Tech Focus: Revitalizing Brownfield Sites into Electric Vehicle Charging
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there are currently over 450,000 brownfield sites located in the United States. These sites can pose significant challenges to city officials, urban planners, and developers, as they often require significant remediation efforts before they can be redeveloped. Yet brownfield sites pose an opportunity to establish a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transportation future, given the rise of electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States and the demand for infrastructure that can support EV charging.
By harnessing the power of technology like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for rapid site identification and assessment, Langan’s Digital Solutions Team is at the forefront of this effort. GIS-based site selection applications can be used to analyze locations of existing EV charging stations and identify new areas with high demand for charging infrastructure. By coupling GIS applications with Building Information Modeling, the team can create 3D models of brownfield sites and simulate the placement of EV charging stations to optimize their location, ensure efficient use of space, and act as a public engagement tool.
Once the feasibility of a brownfield site is established, introducing additional mobile and desktop GIS-based tools can help streamline the data collection, management, and analysis efforts associated with field activities. This results in a centralized data repository storing pertinent project information. This allows project stakeholders to view data in near real-time, enabling transparency and enhanced communications throughout the project lifecycle while saving time and money by reducing the need for costly redesigns and construction delays.
Langan is committed to providing its expertise and innovative technologies to create a more sustainable future. Revitalizing brownfield sites into EV charging stations supports the transition to a greener transportation system, which leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality in urban areas.
Brock Saylor is a Senior Consultant and Client Success Manager on Langan’s Digital Solution team. With over 13 years of experience, Saylor provides his diverse skillset for clients focused on renewables, infrastructure, resorts, and hospitality throughout the United States. He also manages and provides various services for projects involving site selection/suitability analysis, due diligence, customer data management, web application/tool development, smart utility networks, asset management, and facilities management.