Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 52.27
Liaison Stephen Ellis
Submission Date July 2, 2012
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.2

Boston University
IN-4: Innovation 4

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Dennis Carlberg
Associate Vice President for Sustainability
BU Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

Background:

The City of Boston was granted 22 free dual electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by the Green Communities Division of the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The Federal Grant, provided by the Department of Energy (DOE), was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and included the actual units and $1,000 per station for installation.

Through the EVboston initiative, the City of Boston prepared for the growth of the electric vehicle market in the region, and as a newly designated “Green Community” the City of Boston was able to apply for these funds and be given priority consideration on the state’s list of potential applicants. With the help of partners, the City of Boston would gain experience with installations and demonstrate its commitment to clean energy and alternative transportation solutions.

Stations were awarded to local Boston business partners and placed in publicly available spaces in urban locations. TranSComm at Boston University’s Medical Campus applied for and was selected as a partner/recipient of this grant and received two charging stations (each station charges two cars). They were installed in the first floor of the 710 Albany Street Garage, which is open to the public.

On Thursday, February 16th 2012, the balloon-festooned launch celebration took place in the street level of the 710 Albany Street garage. The city's commitment to being a "Green Community" was evident at the ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mark Sylvia, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources; Jim Hunt, Chief of Environmental and Energy Services for the City of Boston; and president of TranSComm, Bill Gasper. Four of the leading electric vehicles on the market today: the Toyota Prius Plug-in, Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, and BMW Active E, were brought in to demonstrate how the stations worked.

Program:

As part of the grant, users are able to charge their electric vehicles for free for the first two years. Those not enrolled in BUMC’s parking program only have to pay the hourly parking rate while their car is occupying the spot in the garage. The charging stations, manufactured by Coulomb Technologies and installed by Voltrek, are part of the vast Charge Point Network which allows users to find and reserve charging stations almost anywhere in the nation, using a mobile app.

The Medical Center was deeply invested in this project by providing the cost of installation, signage, and marketing. Because the ideal location was a distance from the electrical power base, the medical center contributed considerable funds to relocate the power source. The signage, the painting, and marketing were also generously provided.

Outcome:

We anticipate many drivers will take advantage of this benefit as electric vehicles become more popular and available.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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