When I decided to install an EV charging station two years ago for my coworking community, I knew it would spark some interest, but the benefits have been far greater than I could have imagined.
It’s not the sexiest amenity but offering a charging station not only supports sustainability but also attracts more EV drivers to my space. The presence of a charging station has made our community a go-to spot for eco-conscious professionals.
Coworking = Sustainability
As I’ve mentioned previously, coworking is environmentally friendly and supports a greener future for us all.
- Coworking saves on resources, because you’re sharing them.
- Coworking gives people ways to cut down on their commute to the office.
- Coworking helps to keep small businesses running, since they don’t have to spend on real estate.
Not to mention, Alkaloid Networks is located in an historic warehouse (it’s 140 years old in fact). By repurposing this building (instead of the usual tear it down and rebuild), we support the environment by conserving natural resources and minimizing the need for new materials.
And we’re on the Atlanta Beltline and many of our members (including me) either walk, scoot or bike to work each day.
Environmental and Social Impact
Towards a Greener Future
Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. This means fewer pollutants like carbon dioxide and particulates are released into the air. If you have ever had to sit in Atlanta traffic, you can see how disgusting the air can be in the heavily travelled areas. By providing charging stations, I encourage more people to switch to these zero-emission vehicles.
Using clean energy to power these stations further reduces our carbon footprint. We now contribute to achieving sustainability goals by supporting the broader move toward renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Community Benefits
The addition of chargers makes sustainable transportation more accessible. This aligns with principles of environmental justice. Everyone in my coworking space now has the opportunity to embrace clean transportation, regardless of where they come from or their economic status.
I already had members like the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, who have been here for 6 years, express their gratitude and excitement when the station was installed.
By providing an easy place for coworking members to charge their electric vehicles, I’ve made life a bit simpler for the EV drivers among us. This convenience has contributed to a noticeable boost in productivity and morale, as members no longer worry about where they’ll charge next. Not to mention having a premium parking spot right next to the main entrance.
As more people switch to electric cars, having a charging station continues to show our dedication to a sustainable future. This green initiative not only sets Alkaloid apart but also inspires others in our community to think about their impact on the planet.
Economic Advantages for Property Owners
For community operators like myself, charging stations can be a smart financial investment. They attract tenants who value environmental stewardship. The demand for workplace charging is on the rise, and offering them can make my location and other amenities even more appealing.
Charging stations can also generate additional revenue through usage fees. Although, to be fair, I’m not getting rich with this. In fact, it will take a decade to recoup the cost of installation. And I don’t really care; it wasn’t why I did it. I did the landlord a big favorite by increasing the property value too (which further endears me to him). Financial incentives and rebates (I did get a little rebate from the state) are often available for installing infrastructure, making the initial investment more manageable.
Selecting An EV Charging Partner
Choosing the right EV charging partner was critical. I looked for reliable companies that offered robust support and maintenance services. I needed a solution that guaranteed uptime and provided user-friendly interfaces. The right partner simplified the process and ensured my charging station met our community’s needs effectively.
It was also important to me that whomever I selected as a partner would maintain the equipment. Let’s get real for a second, my core competency is NOT running a charging station; it’s creating the friendliest coworking community on the Atlanta Beltline. That narrowed the field since most providers want to sell the equipment and walk away.
The ones that made my short list:
- Blink – already had a clear usage sharing profit plan and would provide the equipment and maintenance for free.
- ChargePoint – at the time, they didn’t have a clear usage sharing profit program and were incredibly slow to respond to my inquires.
- EVgo – they didn’t like my location (even though the closest station was over a mile away and I’m right on the Beltline).
It’s easy to see who I went with: Blink. Once I pulled the trigger, it went quickly. Blink recommended an electrician that was well-versed with the equipment and completed the job in record time.
Installing an EV charging station at my coworking community supports sustainability and attracts eco-conscious professionals, enhancing our community’s appeal. The charging station reduces emissions, supports renewable energy, and offers convenient access to clean transportation, boosting productivity and morale.
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