We are a large University campus with 9 ZipCars on campus, all of which are under contract. We currently have one hybrid and one electric ZipCar among these 9 contracted ZipCars. We have assigned both AFVs to a specific LEED project within its immediate vicinity to meet the intent of Sustainable Sites, Credit 4.3, as amended by the CIR Ruling dated 1/25/2005. Our question is as follows:ZipCar has agreed to replace the remaining 7 contracted vehicles on our campus with either electric or hybrid vehicles within the next two years. If we produced a letter from ZipCar stating that it is their intent to supply all 9 ZipCar contracts with dedicated hybrid or electric cars within the next two years, would this qualify as meeting the intent of Sustainable Sites, Credit 4.3 - assuming that we met the requirements of the CIR Ruling dated 1/25/2005?If two years is not sufficient, what would be an acceptable timetable to replace the ZipCars with AFVs to earn the credit?
It is important to note that all previous CIRs providing guidance on implementing car-share programs with alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs), such as Zipcars and Flexcars, were based on multi-unit residential or commercial building applications. The car-share program with AFVs is however applicable to a campus situation, and it is therefore reasonable to accept that the proposed car-share strategy would meet the intent of the credit. The two year phase-out period for converting the remaining seven Zipcars to either hybrid or electrical vehicles is also an acceptable time line for doing this, if needed to fulfill the required number of vehicles per the credit calculations. To accommodate a building project in a campus environment, the following conditions or criteria should be followed and documented in your LEED submission:1.) The USGBC has stated in a previous CIR, ruling dated 1/26/05, that it is reasonable that 8 building FTE occupants are served per shared-use alternative fuel vehicle. That would equate to approximately one car-share AFV for every 267 FTE occupants (# of AFV needed = 8 FTE occupants per car-share / 3%). The appropriate number of car-share AFVs would need to be provided for each building seeking LEED certification, and the corresponding FTE numbers clearly documented.2.) Provide a copy of the signed contract highlighting the relevant details, including the contract period which needs to be a minimum of a 2 year agreement.3.) Provide preferred parking for these vehicles adjacent to each project or in a convenient centralized campus parking facility. Submit a parking plan that highlights their location. Applicable Internationally.