The Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program requires warehouses within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) in California that are 100,000 sq ft or larger to reduce emissions. A map showing the SCAQMD jurisdiction where the program is applicable can be found here. Warehouse operators can earn points by implementing clean technology solutions from an established menu of options. Failure to comply with the requirements results in mitigation fees.
Menu and Points
The program offers a number of options for warehouse operators to gain compliance and an established calculation for determining a warehouse’s point threshold. Below are snapshots of the calculation and menu from the WAIRE Implementation Guidelines.
Complete program details can be found here.
Mitigation Fee
For warehouse operators who are not compliant, mitigation fees will be used by SCAQMD to provide incentives for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in communities in the district and near warehouses, with the goal of incentivizing future electrification. Fees will be substantial and will increase in years to come as the full program is rolled out. By acting now and implementing clean energy solutions from the menu of options, warehouses are avoiding fees and investing in their electrified future.
What Next?
The point system is an interesting way to execute the program – points allow for greater levels of customization and opportunities for warehouses to comply. However, the program’s open-endedness is rather daunting. With so many options available and a pressing annual timeline, implementing the best technologies and solutions to meet the WAIRE program’s requirements, while navigating other California based mandates or internal sustainability goals, can be overwhelming. GridMarket is here to help.
GridMarket will work with you to develop a fleet and facility electrification strategy to maximize points value and implement solutions with long-term energy and operational value. Our goal is to ensure that you aren’t simply meeting points requirements or forced to pay the mitigation fee, but implementing the infrastructure and fleet solutions that benefit your facility and bottom line. We will analyze your facility and operations to determine the best distributed energy and electrification strategy based on your points allocation. Additionally, there may be other infrastructure upgrades or technology deployments that increase the potential points a warehouse may achieve.
A cohesive strategy across your warehouse and fleet operations will always bring the greatest value. GridMarket has extensive experience identifying, structuring, and implementing holistic projects that combine electric vehicles, chargers, and distributed energy infrastructure to best align with a warehouse’s financial and operational realities and goals. Reach out for your free assessment and get started with GridMarket today!