If you are a business concerned with reducing your emissions footprint and overall energy impact on the environment, odds are you have heard of LEED. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the most widely used green rating system globally. This system was established as a framework available to all building types and guides on 'healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving measures to adapt to a greener future [1]. The ratings go from the lowest certified level with 40-49 points to the platinum level with 80+ points. Businesses can implement a variety of different efficiency projects and emissions-reducing initiatives to get points.
The most recent iteration of the GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.) is the LEED v4.1 which was released in 2018 [2]. This update outlines the criteria for businesses to add an additional LEED point to their rating by adopting alternative fueling stations, mostly consisting of electric vehicle charging stations. For drivers of electric vehicles, this is exciting news because the additional benefit of LEED recognition for businesses means wider adoption across various locations. Office buildings, commercial properties, and multi-family housing communities will be more likely to embrace electric vehicle charging stations as an essential amenity to be offered, knowing that they can receive the benefit of official recognition for their accomplishments.
There are two requirements that a property must fulfill to qualify for the alternative fuel LEED point [3]. The first is that at least 5% of the parking lot must be exclusively dedicated to green vehicles. If there are different parking sections, such as long-term versus short-term zones, 5% must be evenly distributed across each area. There is an alternate option for paid parking zones that the property can offer a 20% discount to those with a green car and avoid utilizing 5% of their lot. The second requirement to grab the LEED point is that some form of alternative fuel is available at 2% of the parking spaces. This requirement means that there must be 5% of the lot reserved for green cars, and 2% need to offer electric, gas, or battery capacity fuel. Spaces where the EV supply equipment is provided should not include the reserved areas for green vehicles. The alternative fuel stations need to reach at least a level 2 charging electrical capacity or greater.
All Livingston Energy Group stations meet the requirements of being at a level 2 station or higher to get the LEED point. We have various program options that allow us to curate the project's plans to the individual needs of each property. We have helped businesses achieve their LEED goals and take steps toward becoming a more eco-minded and carbon-friendly facility. In addition to LEED's benefits, NYS offers generous funding and incentive options that can help cover the cost of the installation and equipment. If you want to learn more about Livingston's programs, grants and incentives offered in your area, and requirements to receive LEED alternative fuel points, please email us at sales@solution.energy.
[1] “What Is LEED?” U.S. Green Building Council, www.usgbc.org/help/what-leed.
[2] Marketing. “Everything You Need to Know About LEED Green Vehicle Points.” Blog.evsolutions.com, 15 Nov. 2018, blog.evsolutions.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-leed-green-vehicle-points.
[3] “Innovation: Green Vehicles.” U.S. Green Building Council, www.usgbc.org/credits/homes-mid-rise/v4/bdc-lt-credit.
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