A project attempting to meet the preferred parking requirements for Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles may provide what incentive to meet the requirements and highlight the project sustainable vehicle strategy?

A project attempting to meet the preferred parking requirements for Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles may provide what incentive to meet the requirements and highlight the project sustainable vehicle strategy?

A. Three years of free parking for green vehicles

B. Preferred parking decals for 5% of occupants utilizing carpool vehicles

C. A permanent discounted parking rate of at least 20% for all green vehicles

D. An annual maintenance voucher for at least 5% of occupants driving green vehicles

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles aims to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and alternative-fuel

vehicles1. One of the requirements for this credit is to provide preferred parking for green vehicles for 5% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the project1. Preferred parking is defined as parking that is clearly marked and located in the most convenient spaces available to the driver or nearest to the main entrance of the project2. In addition to providing preferred parking, the project may also offer one or more incentives to encourage the use of green vehicles, such as a discounted parking rate, free parking passes, or rebates for parking fees3. The question asks what incentive may be provided to meet the requirements and highlight the project sustainable vehicle strategy. The correct answer is C. A permanent discounted parking rate of at least 20% for all green vehicles, because this incentive meets the minimum threshold of 20% discount suggested by the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction3, and it also demonstrates the project’s commitment to supporting green vehicles in the long term. The other options are either not sufficient or not relevant for this credit.

Option A. Three years of free parking for green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not permanent and may not be attractive enough for drivers to switch to green vehicles.

Option B. Preferred parking decals for 5% of occupants utilizing carpool vehicles is not relevant because it does not address green vehicles, but rather carpool vehicles, which are covered by a different credit (Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint)4.

Option D. An annual maintenance voucher for at least 5% of occupants driving green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not directly related to parking and may not be a significant incentive for drivers.

Reference: Green Vehicles

Green Vehicles – Canada Green Building Council

[LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 544 Reduced Parking Footprint