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 Councilās global LEED green building rating system, today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Parking Institute (IPI), the worldās largest parking association, and the Green Parking Council (GPC).
āSustainability in parking is integral to building a greener future, not only structurally, but also by shaping transportation networks that support more livable, walkable communities,ā said Mahesh Ramanujam, president, GBCI. āThis agreement will also expand the GBCIās portfolio and mission to recognize excellence in green performance and practice.ā
The three organizations will work in a strategic partnership for the delivery and promotion of the GPCās 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.
āThis is a game-changer,ā explained John Schmid, chairman of GP, an affiliate of IPI. āCollaborating 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 futureā
āWith GPCās Green Garage Certification standards, IPIās established focus on education related to sustainability, and GBCIās distribution channels all working in sync, weāre enthusiastic that we can mainstream sustainable parking,ā said Shawn Conrad, CAE, IPIās executive director. āWe are confident that will have a positive, far-reaching effect on the environment.ā
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