This credit goes beyond assigning parking spaces for green vehicle, i.e., low-emitting and fuel-efficient cars. Although that is one component, teams must also install alternative-fuel stations onsite in order to earn the credit.

Alternative-fuel stations can be electric vehicle charging stations, liquid or gas alternative fueling stations, or a battery switching station that is capable of servicing multiple vehicles each day. 

For projects that provide lots of parking, this credit should be straightforward to implement. It may be more difficult for projects with limited parking to carve out space for preferred parking and fueling stations.

What’s New in the LEED v4.1 beta

The Green Vehicles credit in v4 is replaced with a new Electric Vehicles credit in 4.1.

• Designating spots for green vehicles is removed (i.e., no more parking spaces for hybrids).
• Option 1: EV Chargers (Level 2 chargers) offers credit for 2% of parking spaces or with a minimum of two stations.
• Option 2: EV Ready: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (Raceway / Conduit) offers credit for 6% of parking spaces or a minimum of six total spaces.

What’s New in LEED v4

New Construction, Core and Shell, Data Centers, Hospitality, Retail, Healthcare

• LEED now uses the term “green vehicles” instead of “low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.”
• Options 1 and 2 now require that green vehicle and alternative-fuel refueling stations have priority parking for all projects.
• USGBC requires that electrical connectors must adhere to SAE Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J1772, SAE Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler or an equivalent regional or local standard and be capable of dynamic interaction with the utility grid.
• The minimum ACEEE green classification score for fuel-efficient vehicles has been raised to 45.
• The requirement for alternative-fuel refueling stations has been reduced to 2% of the total parking capacity.
• LEED no longer includes credits for providing green vehicles or a car-sharing program to building occupants.

LEED for Schools

• See section above for changes in Option 1.
• The credit no longer requires a designated carpool drop-off location for green vehicles (previously referred to as “low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles”).
• Option 2 now requires you to create an implementation plan for NOx and particulate emissions standards for school buses serving the project and a green vehicle designation for non-bus vehicles.