Innovation & Design Process: Exemplary Performance in Alternative Transportation - Hybrid Vehicle Reimbursement Program Intent Reduce pollution and energy impacts from automobile use. Requirements To receive an innovation point, the project team will demonstrate that a comprehensive hybrid vehicle reimbursement program is in place with clear performance goals, including: 1. A statement of purpose describing what the program is trying to achieve from a health and environmental standpoint, focusing on reduced carbon emissions. 2. Procedural requirements for employees who participate in the program to comply with the guidelines. 3. A clear set of acceptable performance metrics by which to measure progress or achievement, such as a sample request for reimbursement form stating all data gathered (i.e. miles driven, vehicle purchased, vehicle replaced, vehicle fuel consumption, etc.), and calculated statistics, including equivalent pounds of carbon dioxide NOT released, compared to the baseline (vehicles driven, fuel consumed, and emissions released, prior to the program). 4. Documentation of the program\'s vehicle and procurement specifications, including a list of approved vehicles, and employee eligibility guidelines. Demonstrate that the vehicles purchased and miles driven result in improved environmental impact. Submittals 1. Copy of program guidelines and eligibility requirements. 2. Copy of request for reimbursement form. 3. Calculations illustrating number of participating employees, vehicles purchased, vehicles replaced, miles driven each week for commuting purposes, and whether the program influenced the decision to purchase a hybrid. 4. Calculations quantifying equivalent pounds of carbon dioxide NOT released. Design Approach As part of a corporate commitment to reduce its environmental impact, as well as a comprehensive effort to improve its leadership on environmental issues, including LEED-CI certification of its Corporate Center interiors, Bank of America announced on June 7, 2006 that it will reimburse Associates living within 90 miles of Charlotte, Boston, and Los Angeles and purchasing a new hybrid vehicle $3,000. Available to more than 49,000 associates, the program addresses a correlation between air quality, limited travel options (other than single-rider vehicles), and commute length. As of September 7, 2006, 200 Bank of America associates, including 118 in Charlotte, have taken advantage of the program and the Bank expects up to 100 more will participate by the end of 2006. The program is available to all associates working in the Bank of America Corporate Center and it is possible to monitor how many of those associates take advantage of the program. We request a ruling on whether implementation of this program would achieve an Innovation & Design credit, since it is available to ALL Bank of America Associates living within 90 miles of Charlotte, where the Bank of America Corporate Center Renovation Pilot Project is located.