LEED ID for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Jennifer, I always get a bit confused in LEED-CI about what you are supposed to pursue under SSc1 path 12 vs. under IDc1.

I would start by applying this under SSc1, but if you're maxed out there, then I think you should be able to achieve an ID credit. Treat it like you're complying with NC SSc4.3, and use the LEED Online documentation provided for that credit, which you can find here:
http://www.leeduser.com//credit/NC-2009/SSc4.3

Tristan, our project was maxed out under SSc1 path 12. So, we actually did exactly what you suggested to Jennifer, we provided appropriate documentation for NC SSc4.3 as an ID credit. However, after the first review, that ID credit turned out to be "pending" because the charging vehicle stations is a program for the base-building and not for our interior project, so they suggest that we can "apply for an alternative Innovation in Design credit for the Final Review"...What is an "alternative ID credit" and how can we go about pursuing it?

I haven't heard that language used—I don't know. Possibly they are referring to Path 12? I would email GBCI to get clarification. Let us know what you learn.

Generally "attempt an alternative ID credit" means that the attempted strategy simply doesn't meet the requirements/isn't applicable and that you can submit a completely different strategy instead. My understanding is that these credits is marked "Pending" so that teams don't get confused and think that they are not allowed to attempt something else in the next phase (i.e. one might be confused/think they couldn't change it if it was marked as "Denied").

That appears to be the case here from your description... Since the EV charging stations are a base-building program, it's not eligible for the ID category within LEED-CI. This is a nuance to LEED-CI as SSc1 can essentially award an extra ID-type point within Path 12 for base building strategies. As such, in LEED-CI, the ID category generally is supposed to be specific to the individual CI project pursuing certification; base building programs don't generally qualify as the CI project/team probably didn't have a role in the development of that base building program. Those base building strategies would be applicable in SSc1 under Path 12. Since you state that your project already maxed out the SSc1 Path 12 point, it sounds like you just don't have any opening to get credit for that additional base building EV program.

Having not seen the full review comment, that's my best-guess for what that "attempt an alternative ID strategy" phrase means based on its usual usage. If that doesn't make sense in the context of the overall comment, you definitely should follow up with your review team to be extra sure. Wouldn't want to see you lose out on an ID point if you can come up with a different/new strategy.

Hope that helps!