ActiveScore Certification is now available for properties and real estate developments in Charlotte, North Carolina. The ActiveScore system assesses and rates buildings’ “active transportation” facilities – such as biking, walking, running, skateboarding, and scootering – using a transparent, scientific methodology.
This article briefly reviews the benefits of ActiveScore for Charlotte-area buildings and properties.
ActiveScore Supports Charlotte Regional Transportation Initiatives
When individual buildings, properties, and developments take actions to improve how they “score” in terms of transportation, this aligns with public initiatives in Charlotte and North Carolina in general.
For example, in September 2024, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and five towns all passed their respective resolutions to advance the draft transportation legislation to the North Carolina General Assembly. This is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region’s goal to manage traffic and congestion amidst continuous growth by expanding transportation (roads) and public transit (buses and rail) for more residents.
In line with this, ActiveScore provides a concrete certification of a property’s desirability and competitive advantage in the real estate market – to prospective tenants, partners, and users – by showcasing the range of transportation options available to tenants, office workers, and residents.
What kinds of buildings can be certified with ActiveScore?
ActiveScore APs (accredited professionals) work with:
- Commercial properties such as business parks and industrial parks
- Residential developments of all sorts
- Mixed Use developments
- Retail spaces such as individual mobility hubs to large shopping centers
- Hotels that are keen to highlight their active transportation credentials for guests, meeting participants, and day visitors
- Large-scale properties of all sorts, from business parks to vertical cities to new eco-villages
What elements go into ActiveScore ratings?
ActiveScore certification in Charlotte utilizes scoring criteria from BREEAM, LEED, WELL and local or regional guidance or standards. ActiveScore ratings are determined by reviewing five elements of a property:
- Active transportation parking/storage
- Infrastructure
- Facilities
- Services
- Planning and promotions
Some specific examples of criteria used for Charlotte to achieve the top Platimum 100 score include:
- Visitor bicycle parking has step-free access and is within 50 feet of the main entrance (80 feet if serving multiple sites)
- Tenant bicycle parking is provided at a ratio of 1 per 1,500 square feet
- One shower is provided for every 10 bicycle storage spaces
- Active travel facilities are cohesively designed to create a welcoming environment
- A range of services are provided to support active lifestyles, such as: incentives for active travel, dry cleaning and ironing service, bike maps, bike tune-up days, bicycle education or training
What marketing benefits does ActiveScore bring to properties?
ActiveScore designation shows a property’s dedication to the tenant experience. Also, when compared to the average property, properties with ActiveScore certification have been shown to save 45 tons of CO2 and reduce particulate matter emissions found in outdoor air that are caused by gas or diesel fuel by 6%.
In addition to using ActiveScore credentials in their marketing, properties should understand that the ActiveScore system is designed to encourage amenity upgrades where possible. These upgrades can move properties through the rankings, from Silver and Gold to Platinum and Platinum 100. Those rising scores are indicative of value – better transportation choices and amenities for tenants, and improved marketability for the building.
What other benefits does an ActiveScore rating provide for properties in Charlotte?
ActiveScore designation helps properties achieve higher scores with GRESB, LEED, WELL, and other green building certifications which lead to higher rents and a healthier, more sustainable community.