Sustainable Parking: How to Design & Operate Eco-Friendly Parking Facilities

 

By Junior Khan, CAPP

Sustainability has become a major concern in the modern world, and the parking industry is no exception. With growing awareness of environmental issues, there has been an increased focus on designing and operating eco-friendly parking facilities.

Here are some tips on how to design and operate sustainable parking facilities:

Location: Choose the right location for your parking facility. Look for sites that are close to public transportation, bike paths, and pedestrian routes. This encourages alternative modes of transportation and reduces the number of cars on the road.

Lighting: Use energy-efficient lighting in your parking facility. LED lighting is a great option, as it uses less energy and has a longer lifespan than traditional lighting. You can also install motion sensors to turn off lights when the area is not in use.

Water Management: Implement a water management system to capture rainwater and reduce runoff. This can be achieved through green roofs, permeable paving, and rain gardens. These systems can also help improve the aesthetics of the parking facility.

Charging Stations: Install charging stations for electric vehicles. This encourages the use of electric cars and helps reduce the carbon footprint of the parking facility.

Green Space: Incorporate green space in your parking facility. This can include green walls, roof gardens, and other landscaping features. Not only does this improve the aesthetics of the parking facility, but it also helps reduce the urban heat island effect and provides other environmental benefits.

In conclusion, designing and operating eco-friendly parking facilities can have a significant impact on the environment. By incorporating sustainable practices and technologies, parking facilities can reduce their carbon footprint, improve their energy efficiency, and create a more sustainable future.

Junior Khan, CAPP,  is General Manager for Elite Parking Services of America, Inc. He can be reached at juniorkhan@eliteparkingSOA.com