EV Charging Stations

A recent article on BUILDINGS discusses that with the proliferation of EVs (Electric Vehicles) around the corner, now is a great time for building owners and service providers to seize the opportunity and install EV charging stations on their premises. In addition to potential tax incentives for installing such facilities, companies can use them to attract new clientele to their existing business. Investing in the EV market early on could provide a lead for many companies, capitalizing on the positive image that they project through their green initiatives.

Installing an EV charger could be included with other green initiatives such as installing green roofs, LED lighting, renewable energy, or solar glazing, all as part of a comprehensive corporate sustainability plan. At least in the near future, it might not be feasible for businesses to profit directly from providing EV charging facilities, but if considered as a value-added service it could potentially attract customers to their business. Consumers are growingly appreciative of green initiatives today and would often rather patronize an eco-friendly company over like-competitors. The EV charging station could be seen as a beacon to draw attention and increase the flow of customers to a business.

With this in mind, the correct placement of chargers in a premises requires careful planning. The location of power outlets in the building would have to dictate where the chargers could be placed, as drawing lengthy cables to reach premium spots in the parking lot may not be a cost-effective solution. The power capacity of the building also needs to be considered while determining the number of chargers that can be installed in the premises. EV chargers can also be installed with monitoring or communication tools which may require access to an Ethernet connection or to other networks, creating additional planning considerations for installation.

Currently, most companies that have installed EV charging stations are providing the service for free, with many reserving usage for clients and employees. As demand for the charging stations increases, companies will be able to adjust their business models as opportunities develop for companies to set up a usage fee structure for non-clients, or other strategies to capitalize on their investment further. For now, however, industry leaders that have installed stations seem content with accepting the soft returns they provide, including enhancing their sustainability initiatives, and drawing in that growing crowd of eco-conscious consumers.

I'm pleased to inform you that I passed the LEED Green Associate exam on my first attempt.
Andrew M. Lukis
Tile Roofs Inc.