Improved Bicycle Storage Facilities For a multi-family residential project we plan to provide covered bicycle storage facilities for securing bicycles for 30% of building occupants, compared with the 15% of occupants required by the LEED 2.1 version of Site Credit 4.2. As we are doubling the LEED 2.1 credit requirement and are providing an amenity that supports and encourages bicycle use among a wider resident population, we are seeking an Innovation Credit for this alternative transportation measure. Please confirm that we will be eligible for an Innovation Credit, or advise as to what additional effort would be necessary to earn the LEED point.
The applicant will not be awarded an innovation point merely for doubling the number of bicycle racks on the project site. Doubling a LEED performance requirement is a good rule of thumb, but is not applicable to all credits. Yours is a residential project, which also puts into question if the bicycle racks provide any incentive to commute to work by bicycle. Also, the credit adds substantial costs for commercial projects by adding showers and changing rooms that typically would not be provided. In order to achieve an innovation credit, a comprehensive approach to promoting alternative transportation (not just commuting by bicycle), tailored to the particular project type, would have to be proposed and documented. To see an example for a commercial project, refer to the 4/7/2003 inquiry under ID Credit 1.1.