis the label RESO uses in the Data Dictionary Wiki, andwe will use that term throughout the rest of this guide.2RESO Certification TipsRESO certification isconsidered the industry’sbenchmark practice forMLSs. The highlighted fieldsare also consideredstandard as anticipated inRESO Data Dictionary 1.7,published in summer 2018.Most of the fields in thisQuick Start Guide are partof RESO’s silvercertification. MLSs thatchoose to implement thesefields were asked to meetcertification standards byJan. 1, 2018, or on the dateof implementation. Exactspecifications are availablein the latest RESO DataDictionary Wiki and allgreen field header lists arehyperlinked to the datadictionary for convenience.
Just Getting Started.Getting started is easier than you think. Start with the nine existing fields and lookupvalues. Most MLSs already have a foundation for adding these fields. They are thesame fields used for common features like doors and appliances. In many cases,you’ll only have to change traditional lookup values to include environmentally friendlyvalues, which are also known as home performance indicators.Nine Existing Fields and Lookup ValuesAppliancesCurrent FinancingENERGY STAR Qualified AppliancesENERGY STAR Qualified DishwasherENERGY STAR Qualified DryerENERGY STAR Qualified FreezerENERGY STAR Qualified RefrigeratorENERGY STAR Qualified WasherENERGY STAR Qualified Water HeaterInstant Hot WaterSolar Hot WaterTankless Water HeaterVented Exhaust FanWater PurifierWater Purifier OwnedWater Purifier RentedLeased RenewablesProperty-Assessed Clean EnergyPower Purchase AgreementDoor FeaturesENERGY STAR Qualified DoorsStorm Door(s)ElectricEnergy Storage DeviceNet MeterPhotovoltaics Seller OwnedPhotovoltaics Third-Party OwnedPre-Wired for RenewablesReady for RenewablesWind Turbine Seller OwnedWind Turbine Third-Party OwnedConstruction MaterialsAttic/Crawl Hatchway(s) InsulatedBatts InsulationBlown-In InsulationCement SidingDucts Professionally Air SealedExterior Duct Work is InsulatedFoam InsulationICAT Recessed LightingICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms)Low VOC InsulationRadian BarrierRammed EarthRecycled/Bio-Based InsulationSpray Foam InsulationTrombe WallHeatingDuctless (Synonym: ductless mini-split)ENERGY STAR Qualified EquipmentENERGY STAR or ACCA RSI QualifiedInstallationGeothermal (Synonym: ground-source heatpump or water-source heat pump)Heat Pump (Synonym: air-source heatpump)Humidity ControlSolar Radiant Heat FlooringSolar Heat Baseboard(s)ZonedOther EquipmentAir PurifierDehumidifierIrrigation EquipmentCoolingAttic FanCeiling Fan(s)Ductless (Synonym: ductless mini-split)ENERGY STAR Qualified EquipmentGeothermal (Synonym: ground-source heatpump or water-source heat pump)Heat Pump (Synonym: Air-source heatpump)Humidity ControlWhole House FanZonedWindow FeaturesENERGY STAR Qualified WindowsInsulated WindowsLow Emissivity WindowsPlantation ShuttersScreensShuttersSkylight(s)Solar ScreensStorm Window(s)Triple Pane Windows3
While all fields on page 3 are existing fields, some lookup values cause confusionbecause the market is in the early stages of adopting a universally recognizeddefinition. To help your MLS avoid these common points of confusion, the CMLSGreen Section Council has developed terminology to provide some clarity.Definition Check ListHeat PumpsHeat pumps have become increasingly popular because they provide a highlyefficient means of space heating and cooling. Since the equipment providesheating and cooling, offer heat pump as a lookup value in each field. There aretwo main types of heat pumps: air-source (with an electric plug) and groundsource (built deep into the ground).RESO fields: Heating and CoolingMarketing ClaimMitigation Tips“geothermal” Ground-source heat pumps have become commonly known as geothermal.True geothermal is related to steam power from something like a geyser.“ductless mini-splits” This is an example of an air-source heat pump.Lookup value for air-source heat pump and ductless mini-split is a bestpractice.“solar heat pump” This is not exactly accurate as a value.See solar heat (below) for a better solution.Solar HeatThere is some confusion related to solar heat. True solar heat is relatively rare.Review three marketing claims that seem to create the most confusion and thenconsider the corresponding suggestions to mitigate them.RESO fields: Appropriate Fields or GroupMarketing ClaimMitigation Tips“Passive solar design” Offer “Passive Solar” as a choice in Architectural Design field.List features like “Trombe Wall” in the Construction Materials field.Offer third-party certifications such as “PHIUS Passive Home” using GreenVerification Group.“Active solar” or“solar thermal heat” Offer ”Solar Radiant Heat Flooring” in the Heating field.Offer “Solar Heat Baseboard(s)” in the Heating field.“Solar heat pump” or“solar-assisted heatpump” A standard air-source heat pump may be attached to a dedicated PV solarsystem with a backup connection to the standard electric system.Note the system details by using the Power Production Group.Solar ACAs with solar heat, true solar AC is rare. Review the marketing claims belowand then consider the corresponding mitigation tips. RESO fields: Cooling or Power Production GroupMarketing ClaimMitigation Tips“Solar AC” or “solarassisted AC” A standard air-source heat pump may be attached to a dedicated PV solarsystem, with a backup connection to the standard electric system; indicatewith air-source heat pump in Cooling field.As above for a standard electrical central air conditioning unit, powered witha dedicated PV solar system; indicate with AC in Cooling field.Note the PV system details using the Power Production Group.4
New green technologies and features are beingintroduced almost every day. The Green Search/Marketing Group provides the perfect opportunityfor MLSs to keep up. Rather than trying to captureand fit in every emerging home performanceindicator, adding the group will allow sellers tomarket homes using major green categories butwithout requiring MLSs to continually redefinelookup values.Introducting the group offers several additionalbenefits. These fields simplify the search functionfor buyers who are looking for a specific performance category, e.g., an agentworking with a family that includes an asthmatic child is interested in extensive indoorair quality features. The group also benefits appraisers. Instead of asking them tounderstand all window types and whether they are currently considered “green,” theappraiser can search consistent categories built into the group and find homes withina similar range of efficiencies for comparison.To keep up with RESO standards, add the Green Search/Marketing Group. Ask yourIT team or technology provider to help you add them.Green Search/Marketing Group and Lookup oofThermostatWater rving MethodsOnsite Recycling CenterRecycled MaterialsRegionally Sourced MaterialsRenewable MaterialsSalvaged MaterialsGreenWaterConservationEfficient Hot Water DistributionGray Water SystemGreen InfrastructureLow-Flow FixturesWater RecyclingWater-Smart orAirQualityContaminant ControlIntegrated Pest ManagementMoisture ControlVentilation5
Green Search/Marketing Field Quick StartTipsQuick StartSelecting lookup valuesDue to the nature of Green Search/Marketing Group, the relatedlookup values are stable over the long term and do not changemuch by climate, housing characteristics, or market practices.Best Practice: Implement RESO lookup values as is from the DataDictionary Wiki.Liability considerationsGreen Search/Marketing Group data is unverified and thereforerequires important follow-up steps to confirm informationprovided. Listing agents and sellers will need to provideexplanations and backing of the green search and marketingattributes they choose to display in the MLS.ContextThe RESO Data Dictionary Workgroup carefully designed theGreen Search/Marketing Group so they could be used alongsidethe existing traditional fields with green lookup values butwithout confusing duplication.Best Practice: Implement RESO lookup values as is from the DataDictionary Wiki.MLS policy/rulesBest Practice: Evaluate need for updated MLS policy or rulesbefore implementing Green Search/Marketing Group.Like existing green lookup values, the next section highlights additional fields wherelookup values may be enhanced by environmentally friendly values, which are alsoknown as home performance indicators.Six Additional Fields and Lookup ValuesArchitecturalStylePassive Solar*PoolFeaturesENERGY STAR Qualified Pool PumpSolar CoverSolar HeatInteriorFeaturesCeiling Fan(s)Smart HomeSmart ThermostatSolar Tube(s)WaterSense Labeled Fixture(s)Parking FeaturesRoofENERGY STAR Qualified Roofing Material*Green RoofSecurityFeaturesCarbon Monoxide Detector(s)Fire AlarmSmoke Detector(s)Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s)*Lookup value is not currently defined by RESO in Data Dictionary.6
Adding Best PracticesCMLS has defined several best practices. These include implementing fields vertically,aligning RESO-standard fields with forms and data display, and syndicating appropriatefields. Figure 1 provides one example of vertical implementation.Vertical Field TipsVertical implementationmeans a group of fields iscoded together to jointlyconvey multiplecharacteristics. Forexample, MLSs commonlycode fields describingrooms vertically to conveydetails about type, size,flooring, and moretogether.Figure 1: Example of how CRMLS has implemented Power Productionfields in a "vertical" format. The fields are coded with logic to keep themtogether, similar to how room details are often coded.The next set of fields represents data that is provided to a homeowner or builder from athird-party verification program. Implementing even one program is a best practice.Green Verification Group and Lookup nVerification[Type]SourceCertified Passive HouseENERGY STAR Certified HomesEnerPHitHERS Index ScoreHome Energy ScoreEnergy Efficiency Improvements CertificateEnergy Efficiency Performance CertificateHome Performance with ENERGY STARIndoor airPLUSLEED For HomesLiving Building ChallengeNGBS New ConstructionNGBS Small Projects RemodelNGBS Whole-Home RemodelPHIUS WaterSenseZero Energy Ready HomeAdministrator, Assessor, Builder, Contractoror Installer, Other, Owner, ProgramSponsor, Program Verifier, Public Records,See RemarksGreenVerification[Type]StatusCompleteIn [Type]VersionGreenVerification[Type]Year7
In addition to implementing fields andlookup values, verified energy-relateddocumentation can be important to homebuyers. Documentation is consideredverified when the associated programrequires quality assurance and third-partyverification.Comparing home verifications to productverifications in the food industry continuesto help clients understand how eachverification plays a role in the marketplace.The following chart provides an overview ofhow to build three types of home energyinformation with vertical implementation ofRESO fields.Implementation Quick StartSee the Home Energy Information Guide for more background on the third-partyverification data products that agents, appraisers, and consumers are using sPriority Programs toimplementGreenVerificationCertifications:with a ratingRecognitionthrough Thresholds Body Type/Program Year Rating Version Status Home InnovationResearch Labs, NGBS Living Future Institute,Living BuildingChallenge PHIUS, Passive House USDOE, Zero EnergyReady Home USEPA, Water Sense USEPA, Indoor airPLUS LEED, USGBCEnergy Labels:Rating a Home’sEnergy FeaturesVerificationwith ametric Body Type/Program Year Metric Version Status RESNET, HERS USDOE, Home EnergyScoreVerified EnergyImprovementsNo rating/metric Body Type/Program Year Version Status USDOE, HomePerformance withENERGY STAR8
The final set of fields addresses renewable power production systems, includingthose that generate electric power through photovoltaic (PV) solar systems.Implementing PV solar fields in Power Production Group is a best practice.See the CMLS Green Sheet: Solar Power Fields for additional information. Itincludes a four-step process that helps define fields by type, valuation, ownership,and support data.Power Production Fields and Lookup Type]AnnualStatusActualEstimatedPartially istrator, Assessor, Builder,Contractor or Installer, Other,Owner, Program Sponsor, ProgramVerifier, Public Records, See Remarks Approaching Best In ClassApproaching and achieving Best In Class demonstrates an MLS’s willingness to provideservice and information that meets and exceeds customer expectations. Homeownersand buyers have increasingly expressed how home performance indicators are a criticalcomponent of the marketplace.To achieve Best In Class, MLSs are encouraged to add the Green Verification Group andPower Production Group for all additional programs. This would include emergingtechnologies such as wind, which is listed in the Power Production Group.CMLS Green Section CouncilThe CMLS Green Section Council is a group of MLS leaders and industry professionalsdedicated to advancing best practices, sharing home-efficiency information, and makingthat information easily accessible to help MLSs better serve the buying and selling public.For information about CMLS or the CMLS Green Section Council, visit councilofmls.org.
Batts Insulation Blown-In Insulation Cement Siding Ducts Professionally Air Sealed Exterior Duct Work is Insulated Foam Insulation ICAT Recessed Lighting ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms) Low VOC Insulation Radian Barrier Rammed Earth Recycled/Bio-Based Insulation Spray Foam Insulat
