What are some strategies to incorporate sustainability into the planning, design, and construction of parking facilities?

There are a number of opportunities to incorporate sustainable elements into the planning, design, and construction of parking facilities. The Parksmart program includes many strategies that can be implemented to achieve Parksmart certification. However, there are numerous opportunities to incorporate general sustainability elements into parking planning and design. These elements include:

• The use of precast prestressed concrete, offering advantages over cast-in-place concrete in terms of waste generation. The durability and life cycle of concrete in general makes it a good environmental choice for parking structures.
• Incorporate recycled, reused and regional materials, when possible, during construction.
• Stormwater management as it relates to parking design, ranging from pervious surface design and natural infiltration to infrastructure strategies.
• Water saving fixtures and rainwater recycling systems.
• Integration of preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles, car pools and car sharing services.
• Rooftop level sustainability features including renewable energy, green roofs, and cool roof designs.
• Provisions for proposed electric vehicle charging stations, in additional to preferred parking the electric vehicles, as well as linkage to possible future solar array.
• Bike parking and sharing options to serve bikers and provide opportunities to limit the need for driving.
• Energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems to reduce energy costs and environmental impacts.
• Photocell receptors, timers and computerized controllers and/or dimmers, where possible, to reduce energy demands.
• Energy efficient glazing materials along mixed-use areas including storefronts.

*Federal, State, and Local codes govern most of these requirements and should be thoroughly investigated. Data presented herein should be considered guidelines only.  For more specific information and assistance with implementation of these guidelines, please contact THA Consulting, Inc. via email at info@tha-consulting.com