Case 3: Mixed-Use Projects

When choosing among options to reduce single-occupancy vehicles, consider the time that will be spent by building personnel in administering a car-sharing plan, keeping a ride-board updated, or organizing shuttle services. Also consider the type of infrastructure that may be needed for specific programs, like a carpool drop-off area with signage, or preferred parking spaces for carpools, car-share preferred parking space, website for ride-board, etc. Procedures and policies may need to be developed and maintained over time. 

Consider whether there are existing vehicle-share programs in the area that you can utilize. If not, research vendors that can help develop a program.

Try negotiating a special contract with a vehicle-sharing company for low-emitting or fuel-efficient vehicles.

The program also must have a minimum two-year contract and designated preferred parking for the shared vehicles. 

All cars included in the vehicle-sharing program must be qualified as low-emitting or fuel-efficient by ACEEE. 

Implement a vehicle-sharing program in which one low-emitting or fuel-efficient vehicle is provided per 3% of FTE occupants. This works out to one vehicle for every 267 FTE occupants, assuming that one shared vehicle can serve eight people. (The number of vehicles required equals the total number of FTEs divided by 267—see the Documentation Toolkit for a calculator.) At a minimum, one vehicle must be provided, regardless of the number of occupants in the building.  

Option 4: Vehicle-Sharing Program

Research tax incentives offered by federal, state, or local governments for purchasing alternative-fuel vehicles. This could help offset some of the initial costs. 

The setup costs for this option may be considerable.