Consumers are more conscious of their environmental impact today than ever before. More businesses are striving for sustainability to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. As a business owner, if you’re trying to create a more sustainable brand, don’t forget to include your parking structures in this goal. Here are five ways to make your parking garage more sustainable.
Use Eco-Friendly Parking Paint
Parking lots and garages alike use paint to mark parking spots and traffic flow. Traditional asphalt and concrete paints can be full of chemicals that are toxic to the environment and contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Traditional paint is a common air and environmental pollutant, so consider making the switch to an eco-friendlier paint. Many companies are creating biodegradable paints containing natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment. The next time you need to repaint your commercial garage, consider using biodegradable paints.
Utilize Automated Parking Systems
Automated parking systems can create a more sustainable parking garage in many ways. Fully automated parking systems eliminate the need for drivers to run their cars in circles trying to find a parking spot. They also help save on energy costs, as automated parking doesn’t require as much lighting as traditional structures to guide visitors. When utilizing automated systems, such as basement car lifts, visitors simply wait for their cars in a well-lit area, and the entire parking structure doesn’t require dispersed lighting.
Update Your Lighting
Addressing lighting needs for parking structures that don’t yet utilize automated parking systems can efficiently conserve energy and promote sustainability. Consider swapping your lighting for energy-efficient options, such as LED lighting. You can find industrial-level lighting solutions in eco-friendly options. Be smart about lighting placement, and don’t block lighting with signage, foliage, and other installations.
Direct Rainwater Runoff
Rainwater runoff can cause soil erosion and pollution in local waterways. This is because runoff collects soil, debris, and chemicals on ground-level surfaces, such as parking lots and roadways. If you have an above-ground parking structure, consider storm and rainwater runoff in your building design to avoid creating erosion issues. Utilizing basement car lifts to create an underground parking structure can also help prevent rainwater runoff from eroding the ground and washing away soil.
Utilize Green Technology
Some parking structures around the world are starting to incorporate green technology into their buildings. For example, above-ground parking garages can utilize solar panels and other green energy-harnessing technologies on their roofs and upper levels. Some parking structures in large cities like Chicago are already starting to implement solar or wind-powered energy into their garages.
Parking garages are often considered to have a negative impact on the environment, but these ways to make your parking garage more sustainable can lessen the impact. If you’re interested in creating a more sustainable parking structure for your business or property, learn more about basement car lifts and other automated parking systems here at Harding Steel.