New GBCI offering recognizes importance of sustainable parking facility design and management to the built environment
Washington, D.C. (Jan. 15, 2016) – The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the certification body for the U.S. Green Building Council’s global LEED green building rating system. Today they announced it will now administer the Green Garage Certification Program. All through its acquisition of the Green Parking Council.
Green Garage Program
Parking and sustainability are not mutually exclusive concepts. Every story about a green building is a story about people. Therefore, every story about parking is a story about connections between people and their community. That was said by Mahesh Ramanujam. He is the COO of USGBC and also president of GBCI.
“Through collaborative, integrated and innovative green parking practices, we can advance sustainable mobility. This will also enable our parking structures to achieve:
- increased energy efficiency
- reduced environmental impact
- improved parking space management
- integrated mobility solutions and technologies
- enhanced performance and also stronger community relationships
Green Garage Certification Program
The Green Garage Certification Program is the world’s only rating system defining and recognizing sustainable practices. Especially in parking structure management, programming, design and also technology. The program applies to both new and existing parking structures and was developed by experts from a range of related fields. That’s including:
- parking
- architecture
- engineering
- technology
- property management and academia.
It assesses 48 elements of parking facility sustainability, including management practices that maximize performance while minimizing waste. Also programs encouraging alternate modes of transportation and community engagement. Finally and efficient and sustainable technology and also structure design.
Sustainable Parking
“Sustainability in parking is integral to the greening of the built environment,” added Ramanujam. “By acquiring GPC and taking over the administration of this program, we are furthering GBCI’s portfolio and mission to recognize excellence in green performance, business and practice.”
“This is a very transformational moment for urban parking garages and this exciting collaboration with GBCI solidifies the parking industry’s commitment to sustainable urban transformation,” said Green Parking Council board chair John Schmid and CEO of Propark America. “GBCI offers the infrastructure necessary to meet the growing demand for Green Garage Certification and the ability to connect the parking industry to efforts advancing sustainable solutions in communities worldwide.”
Conclusion
Green Garage Certification was developed with support of the International Parking Institute (IPI) and partners representing all segments of the industry to create an industry-specific approach for recognizing green garages. It draws extensively from knowledge developed through experience with LEED certification and alignment with USGBC’s mission and goals. GBCI will continue to work closely with IPI and other parking industry stakeholders to ensure the Green Garage Certification Program succeeds in driving greater innovation, performance and leadership.
