The Belmont project is being constructed to energy efficient Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines and will apply for certification through the US Green Building Council. The addition of charging stations to the property will help the Belmont qualify for LEED certification, the company said.
The company claims that the Belmont project is the first among a number of new UDR apartment communities using LEED standards that will feature EV charging. A second community, the Savoye, located at the Vitruvian Park development in Addison, Texas is scheduled to open in March, 2010.
The Belmont and Savoye’s charging stations are a part of the ChargePoint Network, which is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and provides authentication, management, and control for the networked electric vehicle charging stations.
ChargePoint Network features include charging status by SMS text or email notification, location of unoccupied charging stations via smart phones, authenticated access to eliminate energy theft, authorized energizing for safety, smart grid integration for utility load management with future V2G capabilities and a charge point iPhone app.
The network of electric vehicle charging stations is accessible to all plug-in drivers by making a toll free call to the 24/7 number on each charging station, or signing up for a ChargePoint Network monthly access plan and obtaining a smart card.
Richard Lowenthal, CEO of Coulomb Technologies, said: ”These installations are significant because the commitment by developers of multi-family and apartment owners to provide networked charging station infrastructure is necessary for the adoption of electric vehicles.
”UDR is a model of leadership in sustainable practices. They know that a majority of their residents want to live in a community that is environmentally conscientious and are taking great strides to make this possible. We’re pleased that the Green Building Council awards LEED points for charging infrastructure and thereby encourages builders to enable clean transportation.”
