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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.
If your project has substantial parking area, you may find the requirements of this credit to be low-hanging fruit, because you 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 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.
Option 3: Providing low-emitting or fuel-efficient vehicles for 3% of FTE occupants along with preferred parking for these vehicles may be the most expensive approach to this credit. If a project already maintains a fleet of vehicles, however, then low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles can be substituted at no added cost—possibly even at a cost savings.
Option 4: Implementing a vehicle-sharing program with provision for designated parking for shared vehicles may be best integrated into residential or campus project programming. Parking is not a prerequisite
Projects 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, and vice versa.
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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).
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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 New Construction and Major Renovations
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.
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.
OR
Option 3: Provide vehicles
Provide low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles for 3% of full-time equivalentFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per week divided by 40. Multiple shifts are included or excluded depending on the intent and requirements of the credit. (FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories.) occupants.
Provide preferred parking for these vehicles.
OR
Option 4: Vehicle sharing program
Provide building occupants access to a low-emitting or fuel-efficient vehicle-sharing program. The following requirements must be met:
- One low-emitting or fuel-efficient vehicle must be provided per 3% of FTE occupants, assuming that 1 shared vehicle can carry eight persons (i.e., 1 vehicle per 267 FTE occupants). For buildings with fewer than 267 FTE occupants, at least 1 low emitting or fuel-efficient vehicle must be provided.
- A vehicle-sharing contract must be provided that has an agreement of at least two years.
- The estimated number of customers served per vehicle must be supported by documentation.
- A narrative explaining the vehicle-sharing program and its administration must be submitted.
- Parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles must be located in the nearest available spaces in the nearest available parking area. Provide a site plan or area map clearly highlighting the walking path from the parking area to the project site and noting the distance.
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.
Vehicle Calculator
Option 4
Use this spreadsheet to help calculate the number of 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. you need to provide based on the FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. occupancy.
Tools
LEED Online Forms: NC-2009 SS
The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each NC-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
- 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
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
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.
213 Comments
Double Parking
Our parking lot is composed by double parking spaces because of the reduced area. I would like to know if we can accomplish with the credit requirements, designating these spaces for users of low emitting or fuel efficient vehicles, even if they are blocking another car or are blocked.
Beatriz, I haven't encountered this situation before, but I would assume that a space that is blocked could not be considered "preferred" under the credit requirements.
Should i still consider designating those blocking another car?
Ideally I would not consider those "preferred" either, since a parking space that blocks another car carries practical restrictions. But if you don't have enough preferred spaces in your parking area that aren't either blocked or blocking, then you could try to submit this to GBCI and see if it's accepted. I couldn't say for sure.
Motorbikes included in total parking ?
Hi,
I've just seen Lauren's question on april 2011, but no answer.
So, "Would those spots be part of your total parking capacity?"
Thanks
Loic, I can't say I have a definitive answer on the motorbike question, but I think it would likely be safer to not include motorbike spaces in the capacity, rather than including them. Since they are not considered LE/FE, and so you can't consider them as contributing to the credit, it seems fair not to count them against you, either. However, this is a guess on my part and I would invite more definitive input.
One more thought—it might look different for a parking area with a large proportion of motorbike parking, vs. an area with a few spots. With a low proportion of parking, it seems more reasonable to overlook this, although it would also be potentially easier to include it in the overall count, and to use regular vehicle parking to meet the credit requirements.
CalGreen and LEED Requirements for SSc4.3
I am sure someone has pursued SSc4.3 in CalGreen territory. Are you able to double-count the CalGreen designate parking spaces for Clean Air Vehicles and the Fuel Efficient, Alternative Fuel Vehicles for SSc4.3 in LEED? If so, how have you designated the spaces to meet the LEED and CalGreen requirements?
From what I can tell, the LEED requirement is more specific than the CalGreen requirement and a car that qualifies for CalGreen may not qualify for LEED SSc4.3. I have reviewed the Stopwaste CalGreen and LEED guide. The suggestion in the guide, if I understand correctly, is to erect the sign meeting LEED requirements and to paint the stall according to the Cal Green requirements. Would this not then allow a car not qualifying for LEED SSc4.3 (not SSc4.4), but meeting CalGreen requirements (for example a carpool vehicle) park in the space?
Suggestions for compliance?
Thanks!
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
has a list of eligible "clean air" vehicles. Whoever comes up with the correlation between ACEEE 40+ and ZEVZero-emission vehicles., ULEV, SULEV and ATPZEV deserves a lifetime 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..
This list has both FEV and ZEVZero-emission vehicles. eligible cars for LEED.
http://greenercars.org/news.htm
NEW! LEED MY 2000–2012 Low Emission Vehicles — comprehensive list of MY 2000 to MY 2011 vehicles that scored 40 and above in our rankings
I am trying to help a client implement the LEV/FEV 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.. A November 1, 2011 addendum changed footnote number 2 for this credit to state: “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.” This complicates the credit requirements because the footnote used to read: “For the purposes of this credit, low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles are defined as vehicles that are either classified as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have achieved a minimum green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.” It was clear it was an either/or situation.
I used to direct owners to the ACEEE list because it was so straightforward. Do vehicles that use these spaces now have to meet both requirements, i.e., be on both lists to qualify?
If so, has the ACEEE list, as noted above, been vetted to cross reference the California ARB ZEV list? Or do only ZEV or ZEV /Bin 1 Emission standards apply? If so, that is only 20 cars, which can’t be right.
Is there truly a California ARB ZEV list like ACEEE’s? Or do we use the http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/ website and search for certain parameters, like a Smog Score of 10 (ZEV, Bin 1 per http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/Know_the_Score/Understand_the_Smog_Score.php) to find ZEVs?
That is a great question. I have always interpreted this credit to be for low emitting and/OR fuel efficient vehicles, but if you read the credit language, there actually is no OR. You are right that it is now very ambiguous whether a vehicle must meet both of these standards or whether just one will do. It would be great if someone from USGBC could weigh in on this issue.
The credit language says that parking must be provided for LE and FE vehicles. It's like saying that the barn stall has to hold horses and donkeys—no one gets the impression that the horses must also be donkeys.
I also don't see how the footnote confuses matters. I think you have to really read into the verbiage to argue that it changes the substance of the matter.
I'm not seeing the same ambiguities that others are seeing. But if I'm missing something, please help me understand!
Tristan - Horses and donkeys - that’s a great way to look at it. Based on earlier posts on this subject, it seemed others were interpreting (as I was) that there was a need to seek out vehicles that met both standards. The separate definitions in the footnote change seemed to further reinforce that mindset of two standards but using the horses and donkeys analogy, it appears I can use either one or both, which would be "and/or" like Ellen mentions.
Option 4-Vehicle Sharing Program-Can it be Rental for $$?
My question is the same as one posted above in April, but which, at this point, is still unanswered.
Does a "vehicle-sharing program" mean car use at no charge? or can the user be asked to pay a small fee?
My client has a pre-existing arrangement with ZipCar on their campus, but the users must pay a nominal fee.
Does anyone have any input or thoughts about this detail?
Thanks very much!
Yes, most of the vehicle sharing programs we've seen applied toward this credit charge a small fee.
"Vehicles" included in count for SSc4.3
At a urban bus maintainance facility there is designated parking for approximately as many buses as cars. Does SSc4.3, option 1 apply only to passenger cars and, if so, only the employees' cars or should it include company fleet cars, visitors, vendors, etc.? Thanks.
If the spaces for buses are not available to passenger cars it seems reasonable to exclude them from the count, since these are in a way "process vehicles" that are part of the facility operations and not for getting to and from the site. So yes, option 1 would apply to passenger cars for employees, visitors, and vendors. Check under SSc4.4 to see if there's more discussion about whether fleet cars should be included in the total parking capacity count.... Since these are often used by employees to get to and from work, they are typically included.
Option 1: Shared Lot/Outside LEED Boundary
We have a major renovation project where the building shares a small parking lot with three other buildings within a campus setting. 75% of the spaces are handicap spaces with only 4 short term parking spaces. Looking back (after we have created our LEED project boundary), we would like to reserve one of the spaces 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.. Would we have to redraw the boundary to include this space? It would still be the closest non-handicap space, but it would make for an odd looking boundary.
Any insight or suggestions would be appreciated.
We too, have a building on a campus that shares parking with the entire campus. Our new building replaces 3 old previous buildings. Parking is not in our LEED boundary. Can it still be counted as part of credit SSc4.3, since we are not adding any new parking?
I also have the same situation. I'm working on a campus building that has parking outside of the LEED boundary. I believe you can include all the parking that services the building but I'm still looking for a credit interpretation ruling to back this up.
I don't have a specific 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 to provide you, but I can tell you that I have had success in past campus projects with this approach. I identified all parking lots or structures that serve my building (even if existing and outside of my boundary), and allocated 5% of those as preferred for LEFEVs. One word of caution though is that I have had some (but not all) reviewers insist that the signage state that the spaces are reserved for the LEED building only. I think that this is sort of ridiculous and impractical on a campus, but I'm guessing that is their way of side-stepping the possibility of "double-dipping" with any other future LEED projects on campus.
Federal Projects
We currently have a Federal client who does not believe that the Federal government is able 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 efficient vehicles.
The reasoning has to do with equity and not providing conveniences that may only be available to some employees - those who own newer or more efficient cars.
Has anyone else heard this? Can you provide a reference?
We want to gather enough information to help the client make an informed decision.
Joel, I hadn't heard that but it sounds believable to me.
Have you learned more since you posted this question?
I have recently experienced this same reasoning when dealing with the Federal Government, in my case the GSA/Border Patrol Agencies. It could vary from agency to agency however.
I have worked on several Federal Building projects including Federal office buildings and courthouses with the GSA and the US Courts. Each of those projects were able to pursue credits SSc4.3 and SSc4.4 as well as an Innovation and Design credit for Alternative Transportation Education and Ride Share programs. It must vary from agency to agency.
pursuing SS4.3 via combination of Option 1 & Option 2
I'd be interested to know if anyone has pursued this credit via a combination of Option 1 (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 Option 2 (alt. fuel charging stations). We have a project, where the client is interested in installing electric car charging stations in the parking lot, however it will not be economical to install as many as 3% of the parking capacity for the project. Has anyone pursued this credit by a combination of certain % of preferred parking and certain % of alt. car charging stations? Appreciate the feedback.
Komal - Did you hear any responses in reference to a combo approach? I have a client interested in a similar strategy...
I haven't yet Michelle. I will keep you posted if I find any reference to such an approach. Thanks!
Thanks Komal! I did hear back from GBCI - they recommended to issue 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 with a proposed approach such as a 50/50 split between the two options. We decided not to pursue but I thought I would let you know!
Defining number of parking spaces
We have a new office building that is on an Existing VA campus. There are no other LEED projects to date on the campus. As the government has mandated all future projects will be LEED we have been careful to make sure our boundary does not create unfair boundaries for future projects. We will be submitting this project as an individual project and not part of a campus. I do not see where it is mandatory to submit as a campus but if it is please let me know. We are not adding parking as parking already exists on the campus. We have defined our project boundary to include the areas that we are disturbing to create the building and those areas that support the operation of the building. We would like to provide parking for LEV and carpooling near the entrance but it's unclear how we should define the total number of parking spaces. In the MPR (page 18) it says, "If a LEED project building shares use of a parking lot, parking garage, or other amenity with another building, then those amenities must be allocated according to the percentage of use for each building." If I were to define the % of use by the building in a letter from the owner would this suffice? Or should this be determined by FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories.? Even though we will not be modifying the parking or adding parking please confirm whether these spaces will need to be in the LEED boundary.
You do not have to use the campus approach. However, on a campus, you will typically have some credits that you will want to use a credit approach for: stormwater design (SSc6.1, SSc6.1) and parking, among others. The LEV spaces do not have to be in the project LEED boundary. A letter from the owner will likely suffice, depending on how well founded the argument is in the letter. As long as you are using a reasonable method, allocating according to FTEs, peak occupancy (FTEs and transients), square footage or other fair method, you should be ok. Though, you may need to show a campus plan of the total number of spaces with the LEV spaces designated. These should be spaces closest to your building.
I am wondering if you had success with this? I have a similar situation excpet that we ARE including a shared parking lot within the site boundry. Did you have success with your approach?
We plan to allocate a % of spaces our LEED project building. Would we then take 5% of our allocated spaces to determine the number of spaces we need to reserve for LE/FE? Or would LEED require we take 5% of all the spaces (even though the lot serves other building not being certifiied)?
HI Sonrisa Lucero thank you for your comment. You mentioned that we do not have to use the campus approach but on a campus you will typically have some credits that you will want to use a credit approach for: stormwater design (SSc6.1, SSc6.2). Our current approach is to achieve these credits based on our LEED boundary. Could you please clarify whether you are saying that we MUST use a campus approach in order to achieve these credits?
Nena Elise, we have not submitted our project yet so I cannot comment on whether we have been successful or not.
Pavement Signage Examples?
In the past we have provided wall or post-mounted signage for the LE/FE 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 (Option 1), but it appears that pavement marking alone would be sufficient for this credit.
Does anyone have examples of or know what sort of text painted on the pavement would be acceptable to meet this requirement? I was thinking of something like the following. Do you think this would work (or be too much) to comply with this credit?:
LOW-EMIT /
FUEL-EFFIC
VEHICLES
ONLY
Thanks for any help on this!
i have symbols in .dwg acad for low - e fuel and carpool van pool...
Option 4-Vehicle Sharing Program-Only cars for 8 comply?
The credit criteria for Option 4 clearly states that one LE/FE vehicle must be provided per 3% of the FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. . . . "assuming that 1 shared vehicle can carry 8 persons." The template also inserts 8 passengers in the online calcs.
My university client has a long-established relationship with a car-sharing provider, but the cars are 5-passenger hybrids.
What am I missing--are there 8-passenger LE/FE cars out there ? (like a hybrid Yukon?)--or should I file 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 and request meeting the compliance with two 5-passenger cars instead of one 8-passenger car?
I'd appreciate some mentoring--the 8-passenger requirement seems odd.
Thanks very much!
I would document the 3% of FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. with 5 passenger then explain the math. Does the template do the math for you? Try submitting an ACP or explaining your math in a narrative.
I've always thought the 8 passenger vehicles were those extended vans.
We have also been looking into this issue. It does not appear that USGBC/GBCI has stated any requirements on car occupancy. A car-sharing service typically can serve 8+ people per day with each car because multiple people can take the same car out at different times in the day, not necessarily all at once.
Total Vehicle Parking Capacity
In a gas station, would the fuel pumps count towards total parking capacity, seeing that many people who stop for fuel and something from inside the store only "park" at the pump?
Nice try, but I would be really surprised if you could get that past the reviewers.
Charging stations and Calgreen
Our project in California is pursuing SSc4.3 by providing charging stations. But Calgreen (the California green building code) does not have provisions for charging stations, only the requirement 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. for 8% of the total parking count. Has anyone have experience with counting the car-charging stations as part of the Calgreen-required 8% preferred parking for "Clean Air Vehicles"?
Thanks.
Parking spaces for sale
We are working on a residential condominium project where below ground parking "spaces" will be sold separately from the units. For purposes of compactness, indoor parking lifts will be used with a valet, so a purchased space is not a specific spot, but rather a "held" space within the garage. We are weighing the various options for complying with this credit.
Since the spaces are not rented, is it acceptable that spaces be sold to owners of low emitting/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. at a 20% discount from the standard rate? Also, once the space is sold, how can it be verified that the owner did not change their vehicle?
If we choose to comply with the alternative-fuel station option, is there any issue in combining the charging stations with a parking lift, as long as we can attest to the fact that the valet is able to park the vehicle such that it can be charged?
Thanks
Hi Ilana,
The 20% discount on purchasing access to a parking spot sounds reasonable and in keeping with the credit intent & requirements.
Not sure how best to ensure the discount only applies to specific, eligible vehicles - perhaps the purchase & sale agreement needs to include this in the language. Are the "spaces" associated with a particular owner, no matter what they're driving, or a particular vehicle? How would valet staff normally know whether an arriving car or driver is has parking privileges? Could a specific number of spaces and lifts closest to the entry or drop-off point be clearly marked as reserved for low emitting vehicles? That might reduce the chances of gaming the system, and makes sense if they are combined with charging stations. If the garage is big enough, and the placement makes these spaces are quicker to access by the valets, they might provide a genuine benefit as "priority spaces." It's quite a rubik's cube given the cost of underground parking and the need to maximize the number of spaces within a limited area.
Number of preferred spaces
I am pursuing option 1, 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 a building on a campus. The new parking lot expands an existing parking lot for an adjacent building. The parking count within the LEED boundary is 230 cars, but 50 were existing for the adjacent building, the project is just resurfacing that area. I am claiming 180 spaces to figure the number of preferred spaces on. Does this sound correct or should I carve the existing spaces from the LEED boundary and exclude them that way?
Craig, I think the better choice here is to exclude those spaces from your LEED boundary. That makes it more clear which spaces are associated with which building, and since those spaces do support the other building, I don't think you can be accused of gerrymandering (see MPR supplemental guidance doc, page 27).
Craig,
Those 180 spaces will need to be reserved for the sole use of your LEED building.
We've had a similar situation for a campus project. We could not achieve the credit as the lot is shared and could not be dedicated for the sole use of our building. The other option would have been 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. spaces based on the FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. for all buildings served by the lot.
Hi Stefanie and Tristan,
Our project is on a campus. We are not adding any new parking. The parking lots to either side of our project are not in the construction scope and are shared by multiple buildings. As they continue to expand and modify their campus these lots most likely will be modified by future LEED projects. Can I reserve spaces for LEV based on our FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. or would I need to reserve LEV based on the FTE of all buildings that share those lots?
If you pursue option 1 you can reserved 5% of the total # of space for LE/FE. Even though this may be more parking spaces then used by your building, it seems that you can not only take 5% of your space unless you somehow have them specifically reserved for use of your building.
Free valet parking for LE/FEVs - Does this count?
My question is similar to the most recent question. We are working on a hotel project with valet parking. The owners said that they would offer free valet parking 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.. Would this satisfy the requirements of this credit?
Yes, this would satisfy the requirements, as offering free parking for LE/FE vehicles surpasses the required 20% discount. Please see my response to the previous question below as well.
You may need a 2 year commitment to the valet parking.
Prefererd parking spaces in Valet Parking - Hotel project
I have a hotel building project with 145 parking (Valet parking) which is less than the authority requirements of 165. For SS 4.3 & 4.4, I am planning 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 LE/FE and carpool/vanpools for total 10% of parking capacity (5% for each).
My question is, do we really need to give preferred parking for valet parking garages.? Thinking from the operational perspective, I can't find any real meaning in this because the hotel staff will be taking care of parkig the guest cars one they arrive. It doesn't seem to matter if they park it near the entrance or on far..Is this applicable for valet parking too.?
If the hotel is charging for valet parking, offering a 20% discounted parking rate for LE/FE vehicles is an acceptable approach. Encouraging occupants to drive LE/FE vehicles through discounted parking rates meets the credit intent in this situation, rather than designating specific spaces. For documentation, you should assemble information pertaining to the discount program and how this discount will be communicated to occupants.
Charging stations for oversized parking lot
We are working on an adaptive re-use project where the client has purchased an existing manufacturing facility and it is being coverted for use as an office and testing lab for a research institute. The client wants to install EV charging stations. The existing parking lots are double what zoing requires at around 590 spaces, and are far more than what the occupancy would require. At present we are not eliminating any of the existing parking. At 3% of the total parking lot this calculates to 18 charging stations. This is more than what the client had in mind. Is anyone aware of a way that we can reach the 18 using FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. calculations or the charging capacity of the station? Or in this case, since the number of spaces far exceeds the occupancy/zoning requirements can we calculate the 3% using a lower number of parking spaces?
I have found the reviewers pretty consistent on site related credit requirements. Can you eliminate some parking and add to the open space or add a large rain garden?
Option 1 Signage
Can someone point me towards a resource for how to go about signing the space? I'm just concerned that the general public will not know what "Low-Emitting and Fuel Efficient" includes and excludes. I see the definitions for ZEVZero-emission vehicles. or Green Score of over 40 in the credit description. If the sign at the parking spot were to read "Hybrid and Electric Vehicles", do you think this will suffice?
There aren't any guidelines for this which allows us the freedom and curse of authorship. We should consider who the audience is and how to best achieve the intent of the credit and rating system.
If your audience is General Public, perhaps a more explanatory sign could be placed near a grouping of these spaces to supplement the LE/FEV or leaf, etc at the spot itself. The allowable vehicles for the credit is more broad than "hybrid and electric" but if you think that's the wording that will work for people, go with it. Since its more restrictive than the LEED credit I think you stand a great chance.
On a small university campus I called for a sign reading "Reserved ACEEE Green Score 40+". Maybe students and staff are more of a mind to look it up and see how their car, or prospective purchase ranks. I realize they won't do that before parking there, but these spots aren't policed anyway and for this client it at least raises awareness of a metric.
On a corporate project with a huge parking lot, we had over 40 spaces to mark. We used a broad green stripe where the spaces meet the parking lane and repeated the words "Low Emitting Fuel Efficient" about every three spaces within the green stripe. The lot was color coded this way for visitor parking (blue), compact parking (white), and LE/FEV (lime green). It works pretty well! It's big enough to read and recognize at a glance and for the quantity of spaces we had it was very economical.
You need to be very careful with sign language on this credit. We were denied this credit during design review from the GBCI recently for proposing Hybrids and Electric language which fits with the older population the project is serving. Their response stated 'The signage must indicate that 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. is 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.'.' They went on to state that not all hybrids are low-emitting or fuel-efficient and vice versa. That said, I like the green parking stripe idea. I think it visually communicates the sign intent.
We too were denied this credit during the design review for having a sign that reads, "Hybrid and Low-Emitting VehiclesLow-emitting vehicles are classified as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the California Air Resources Board.." We received a similar comment saying that not all hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles are low-emitting or fuel efficient. The technical advice said we should provide signage saying "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. only". They put that in quotes. This phrase is extremely vague and the general public probably doesn't know its meaning, but apparently GBCI doesn't want us to try to clarify or make it more understandable.
I have had the same comment on a few projects so I would definately use the exact verbaige of "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. only". We had some latitude with the wording in v2.2 projects, but they have since tightened the requirements.
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.
Can the ACEEE 40+ rating be converted to a minimum MPG value? Many users do not know what the Green Score Rating of their vehicle is and these 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 designaged spaces are not being parked in because occupants do not understand the requirements. We would like to include the MPG value on our signage, if possible.
Do Handicap Spaces Count?
For a healthcare project that has a significant number of handicap parking spaces (nearly 1/3 of the parking capacity), can we exclude the handicap spaces when tallying up the total vehicle parking capacity?
No. Ultimately, the total vehicle count is part of the zoning and proffer process for the building project, that you choose to build more handicap spaces than required isn't a pass on the credit limits. My approach would be to establish the 'code required' HC spaces and then discuss with the client the number of HC 'extra' spaces that they would like to be restricted to fuel efficient vehicles. In general, we don't mix our required HC spaces with the signed spaces for this credit.
Option 1: Discounted Rate for LE/FE Vehicles
For the 20% discounted rate, is there any minimum amount that must be charged for parking?
Michael, there is no specific figure required by LEED.
Green Score
Do gas golf carts count as low-emitting/fuel efficient vehicles? If so, how is the ACEEE Green Score determined?
Do you mean gasoline powered or natural gas powered? I'm not sure if golf carts are held to the same emissions reporting standards as cars, which may make it difficult for them to qualify. The ACEEE Green Score method is described at
http://www.greenercars.org/greenbook_method.htm
You'd probably have to contact the cart manufacturer to find out if they can be certified.
Time Committment on Option 1 - Provide Spaces
Is anyone aware of a time committment on providing LE/FEV Spaces for this credit? The Owner of our project posed the question since the Discounted Parking rate has a minimum of 2 years.
Cynthia, it is understood that the spaces are part of the design of the building and site, and are permanent. (However, there are no "LEED police" to check on allocation of these spaces in 1 or 3 or 20 years.)
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