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Plenty of options
This credit offers a variety of strategies for residential, non-residential and mixed use projects. These strategies help to reduce the number of cars on the road, cut down on the sprawl of parking facilities, and decrease the negative environmental impacts of parking infrastructure, including stormwater runoff and the urban heat islandA densely populated area in which pavement and buildings absorb, store, and release solar energy, making the vicinity warmer than it would be if the pavement and buildings were not present. effect.
Getting mileage out of your efforts
Assess the location and context of your project to make sure that carpooling...
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35 Comments
SSc4.4 and Military Base Projects
There is an omission in requirements for this credit in NC 2009 as compared with what is stated in the non-local-zoning-requirement option in NC v2.2. Nowhere does v2009 provide the Portland code/Transportation Engineers Guideline option when there is no local zoning requirement, as is always the case when working on military bases. The GBCI basically chooses to ignore this and require the team wishing to LEED-certify the project to submit 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. Any experience or input on this? Let's hope they own up to this oversight and issue an applicable errata.
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Feb 11 2010
We’ve not had experience with this yet...
I think you have the right idea about submitting 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. Hopefully the CIR will then get the ball rolling for an errata. Let us know how it goes.
Shannon
Carpool brochures
Is it a requirement to upload information on how 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. will be communicated to the building occupants? The project is non-residential, parking capacity does not exceed minimum zoning requirements with preferred parking.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Mar 15 2010
LEED Online doesn't seem to ask for this. My understanding was that the owner would need to simply sign off to say that the notification would be performed, although at a glance I don't see a spot for that, either.
Gregg Schwieterman replied Mar 15 2010
There is a spot on page 2 of the form. If the team decides to pursue certification I will forward you GBCI's comments on the credit submittal.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Mar 15 2010
Yes, now I see it. I think you just need the owner to sign off there—no additional upload.
preferred parking?
I am working on a project in an urban area which only has street parking and no designated parking to serve the new building. in order to qualfy for SSc4.3 and SSc4.4, the owner (which is the City) is planning to designate existing spaces for LEV/FEV (SSc4.3), and also 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 car/vanpool (SSc4.4).
Since there there are no other designated parking spaces in the project, does that mean those preferred and LEV spaces are 100% of the total parking spaces, and therefore will quality for the credits?
thank for your feebback.
No New Parking?
Since our building is an existing building and the project is renovation of this, and since no new parking spaces have been added to the existing spaces, do I choose the "Provide No New Parking" options for this credit? Or does this option only allow cases where the building site does not have any parking spaces?
Leticia SooHoo replied Apr 01 2010
Yes, you can choose the "Provide No New Parking" option. I went a project with a similar situation.
Using SS4.4 with no new parking and SS4.3 together.
I am working on a building to be placed on a site adjacent to an existing building. We are adding no new parking and using that as justification for SSc4.4. The city (the building Owner) would like to designate existing parking to satisfy SSc4.3. However, SSc4.3 defaults to 0 on the parking. Has anyone successfully used existing parking to satisfy SSc4.3 in this case? Would the project boundary have to change to include the existing parking to accomodate this?
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability May 12 2010
Hi Nina,
The MRP Clarification document that the USGBC published in Nov 2009 touches on this. From reading the statement below it would make sense for you to exclude the parking from your LEED boundary and take credit for the addition of no new parking. In addition, it seems like you could reasonably add low-emitting parking signs on an existing parking lot that will be used by your project occupants and earn the credit. Although, you will not be able to use these signs for any other LEED projects (no double dipping).
On page 14:
Facilities (including parking) outside the LEED project boundary used for compliance specific credits
- Facilities (including parking) that are not within the LEED project boundary but are used to demonstrate compliance with a credit or prerequisite, as allowed per the rating system and reference guide, need not be considered for other prerequisite, edit, or MPR compliance. However, those facilities cannot be used to show compliance for other LEED projects, unless the sufficient capacity is present.
- EXAMPLE: Off‐site showers used to show compliance with Sustainable Sites credit 4.2, Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms in LEED NC need not be included in the calculations for Water Efficiency prerequisite 1, and cannot be used to earn this credit for an additional LEED project unless the required shower‐to‐FTE ratio is met for both projects.
Shannon
Maintenance Vehicle Spots Excluded
I believe 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 exists that states that parking spaces designated for vehicles that would not be eligible for LEV/Fuel Efficient and Carpool Parking (like maintenance vehicle spots) could be excluded from the total parking count for SSc4.3 and SSc4.4.
Can someone remind me of the date of this CIR?
Thanks.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 17 2010
I think the one you're looking for is for LEED-NC v2.2, on 1/10/2008, and can be found here. It's about a rental car facility.
No new parking spaces by count, but new parking lot.
We are renovating (essentially new construction) an abandoned residence to become offices for a small land conservation non-profit. We are not adding any new spaces for parking but are establishing a new dirt and gravel lot. The previous office space was in a barn on an adjoining property, with its own dirt and gravel lot. Does this qualify as no new parking?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 10 2010
Can you clarify this scenario? If you're adding a new parking lot how are you not increasing parking spaces?
I could see this being the case if the adjoining property's parking is being returned to a natural state, and it it's also being included in the LEED boundary, but it's not clear that that's what's happening.
sara frye replied Jun 10 2010
The adjoining property's parking lot is being returned to its natural state, but it does not currently fall within the LEED boundary. So I think I just answered my own question. The only way we can claim no new parking is to rework our LEED boundary.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 10 2010
I agree. This might be a bit complicated if the other building is being retained.
Parking Requirements in areas with no zoning.
They have got to be kidding. Are we honestly supposed to shell out $118 for the ITE 2003 Parking Generaton Study? How do we get around this? I don't have the reference and don't know anyone who does. Anyone else trying to determine how to meet Credit 4.4 for similar type scenario? We're on what equates to a Federal "campus" and our project does require new parking. Thanks for help.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 20 2010
This is a fairly new option (since April) so I doubt there is a lot of experience with it. I hope anyone will post who does have experience—we'd like to learn from you.
I am working on getting a copy to see just what this study is all about and why LEED requires us to all go get it rather than just give some handy table or such to go by.
Elizabeth McPherson replied Principal, McPherson Environmental Resources Jun 21 2010
Thank you. I call ITE and leave a message once a week and their return call comes after 4 on Fridays. Still haven't talked to them. Will let you know if I find out anything. Seeking free access to a table. Thanks.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 01 2010
We got a copy of the ITE study in the office, and wrote about it in this forum post. Gives me a much better idea of why LEED requires it. Too bad about the cost, of course, but lots of data there.
Parking Capacity in block project - park
Hi, I am working on a block project with two buildings pursuing LEED in a park. A new underground parking structure will be constructed to provide parking for the entire parking site as well as the two buildings. The team wishes to pursue SSc4.4 for both projects. What do you think the strategy might be? There is no zoning or parking requirements since it is a City park. Can we have the owner designate just the right number of spaces within the parking structure to satisfy the building occupant load? Does "designation" mean those spaces have to have signs noting that those are for building parking only? Thanks for your help.
Larry Jones replied Associate, Atelier Ten Jul 01 2010
Leticia,
First is a question of your LEED boundary. It sounds like your garage is located off site or outside of your LEED boundary for each of the buildings - which is allowed - see 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 ruling for SSc4.3 dated 8/22/08. I would present these options to your owner -1) calculate 5% 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. for each building and ask if the owner is willing to designate that number of spots for carpools for each building - these parking stalls should be strategically placed for a driver to have the shortest walk from the stall to the main entrance of each of the buildings; I think the easiest way to designate these stalls would be through signage which can be freestanding or painted. The signs should be clear about who is allowed to park in those spaces, e.g. "Reserved Carpool Parking for Building A only" or 2) ask the owner to create a discount program that would allow the entire FTE of each building to participate. This would eliminate the need to designate particular stalls for carpool. No matter which approach you take, be sure to write a very clear narrative that describes the approach, where the parking stalls are located (using a plan) or describes the incentive program. Also sharing an example of the advertisement for the discount parking will help get the credit passed by the reviewers. Good luck.
Leticia SooHoo replied Jul 01 2010
Larry, thank you for your comments.
New Parking?
I am working on a NC and we have parking spots in front of the building. The curbs are being altered and the actual parking area is being repaved, but there are no additional spaces being added. The owner also wants to add 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. signage. I wanted to bring the LEED boundary to the curb, and exclude the parking spots so that I can achieve this credit through adding no new parking, while also achieving SSc4.3. Would this scenario be accepted, or would the repaving/new curbs indicate new parking? Thanks for any suggestions
Larry Jones replied Associate, Atelier Ten Aug 03 2010
Aaron,
I don't see why you wouldn't be able to achieve both credits. As long as you can prove the number of existing parking spaces prior to construction and show that the number has not changed post construction, you should achieve SSc4.4. But your LEED boundary should include the parking area. I would write a comprehensive narrative explaining that it is to repaved and repainted only and provide site drawing(s) for your documentation. You should be able to designated the number of preferred spaces for SSc4.3 and achieve that credit as well. Remember that no matter how you draw your LEED boundary, it will affect your stormwater and other site credits you may be attempting.
Aaron Summers replied Aug 03 2010
Larry thanks for your response. I was hoping to exclude the parking area because it was outside the property line. However it is still with the scope work limit line boundary.
Larry Jones replied Associate, Atelier Ten Aug 04 2010
Aaron, I would be mindful of how you document your credits, including the site plan that you present for the general narrative. Even though the parking lot is outside the property line you state that it's within the same scope of work (and budget?) as the rest of your project. My sense is that you would have to include your parking lot in the LEED boundary. You didn't mention if this was v2.2 or a 2009 project. For 2009 they clearly list Minimum Program Requirements regarding site boundary - http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=6715. I'm pretty sure these boundary requirements always existed but they made them official by documenting them for this version. See numbers #1 and #5 under section 3. Follow this an you can't go wrong.
Shared Parking Area
We are working on a project that shares a parking lot with a previous LEED certified project. The City is including that parking area in the required parking count for our project while raising the total required parking count from 30 to 32. My question is, can we still attempt to earn Credits SS4.3 and SS4.4 utilizing the same designated 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. spots that we submitted for the previous project. We would still have the correct 5% designated spots. Also, I assume I would have to include the entire parking lot in my new project boundry.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 29 2010
You can't double-count the same designated parking spot for two LEED projects.
Does that answer your question?
Laurie Hammack replied Aug 30 2010
The City Building Department is treating this parking area similar to a campus project. Since the new project is on the same site as the previous project, they just increased the required parking spots by (2). The lot that is adjacent to this building was already included in the previously required count, so could the existing 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. spots apply to the total parking requirement?
David Posada replied Sustainability Manager, GBD Architects Aug 30 2010
It sounds like you'd meet the Reduced Parking Capacity part of SSc4.4, but it's unclear if you are asking about 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. spaces for carpools (SSc4.4) or for low-emitting vehiclesLow-emitting vehicles are classified as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the California Air Resources Board. (for SSc4.3), or both.
To earn both 4.3 and 4.4 for the second project, the total number of preferred parking spaces for carpools and low emitting vehicles would need to be calculated separately for each credit and for each project. Then see if you are providing that number of preferred spaces.
Larry Jones replied Associate, Atelier Ten Aug 30 2010
I agree with Tristan's comment. If a project has used those parking spots to achieve a LEED certification, you cannot use the same spaces to achieve SSc4.4 in your project. It would be considered double counting. For a early local project we utilized an existing, adjacent parking structure, and the USGBC actually required our client to sign a letter stating that the campus would NOT use this same structure again for future LEED projects.
Laurie Hammack replied Aug 30 2010
Thanks everyone for the clarification.
Lauren Glasscock replied Sr. Sustainability Professional, KEMA Services, Inc. Aug 30 2010
Hi Laurie,
You might want to review page 17-19 of the LEED-NC Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects (AGMBC): http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1097
Lauren
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