-
Promote use of high efficiency vehicles
This credit is focused on limiting environmental impacts from automobile use. It targets commuting specifically, but also addresses company vehicle fleets, maintenance vehicles, and buses.
Projects that have substantial parking area may find the requirements of this credit to be low-hanging fruit, because they should easily be able to designate preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehiclesFuel-efficient vehicles have achieved a minimum green score of 40 according to the annual vehicle-rating guide of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy., which is one option. There are other options for compliance, all of varying difficulty and requiring varying levels of commitment from the project owner.
Pick a path and go with it
It’s wise to choose your compliance path early in the process, especially since some of the options require infrastructure development, such as alternative fueling stations.
Make sure that you base your choice on the greatest likelihood that building occupants will take advantage of the resources you provide. While this is not often done, surveying occupants or prospective occupants is a good way to determine which strategy is likely to have the highest impact.A range of options
Option 1: Providing preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles is by far the most cost-effective option for projects that have onsite parking managed by the building ownership. “Preferred” is defined as easy to access (such as close to building entrances), or available at a discounted price.
Option 2: Providing onsite alternative fueling stations for 3% of total vehicle parking capacity is a bit more involved and potentially more expensive. The most readily accessible strategy here is providing plug outlets for electric cars.
Parking is not a prerequisiteProjects that do not provide onsite parking can still earn this credit by pursuing Option 4 and implementing a low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicle-sharing program (many residential projects prefer this option). Projects may also earn the credit by pursuing Option 2, providing alternative fueling stations onsite.
Signage matters
Parking signage for this credit must typically include the terms "Low-Emitting" and/or 'Fuel-Efficient," with the only exceptions being "Zero Emissions Vehicles" or "ACEEE 40+." Signage using solely terms like "Alternative Fuel Vehicles," "Hybrid Vehicles," or "Electric Vehicles" is not sufficient, because some hybrid vehicles, etc., do not meet the LE/FE definition.
-
Don't double-count parking spaces
If your project is pursuing both SSc4.3 and SSc4.4, be careful not to double-count preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. spaces allotted for those credits. The total number of preferred parking spaces must be equal to those required for SSc4.3, plus those required for SSc4.4. The same parking space cannot count for both credits (although they do not have to be distinguished through signage).
-
FAQs for SSc4.3
Do all hybrid vehicles automatically qualify for this credit?
No. The qualifying list rates vehicles for fuel efficiency as well as emissions. Most—but not all—hybrids meet the criteria. There are also non-hybrid cars that qualify for the credit. Always check the most up-to-date list for qualifying vehicles. The list is long and inclusive.
Can a project pursue this credit via a combination of Option 1 (preferred parking) and Option 2 (alternative fueling stations)?
This would probably be approved by LEED, depending on specifics, but you would need to get an official ruling—either a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide or LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org..
How should the signage read for preferred parking spaces?
Neither USGBC or GBCI has provided a mandatory signage design, but there has been consistent guidance indicating that one or more of the following terms must be on the sign:
- Low-Emitting
- Fuel-Efficient
- Zero Emissions
- ACEEE 40+
Some project teams have struggled with this because they think it does not clearly convey the concept to occupants, but nonetheless, this has been the pattern of review comments from GBCI. For projects that want to use additional terms, they may use one of more of the above terms, in combination with any of the following terms.
- Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- Hybrid Vehicles
- Electric Vehicles
These terms are not sufficient on their own, however, as not all hybrid vehicles are low-emitting, for example.
For electric vehicle charging stations, how are the parameters established for fueling capacity?
Typically credit is given for each available preferred parking spot with a separate charging plug. If a charging station provides a fast charge and the project wants to have that reflected in its credit calculations, then the project team should provide evidence from both the charging system manufacturer and the building or parking management showing that the logistics of allowing multiple vehicles to share a single charging station will be managed accordingly.
I am working on a project with no parking spaces allocated. Can I earn this credit?
Yes, some projects have earned this credit with a regional car-sharing program that locates a publicly accessible car share vehicle adjacent to the project site.
Our project is outside the U.S., and the LEED-approved ACEEE Green Score and CARB ratings and classifications don't apply to many vehicles. Is there another approach that is accepted?
Only in Brazil, where projects can benefit from the approval of a regional program in LEED Interpretation #10230. GBCI's policy is that until a Global alternative compliance path (ACP) or LEED Interpretation comes out, proposals for non-standard approaches must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by individual review teams. This means that some LEED projects may be able to create a successful approach, and some might have difficulty—a situation that is consistent with what LEEDuser has heard about LEED review comments.
Should I consider motorbikes and parking spaces for them under this credit? What about fleet vehicles?
Fleet vehicle and storage spaces—for example, spaces for school buses, military vehicles, rental cars, or tractor trailers—are not counted in the number of total parking spaces, but commuter spaces are counted, including those dedicated to atypical vehicles such as motorcycles.
According to GBCI, an "atypical" vehicle used for commuting, such as a motorcycle, should be counted the same as a "standard" passenger car parking space. The amount of preferred parking provided should be distributed evenly among the various parking space types.
For example, if 40% of the project’s parking is for motorcycles, 60% of the total parking is for standard passenger vehicles, and 10 preferred spaces are required to earn the credit, the preferred spaces should be distributed such that four preferred spaces (40%) are provided for motorcycles and six preferred spaces (60%) are provided for passenger vehicles.
Legend
- Best Practices
- Gotcha
- Action Steps
- Cost Tip
USGBC
Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Core and Shell Development
SS Credit 4.3: Alternative transportation - low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles
3 Points
Intent
To reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
Requirements
Option 1: Preferred or discounted parking
Provide preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.1 for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehiclesFuel-efficient vehicles have achieved a minimum green score of 40 according to the annual vehicle-rating guide of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.2 for 5% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. Providing a discounted parking rate is an acceptable substitute for preferred parking for low-emitting/fuel-efficient vehicles. To establish a meaningful incentive in all potential markets, the parking rate must be discounted at least 20%. The discounted rate must be available to all customers (i.e., not limited to the number of customers equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity), publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area and available for a minimum of 2 years.
For project types that demonstrate market barriers to the definition of preferred parking closest to the main entrance, alternatives may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
OR
Option 2: Alternative fuel
Install alternative-fuel fueling stations for 3% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. Liquid or gaseous fueling facilities must be separately ventilated or located outdoors.
1For the purposes of this credit “preferred parking” refers to the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the project (exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped persons) or parking passes provided at a discounted price. To establish a meaningful incentive in all potential markets, the parking rate must be discounted at least 20%. The discounted rate must be available to all eligible customers (i.e. not limited to the number of customers equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity), publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area, and available for a minimum of 2 years.
2For the purposes of this credit, low-emitting vehiclesLow-emitting vehicles are classified as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the California Air Resources Board. are defined as vehicles that are classified as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVZero-emission vehicles.) by the California Air Resources Board. Fuel-efficient vehicles are defined as vehicles that have achieved a minimum green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Provide transportation amenities such as alternative-fuel refueling stations. Consider sharing the costs and benefits of refueling stations with neighbors.
FOOTNOTES
1 For the purposes of this credit “preferred parking” refers to the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the project (exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped persons) or parking passes provided at a discounted price. To establish a meaningful incentive in all potential markets, the parking rate must be discounted at least 20%. The discounted rate must be available to all eligible customers (i.e. not limited to the number of customers equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity), publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area, and available for a minimum of 2 years.
2 For the purposes of this credit, low-emitting vehiclesLow-emitting vehicles are classified as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the California Air Resources Board. are defined as vehicles that are classified as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVZero-emission vehicles.) by the California Air Resources Board. Fuel-efficient vehiclesFuel-efficient vehicles have achieved a minimum green score of 40 according to the annual vehicle-rating guide of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. are defined as vehicles that have achieved a minimum green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.
Web Tools
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
ACEEE is an online, searchable green car guide based on an evaluation of fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions. It also offers hardcopies of Green Guide to Cars and Trucks, an annual publication of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Publications
California Air Resources Board, Cleaner Car Guide
CARBThe California Air Resources Board, part of the state government, is charged with maintaining clean air. This agency is unique at the state level: California was the only state that had such an agency before the passage of the federal Clean Air Act, and was allowed to keep it. has developed a comprehensive, searchable buyer’s guide to finding the cleanest cars on the market. The guide also lists advantages clean vehicles offer.
Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology
The Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology offers a useful guide to fuel cells and hydrogen in vehicles.
Rocky Mountain Institute Transportation Page
This website offers information on the environmental impact of transportation and extensive information about Hypercar vehicles.
Union of Concerned Scientists, Clean Vehicle Program
This site provides information about the latest developments in alternative vehicles, the environmental impact of conventional vehicles, and documents such as the guide Buying a Greener Vehicle: Electric, Hybrids, and Fuel Cells.
U.S. Department of Energy, Fuel Economy
This website offers comparisons of new and used cars and trucks based on gas mileage (mpg), greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution ratings, and safety information.
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide
A comprehensive list of vehicles that score 40 and above in the rankings. These vehicles are considered LE/FE vehicles.
List of alternative fuels
A summary of common available alternative fuels in production.
Technical Guides
Clean Cities Vehicle Buyer’s Guide For Fleets
The Vehicle Buyer’s Guide for Fleets is designed to educate fleet managers and policymakers about alternative fuels and vehicles to help them determine whether the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 affects them. Use the site to determine whether your fleet is covered under EPAct; obtain pricing and technical specifications for light and heavy-duty AFVs; find an alternative fueling station in your area; or research information about state AFV purchasing incentives and laws.
Organizations
Electric Auto Association
This nonprofit education organization promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Electric Drive Transportation Association
Through policy, information, and market development initiatives, this industry association promotes the use of electric vehicles.
National Biodiesel Board
This trade association, representing the biodiesel industry, serves as the coordinating body for biodiesel research and development in the United States. The website provides information on the purchasing, handling, and use of biodiesel fuels.
Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition
The Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition consists of natural gas companies, vehicle and equipment manufacturers, service providers, environmental groups, and government organizations.
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Transportation Technologies, Alternative Fuels Data Center
This center provides information on alternative fuels and alternatively fueled vehicles, a locator for alternative fueling stations, and more. Their Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Advanced Technology Vehicle Listing for 2007 can be found online here.
City Car Share
Car Share program in the BayA bay is a component of a standard, rectilinear building design. It is the open area defined by a building element such as columns or a window. Typically, there are multiple identical bays in succession. Area – partnering with a program like Car Share may help meet the requirements of a vehicle sharing program.
Zip Car
Car SharingA system under which multiple households share a pool of automobiles, either through cooperative ownership or through some other mechanism. Service – partnering with a company like Zipcar may help meet the requirements of a vehicle sharing program.
Site Plan with Preferred Parking
Document preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehiclesFuel-efficient vehicles have achieved a minimum green score of 40 according to the annual vehicle-rating guide of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. with a site plan like this example.
LEED Online Forms: CS-2009 SS
The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each CS-2009 SS credit. You'll need to fill out the live versions of these forms on LEED Online for each credit you hope to earn.
Version 4 forms (newest):
- SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
- SSc1: Site Selection
- SSc2: Dev. Density & Community Connectivity
- SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
- SSc4.1: Alt. Trans.—Public Trans. Access
- SSc5.2: Site Dev.: Maximize Open Space
- SSc6.1: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control
- SSc6.2: Stormwater Design—Quality Control
- SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect—Non-Roof
- SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect—Roof
- SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
Version 3 forms:
- SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
- SSc1: Site Selection
- SSc2: Dev. Density & Community Connectivity
- SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
- SSc4.1: Alt. Trans.—Public Trans. Access
- SSc4.2: Alt. Trans.—Bicycle Storage
- SSc4.3: Alt. Trans.—Low-Emitting Vehicles
- SSc4.4: Alt. Trans.—Parking Capacity
- SSc5.1: Site Dev.—Protect or Restore Habitat
- SSc5.2: Site Dev.: Maximize Open Space
- SSc6.1: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control
- SSc6.2: Stormwater Design—Quality Control
- SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect—Non-Roof
- SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect—Roof
- SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
- SSc9: Tenant Guidelines
These links are posted by LEEDuser with USGBC's permission. USGBC has certain usage restrictions on these forms; for more information, visit LEED Online and click "Sample Forms Download."
Design Submittal
Documentation for this credit can be part of a Design Phase submittal.
LEEDuser is produced by BuildingGreen, Inc., with YR&G authoring most of the original content. LEEDuser enjoys ongoing collaboration with USGBC.
53 Comments
SIGNALIZATION SIZE
Is there any requirement for the signalization size and position (on the wall, on the floor, etc..) for credit 4.3 preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. places?
No. The only requirement for the signage is the verbaige.
Compliant vehicles not listed on ACEEE
Looking at the vehicles that comply with the low emissiong and fuel efficient definition, we found out there are vehicules that migh comply that are not listed there.
The list we are using is in the following website:
http://www.greenercars.org/news.htm
Under documents, and then 2LEED MY 2000–2013 Low Emission Vehicles", it is an excel document.
However, we run into vehicles that I guess are not available in the US but still comply with the requirements, such as the Volkswagen polo:
http://www.nextgreencar.com/view-car/38558/VW-Polo-1.2-TSI-R-Line-105PS-...
Is there any criteria we can use to include low emission and fuel efficient vehicles to be expanded and not leave good performance vehicles out of the scope??
I think there is a FAQ above that answers this question.
identify preferential sites
Our project developed, we have an underground parking garage, where 100% of the places will be operated by robotic systems.
How do we identify preferential sites for LEED credits?
regards,
Are you charging to park in this garage? If so, I would think that the 20% discounted rate for qualifying vehicles makes more sense for you.
Tandem Spaces
Our project, due to physical limitations of the site being this quite small, is providing mostly all of the spaces in tandem across 8 underground levels.
According to calculations we need to provide 36 preferred spaces, we located all of this on basement 2 all of them in tandem (18 tandem = 36 spots).
There are a few single spaces on every floor, in fact only 4 of them in each floor are really close to the parking elevator. If we select these 4 as preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. that would make us to place preferred spaces from underground level 2 to underground level 7 (around 6 per level).
Acording to LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. 10202 "the preferred parking spaces in a garage are those that are the shortest combined driving distance from the parking garage entrance and walking distance to the project building's main entrance".
We believe that if we provide preferred parking down to the 7th level we wouldn't be complying with LI 10202.
Will provide the 18 tandem spaces for a total of 36 spots on the underground level 2 comply with the credits requirements? Due to marketing barriers more than 80% of spaces need to be provided in tandem becasue of site dimensional limitations and according to the reference guide for projects applyign to LEED-CS that demonstrate market barriers alternative may be consider.
Comments will be really appreciated.
It is hard to say for sure, but I'm guessing that you are going to have a hard time convincing a reviewer that the tandem spaces are "preferred". I have had success on past projects by spreading out the preferred spaces across all levels and selecting the spaces closest to the vertical circulation on each level. That being said, the interpretation that you referenced seems to indicate that this is no longer an acceptable approach and that preferred spaces should be located on the main vehicle entrance level. Has anyone had this interpretation referenced in a review comment?
Yes, we've had this CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide referenced in our last two submittals on this credit. They now want all the spaces as close to the main entrance level as they can be.
This will be a little bit difficult for projects with compromised space and underground parking, this will be like you either comply with close disctance to entrance or single parking.
Should we call the USGBC to ask for advice? We'll email this same question to the feedback on leed online, When they reply we'll post the answer here.
Julie, would you please provide us with the CRIColor-rendering index, or CRI, is a scale of 0 to 100, used by manufacturers of fluorescent, metal halide, and other non-incandescent lighting equipment to describe the visual effect of the light on colored surfaces. Natural daylight is assigned a CRI of 100. number so we can see it on the USGBC website?
Thank you very much for your adivces!!
This is the response we get from GBCI customer service:
"Thank you for your patience as I researched your questions on LEED-CS v2009, SSc4.3. Based on the description provided in your inquiry, we feel that the suggested approach (providing 18 tandem preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. spaces on level 2) appears acceptable. However, please note that Customer Service is not authorized to review or approve compliance approaches outside of the formal review process.
Please provide a narrative with your LEED application submittal explaining why the arrangement described in your inquiry is favored compared to distributing the spaces on multiple levels.
I hope that helps, but if you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to use the contact form at http://www.gbci.org/contactus and select "Follow up to GBCI Response," inputting your case number from this email's subject line."
So I think we have a chance. We will probably submit it as two preferred parking spaces per company, and it will be preffered since it will be at second underground level and since enterprises are asigned their respective parking spaces as a first come first serve basis, someone whose company has been asigned at the underground level 8 will have the preference to have one or two parking spots replaced by one at the second level.
Biodiesel?
The glossary definition of "alternative-fuel vehiclesAlternative-fuel vehicles use low-polluting, nongasoline fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol. In LEED, efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicles are included in this group. use low-polluting, non-gasoline fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol." Biodiesel is not on this list, but would it count as an alternative-fuel vehicle?
Emily, biodiesel does have a place in some of the SSc4.3 credit requirements, but since any diesel vehicle can run on biodiesel, I think the definition maybe purposeful in not mentioning biodiesel. What credit requirement are you considering this in reference to?
I think you would have to define the level of bio diesel. There is a point where the amount of bio oil does require engine modification and this may be something that qualifies. I doubt the GBCI would accept unmodified cars running on B5 to B20 blends as low emitting or alternative. Otherwise, how would you guarantee that the vehicle is always using the environmentally preferred fuel?
In DC, there are buses and vans that do run on bio diesel and have the engine modifications. Last time I checked, you couldn't easily get biodiesel beyon B5 blends in the area and the closest to you was at the Pentagon.
I didn't realize I was posting in the Core & Shell system (sorry), but I guess this is applicable regardless. I'm just wondering because I'm conducting a LEED Green Associate exam prep class and the question came up as we realized biodiesel wasn't listed in the definition.
Here at American University we just started using a B20 blend in our shuttle buses and other diesel powered equipment so the question is relevant to us. You're right that we did nothing to alter the vehicles, but did go to great lengths over the course of almost a decade to add a biodiesel tank on campus and source the fuel.
What is the current definition of Alternative Fuel Vehicles?
Does it include flexfuel cars?
Hi Elizabeth, according to the LEED Online v3 Glossary under Help, Alternative Fuel Vehicles use low-polluting, non-gasoline fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol. In LEED, efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicles are included in this group.
Tandem parking
If we provide tandem parking within our building (tandem spaces will be used for valet parking), should we leave these out of the total spaces?
I mean, lets say I have 50 regular spaces and 50 tandem spaces. Should I provide 5% of the 50 regular spaces, or 5% or the 100 spaces?
Thank you.
David, I would assume that the valet spaces should not be included in the credit calculations.
Tristan or anyone else, can you confirm it is OK to exclude all valet parking spaces in credit calculations? We have a project which has both self and valet parking spaces and I am not positive on how to treat those spaces and which number of total site parking spaces to use.
Thanks!
You cannot exclude valet spaces. The most straighforward approach here would be to provide preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. for 5% of all self-parking spaces and a 20% valet discount for all low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles.
Great, thank you Ellen for this clarification. Much appreciated!
Partial spaces -- round up or round down
I have a calculation for preferred spaces that falls less than .5 of a space (7.35spaces = 5% of 147). In most land use or permit calculations there is specific language indicating that one can round down in these cases. Therefore, 7 spaces would be sufficient to achieve the amount. However, in LOL when I put 7 spaces into the template, the template indicates that I have not documented the amount of spaces required in order to comply. I don't find any language in the guidebook or credit language that indicates that the amount must be GREATER than 5% or... no less than 5% of total parking. Therefore, I'm thinking that rounding down on partial spaces would be allowed.
So how should we deal with partial parking spaces when calculating total required?
LEED rounds up because the requirement is for a minimum of 5% and they encourage project teams to do more than that.
Thanks. Would it not be wise to indicate so in the calculations of the guidelines? Unless I've erred, I don't see where the guidelines or calculations clearly indicate to round up. Thanks again.
Landry, it would make sense for USGBC to indicate this, but they haven't done so. It's a tip we pass around on forums like this one.
Refueling Station As a Separate Project
Hi, there. The project I'm submitting does not have parking within the project boundary. It's a Core and Shell renovation on a tight urban lot. As part of a separate project, my firm is developing a natural gas refueling station on the lot beside this project (no building, just this station). The two lots are separated by a city street, and the project timelines are not concurrent. The refueling station will be complete within 6 months of the building opening. Is it possible to pursue an alternative compliance path for this credit? The city does not require parking here, because this is a dense, downtown zone.
Sarah Corbitt
Sarah, are you asking whether the refueling station can help you earn SSc4.3 on the renovation project?
It sounds like they are fundamentally different projects—what do they have in common, other than your firm's involvement? As such, I don't see them being combined.
If there is a way you could combine them, I think you'd have to wait on the renovation LEED submission for the refueling station to be substantially complete.
Combine Option 1 and Option 2?
Have any of you LEED experts out there ever done a combination of preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. spaces and alternative-fuel fueling stations? I just looked through every CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide related to this credit (which was really fun, I assure you) and could find no precedent for this. Our tentative plan for this project is to provide 5% of spaces total, of which approximately 25% would be alternative fuel stations and 75% preferred parking.
Julie, your approach makes sense to me, although I have heard of trouble on other credits where combining options was not explicitly allowed. Have you gotten approval of this yet?
Hi Julie, I'm am also not aware of precedent for this particular approach. If you haven't already done so, you might file a LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. request to confirm whether or not this approach will be accepted. The approach you described above seems reasonable to me, but you might feel more confident having an official verdict from GBCI.
Automatic Parking System
Is it possible to achieve this credit by choosing the first option (preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.) and using an automatic parking system. This system is designed for 24 cars therefore I need to offer 2 preferred parkig spaces however the car owner cannot choose where his car will be.
Thank you for any suggestions.
The automatic parking systems we've used don't provide any "preferred" location - since the cars get moved around they don't give the driver of those two preferred spaces a shorter walk or quicker access. If that's true for your system, you could use the discounted parking part of Option 1. There needs to be some real benefit for the drivers of the fuel-efficient vehiclesFuel-efficient vehicles have achieved a minimum green score of 40 according to the annual vehicle-rating guide of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. - usually more convenient access or lower cost.
Preferred Parking special parking lots
In our new project we provide 65 parking lots. To achieve the credit requirements we must provide 4 parking lots for low emitting vehicles. We provide 3 special parking lots for SMART cars. My question is can we count these SMART parking lots if we label them as low emitting parking space? The SMART parking space is not directly to the staircase but only 6 parking lots away.
The credit requirements say 5% of the total parking lots must be provide to achieve the credit requirements for preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.. My question is must we include the number of motorbike parking lots for the calculation?
These are two good questions. To address the first, the intent of this credit is to encourage the use of low-emitting vehiclesLow-emitting vehicles are classified as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the California Air Resources Board. by all employees and visitors of the building. Without knowing any details about the SMART car program, it sounds like the use of these spaces might be limited to a certain group of users or a certain vehicle type. In general, these spaces must be made available to any drivers of qualified low-emitting vehicles in order to meet the credit intent.
To answer the second question, the credit requirements use the word "vehicles" instead of "cars," therefore one might interpret this to include motorbikes. Since motorbike parking takes up space in the parking lot that could otherwise be used for cars, the conservative approach would suggest that they should be included in the total parking count. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any precedent on this.
Preferred parking outside the LEED boundary
Our project's parking goes beyond the LEED boundary, since it is a mixed used building with several towers and only one of them will apply for LEED certification. We need to locate the preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. outside the LEED boundary due to space issues. Will do this still comply with the credit requirements?
It depends - if you are providing preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. by offering a discount on parking fees than it should be okay, but if not, then the spaces have to be the closest spaces to the main building entrance for these people. (The only spaces that can be closer to the entrance are ones reserved for disabled users.)
David, the project will implement preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. spaces for low-eLow-E or Low-Emissivity Coating: Very thin metallic coating on glass or plastic window glazing that reduces heat loss and heat gain through the window; the coating emits less radiant energy (heat radiation), which makes it, in effect, reflective to that heat. In that way it boosts a window's R-value and reduces its U-factor. and fuel efficient vehicles, and, according to the MPR supplemental guidance page 14, "facilities (including parking) outside the leed project boundary used for compliance with specific credits: facilities that are not within the leed project boundary but are used to demostrate compliance with a credit or prerequisite, as allowed per the rating system and reference guide, need not be considered for other prerequisite, credit, or mpr compliance. However those facilities cannot be used to show compliance for other leed projects"
In this case, I am assuming that providing the preferred parking for low-e and fuel efficient vehicles (will obviously have to be close to a building entryway) but outside the LEED boundary, will be sufficient to comply with the credit's requirements.
I understand your situation a bit better now - if all the parking is outside the LEED boundary, but the preferred stalls are still closest to the entry, I think you would be fine.
David and David
How did it go with this issue? I have two projects that will be built on top of an existing underground garage. Garage will not be included in project scopes. If we through a contract reserve a number of off-site parkingspaces for each building, can we achieve this credit by having preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.? Or even charging stations?
Electric Charging Vehicles
I have a client that would like to install charging stations for SS 4.3 Option 2 compliance. How do you demonstrate vehicle fueling capacity per station when each electric vehicle charges at a different rate?
Not sure if I understand your question - the credit requirements are only looking at "capacity" as the number of parking spaces, and providing 3% of that number of spaces as ones reserved for fueling or charging alternative fuel vehicles. We don't need to provide info about the rate or capacity of power being provided - except that actual charging equipment does need to be installed (not just 120 V outlets) Does that answer your question?
In LEED v3 the reference guide sais "prepare information about the number of fueling stations provided, the alternative fuel station type, manufacturer, model number, and the fueling capacity per station" (documentation guidance).
In LEED CS v2.0 it sais even more: "confirm the fuel type, number of stations, and fueling capacity for each station for an 8-hour period".
So I guess we need to specify the power of charging equipment. As far as I am concerned, different electric vehicles need different plugs and voltage...
Any idea how detailed the specification needs to be?
Thanks!
Hi, Alicja!
If you install 240 volt charging stations, then the assumption is that you are offering what is considered a "rapid charge," and that an electric car could fully charge in at least 8 hours. As far as documentation goes, you would need to show the number and location of the refueling/recharging stations, as well as the specifications for the type of station being provided (with the intent of proving that you are providing at least 240 volt outlets). Hope that helps!
Preferred Parking strategies
If there is above ground parking available for all building occupants and below grade parking with limited access available, is the restricted garage required to have preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. stalls if the above ground, surface parking lot includes all of the preferred parking spaces closest to the building?
Preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. refers to desirable parking spaces near the building entrance. If those are located in the aboveground lot, then I would say that the garage does not need to (perhaps even should not) contain preferred parking.
I tend to agree - the MAIN building entrances are better served with the preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. as opposed to a limited access garage at the bottom of the structure. I will keep you posted! Thank you!
Tristan- As promised I wanted to keep you posted of this challenge.
We ended up submitted a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide proposing the preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. for the garage should be calculated as a percentage of parking. For example, for the CS project 5% of total parking is required to be reserved for LEFE vehicles. In the CIR, we proposed 5% of garage and 5% of surface lot to be reserved for these vehicles. This strategy was approved :)
I can't find a requirement for signage on a post or on the building so striping seems ok. Is that correct?
We submitted this credit for review about 6 months ago and have been asked to submit photos of the signs for the final review. I would definitely do the signs, not just the striping.
Just a note, we have a achieved this credit with striped spaces only (no sign) for a number of Core & Shell (and NC) projects. Offhand, I would say we've submitted this at least 10 times and been approved.
Preferred Parking
In addition to the handicapped parking, can loading and 30-minute parking be located closer to the entrance than the LE/FE vehicles? I haven't seen any clarification of this in the reference guide, but it would make sense that these spaces should also have priority over LE/FE vehicles.
Chris,
The issues is parking...(not other types of uses where a car is in a space). Loading is a different activity, and is not parking. The LE/LF vehicles should be the most favored positions after accessible parking, and excluding uses such as drop off, loading and other non-parking activities.
Also, we have been successful in dividing LE/LF parking between customer doors and empolyee entrances, so you could divide them into two groups based on the ratio of customer (or visitor) to emplyee parking.
Start a new LEED comment thread