Pinky Doyle and Shirley Starkey with RE/MAX of the Pines in Southern Pines are among the first 60 Realtors statewide -- and the only Realtors in Moore County -- attending classes to gain the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Green designation.

This designation is the definition of green professionalism. This program is a true cross-over designation (residential, commercial and property management), and the only green designation recognized by NAR, a news release said.

The designation will include membership in the Green Resource Council to advance principles in the industry that will lessen the environmental impact from society, a news release said.

Realtors with this designation will play an important role in helping clients and customers to understand how their real estate choices and actions can take away from or contribute to core green principles, the release said.

Core principles include practicing resource efficiency, conservation and social responsibility.

Doyle and Starkey will complete the final course on March 19. They said they look forward to offering their enhanced services to provide guidance in making environmentally sound decisions and ultimately to make the community more sustainable.

They can be reached at 695-3651. RE/MAX of the Pines is at 235 E. Pennsylvania Ave. in Southern Pines.