In recognition of the importance of sustainable parking facilities and practices to the development of sustainable communities, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), the certification body for the U.S. Green Building Council’s global LEED green building rating system, today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Parking Institute (IPI), the world’s largest parking association, and the Green Parking Council (GPC).
“Sustainability in parking is integral to building a greener future, not only structurally, but also by shaping transportation networks that support more livable, walkable communities,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president, GBCI. “This agreement will also expand the GBCI’s portfolio and mission to recognize excellence in green performance and practice.”
The three organizations will work in a strategic partnership for the delivery and promotion of the GPC’s recently launched Green Garage Certification program, which applies to both new and existing parking structures.
Green Garage Certification was developed by experts from a range of related fields, including parking, architecture, engineering, technology, property management, and academia. It assesses 50 elements of parking facility sustainability, including management practices that maximize performance while minimizing waste; programs encouraging alternate modes of transportation and community engagement; and efficient and sustainable technology and structure design.
“This is a game-changer,” explained John Schmid, chairman of GP, an affiliate of IPI. “Collaborating with the GBCI will result in a multiplier effect, dramatically increasing awareness of sustainable parking design, operations, and management. This is an epic moment for parking and a giant leap forward toward a more environmentally and economically sustainable garage of the future”
“With GPC’s Green Garage Certification standards, IPI’s established focus on education related to sustainability, and GBCI’s distribution channels all working in sync, we’re enthusiastic that we can mainstream sustainable parking,” said Shawn Conrad, CAE, IPI’s executive director. “We are confident that will have a positive, far-reaching effect on the environment.”
Related Stories
Architects | Mar 5, 2019
Arata Isozaki named 2019 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate
The Japanese architect, city planner, and theorist is known for his deep commitment to the “art of space” and transnational methodology.
Education Facilities | Feb 25, 2019
Fallingwater Institute’s summer residency programs have a new educational hub
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the project.
Architects | Feb 14, 2019
Amazon will not build HQ2 in New York City
The tech giant walks away from a deal, succumbing to opposition over huge tax breaks.
Architects | Feb 12, 2019
The basics of building commissioning
As building system technology increases in complexity and sustainability remains at the forefront of design, the need for commissioning continues to rise. This is the first post in our series examining the basics, benefits and boundaries of building commissioning.
Architects | Jan 28, 2019
9 tech trends to track in 2019
Innovations in voice recognition, cognitive neuroscience, and biometrics are among the trending tech topics for 2019, according to CallisonRTKL's Kristin Tilley.
AEC Tech | Jan 9, 2019
Our robotic future: Assessing AI's impact on the AEC profession and the built environment
This is the first in a series by Lance Hosey, FAIA, on how automation is disrupting design and construction.
Architects | Dec 17, 2018
New toolkit helps architect achieve high-performance buildings
Architects can download a copy of the toolkit online.
Architects | Dec 13, 2018
Social media synergy: Revving up your AEC firm’s content engine
Design firms know that just having a website and a blog aren’t enough, but social media complicates how they communicate.
Architects | Dec 10, 2018
The art and science of drawing: Humanizing the design process with a bit of controlled mayhem
Hand drawing reveals a dimension beyond those available in a CAD drawing or digital rendering.
Architects | Dec 7, 2018
2019 AIA Gold Medal awarded to Lord Richard Rogers, Hon. FAIA
The Gold Medal honors an individual whose significant body of work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.