Can School Mini-buses be considered a type of Van pools ?
The School we are working on have reserved parking spaces for theses mini-buses. If the latter can be consider like vanpools, then it will be easier to get this credit.
Thanks,
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Larry Jones
Associate DirectorAtelier Ten
258 thumbs up
September 21, 2010 - 5:06 pm
George,
LEED defines a carpool as "an arrangement by which 2 or more people share a vehicle for transportation". So by that definition, I would say, yes the Mini-buses qualify. However, I would not recommend attempting this credit using only the Mini-buses, since they only take care of some of the School's population. If you designate other spaces for faculty and staff to carpool in addition to the buses, I feel the reviewers would look more favorably on your submission.
Larry Jones
Associate DirectorAtelier Ten
258 thumbs up
September 21, 2010 - 5:08 pm
Also, be sure that these spaces are "preferred"... meaning closest to the main entrance for both the Mini-buses and faculty/staff parking.
Maya Karkour
EcoConsulting871 thumbs up
September 22, 2010 - 4:03 am
Thanks Larry, your comments are very helpful. We'll try to convince the client of allocating preferential parking to other type of carpool as well.
On another note, we initially thought that Mini-bus parking lots would not need to be counted in parking capacity calculations, as this credit seeks to prevent the use of private cars (as opposed to school bus). But from your answer above, I understand that parking spaces for all type of vehicles must be considered in this credit.
Many thanks,
Larry Jones
Associate DirectorAtelier Ten
258 thumbs up
September 22, 2010 - 10:05 am
George,
Can you elaborate on the function of the Mini-buses? Are these vehicles used to bring the students to and from school daily or are they parked and only used on occasion?
Maya Karkour
EcoConsulting871 thumbs up
September 22, 2010 - 10:28 am
Hi Larry,
The are vehicles used to bring the students to and from school daily.
Does it make a difference?
Thanks,
Larry Jones
Associate DirectorAtelier Ten
258 thumbs up
September 22, 2010 - 10:57 am
Ok good. I think that works in your favor versus occasionally used vehicles that get preferred parking, which I was worried about.
Larry