By Rachel Yoka, CAPP, LEED AP BD+C

A recent survey demonstrates that the United States Conference of Mayors has an impact on our industry’s programming and initiatives.   The Conference has teamed up with the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) to target greenhouse gas emissions responsible for the growing effects of climate change.

Some of the findings include:

• Renewable energy is on the rise and cities are buying in; 65 percent utilize renewable electricity sources for operations and are using it at a greater rate than in 2017.
• Green vehicle purchasing programs are impacting purchases: almost 60 percent of those surveyed have such programs and many of them use these policies for fleet purchases.
• Bike-share (and scooters) are gaining ground, with more than 20 percent of respondents considering both bike- and scooter- sharing.

Sound familiar?  It should – the industry is mobilizing to explore and integrate alternative forms of transportation to cut GHG emissions, congestion, and pollution.  These programs diversify transportation modes and aim to decrease single-occupant vehicle trips .   Appropriate parking pricing, as our members and colleagues well know, has a tremendous impact as well.

Need help deciding how to pitch in?  IPI’s Accredited Parking Organization program and the USGBC’s Parksmart program address these programs and many more.  What are you doing in your city, or on your campus?  Share it with us and blog about it – inquiring minds want to know.

Rachel Yoka, CAPP, LEED AP BD+C, is IPI’s vice president of program development.