LEED-NC v2.2, Sustainable Sites Credit 4.3, OPTION 2 states a project must provide low-emitting/fuel efficient vehicle preferred parking for 5% of the total on-site parking capacity. Our project located in Brooklyn, New York is a mixed use high-rise residential building with commercial space on the ground floor and an underground parking facility. The parking facility managed by a third party valet service utilizes a compact stacked vehicle storage system accommodating approximately 129 vehicles. The compact stacked vehicle storage system will be controlled by the valet service, therefore making it difficult to implement preferred parking for low-emitting/fuel-efficient vehicles. We propose that instead of providing preferred parking locations, that low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles be given a 5% discounted parking rate. The parking garage will grant 5% discounted rates for monthly space rentals and provide signage indicating the low-emitting/fuel-efficient preferred parking rates (5% lower) for transient parkers and retail customers. We feel this solution meets the intent of the credit by giving those vehicles clear preference. Please rule on the acceptability of this approach.
The applicant wishes to provide discounted parking rates as an acceptable substitute for preferred parking for low-emitting/fuel efficient vehicles. In order to establish a meaningful incentive in all potential markets, the parking rate must be discounted at least 20%. This approach is acceptable as long as the discounted rate is available for all customers (not limited to the number of customers equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity) and publicly posted at the entrance to the parking deck. Applicable Internationally.