Zero Emissions Vehicle

Geoffrey Tomlinson

Vaha Sustainable Energy

LEEDuser Basic Member

38 thumbs up

October 18, 2010

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Tristan Roberts

Representative

Vermont House of Representatives

LEEDuser Expert

7780 thumbs up

Fri, 10/22/2010 - 12:40

Sounds to me like it's safe to put LE/FE vehicles down as zero.

Lisa Tholen

Founder

Tholen Sustainability Group

LEEDuser Basic Member

18 thumbs up

Tue, 10/26/2010 - 22:33

I have a smiliar issue. The only vechicles that meet the CA Air Resources Board (CARB) definition of zero emissions are all electric or hydrogen vehicles. The 2202 support documents specfically state that no hybrids are ZEV's. It appears if we are in SCAQMD territory in order for the vehicle to count as a zero, it has to be a ZEV, and that the AEEE list does not apply. Does anyone else read it this way?

Dan Ackerstein

Principal

Ackerstein Sustainability, LLC

LEEDuser Expert

545 thumbs up

Wed, 10/27/2010 - 17:16

Is it possible that this discrepancy has to do with the fundamental intent of 2202 vs EBOM? My understanding is that 2202 is largely focused on air quality and pollution, whereas EBOMs interest in alternative transportation is much more oriened towards climate. That may explain why AEEE views a given vehicle more favorably than 2202. Regardless, I think that in all cases, if you are a SCAQMD-reporting entity, you are best off adhering to their rules consistently; the GBCI should defer to their rules in all situations. If you are not an SCAQMD-reporting entity and specific EBOM guidance conflicts with SCAQMD guidance, stick with EBOM.

Lisa Tholen

Founder

Tholen Sustainability Group

LEEDuser Basic Member

18 thumbs up

Wed, 10/27/2010 - 17:29

Thanks, the reference guide is not very clear as to how far you are supposed to go with adhering to 2202 rules. It does say to follow the SCAQMD "survey methodology and collection procedures," but it is not clear about also adhering to SCAQMD rules about ZEV's or the required 60% response rate (with no interpolation allowed) to be a valid survey, where EBOM has no minimum required response rate and allows interpolation at 80% response rate. Since these are multi-tenant buildings, don't believe that any of the tenants are reporting entities, but will confirm. Just trying to do the right thing! Thanks again.

Geoffrey Tomlinson

Vaha Sustainable Energy

LEEDuser Basic Member

38 thumbs up

Wed, 02/16/2011 - 01:53

Posted the question to GBCI and Tristan is correct that low-emitting vehicles are acceptable for calculating the LEED points, not just ZEV's. From GBCI: For SSc4, Option 3, the project team must conduct a survey based on the survey methodology and data collection procedures in SCAQMD Rule 2202. For LEED purposes, the calculations may include low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles that are classified as zero-emission vehicles by the California Air Resources Board or that have achieved a minimum green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy annual vehicle-rating guide, so you are not restricted to just including zero-emission vehicles.