Learn how offices without transit access can reduce their transportation impact according to the USGBC LEED certification standards. Discover the key factors that make the biggest difference.
Table of Contents
Question
An office without transit access can substantially reduce its transportation impact if
A. ample parking spaces are provided
B. the office is located at a major intersection
C. workers are able to walk from the office to basic services
D. green power is purchased to offset projected automobile travel
Answer
C. workers are able to walk from the office to basic services
Explanation
An office without transit access can substantially reduce its transportation impact if workers are able to walk from the office to basic services. Transportation impact is the effect of transportation activities on the environment, society, and economy.
Transportation impact can include greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise pollution, energy consumption, land use, traffic congestion, infrastructure costs, and public health. Walking is a form of alternative transportation that can reduce transportation impact by using less energy, emitting less pollutants, occupying less space, and improving physical activity and well-being.
If workers are able to walk from the office to basic services, such as retail, restaurants, banks, or post offices, they can reduce their vehicle miles traveled, fuel consumption, and parking demand.
Locating an office within walking distance of basic services like restaurants, shops, banks, etc. can substantially reduce the transportation impact even if the office does not have good access to public transit. This is because it allows workers to walk to get lunch, run errands, or take care of other needs during the workday, rather than having to drive.
Walkable access to services reduces the number of separate car trips workers need to make and the total vehicle miles traveled. It also encourages more walking in general. Together, this results in meaningfully lower greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact from transportation for the office.
In contrast, providing ample parking (A) makes driving easier and does nothing to reduce transportation impact. Being located at a major intersection (B) also doesn’t necessarily reduce driving if there are no walkable destinations nearby. And while purchasing green power (D) is environmentally beneficial, it doesn’t directly address the root issue of workers needing to drive to access services.
So in summary, the key factor for an office without good transit access to reduce its transportation footprint is to choose a location within walking distance of basic services workers need. This best allows the office to minimize driving and its associated impacts.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.