Top 10 reasons to shift to sustainable parking
Parking structures account for one of the most extensive land use in cities and towns across the United States. And the city of Milwaukee is no different. Unfortunately, these structures are primarily inefficient and unsustainable. In the current era of global warming and climate change, sustainable parking is fundamental to help lower our carbon footprint. Sustainable parking considers people, the environment, and the economy. As a result, urban developers and designers are under pressure to develop smaller, high-density, and energy-efficient sustainable parking structures that are functional and aesthetically appealing. Why is sustainable parking important? Below are 10 reasons to shift to sustainable parking in Milwaukee.
1. Saves space
Sustainable parking systems save space compared to traditional parking lots. Space is maximized by reducing empty spaces, using less space per vehicle, and utilizing machine parking. For example, machines can park cars rather than rely on human skills to optimize space.
2. Reduce the number of accidents
Sustainable parking lots decrease the probability of accidents. They also reduce the chances of car damage when parked. Nobody wants to find their car damaged after leaving it in the garage.
3. Cost-effective
Sustainable parking is cost-effective compared to conventional parking. It saves time and cost of wasted fuel as cars move faster and more effectively in and out of the property. Maintenance costs are also lessened because they use green technologies.
4. Increases overall safety
We’ve all heard cases of theft in parking lots. You mistakingly leave your laptop in your vehicle in the parking lot and find it’s gone when you return. With sustainable parking, security is prioritized and hence decreasing cases of theft.
5. Improves the visual aesthetics
A parking structure should not be a dull collection of parking lots. It should be bright and beautiful. Sustainable parking is not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. Beautifying aspects such as easy-to-maintain plants, shrubs, green beds, and landscaping are used generously. These help improve customer experience, as the live plants enhance air quality.
6. More energy efficient
Sustainable parking employs advanced technologies to increase energy efficiency. It uses lighting controls and sensors to optimize energy use. Some parking structures utilize natural daylight and solar energy to achieve energy efficiency. They install solar panels to tap solar energy instead of using grid electricity.
7. Reduces environmental impact
While conventional parking encourages emissions as drivers circle slowly to find parking, sustainable parking does not. With sustainable parking lots, drivers locate parking in the shortest period possible. Plants in parking lots absorb carbon dioxide emitted by vehicles and increase oxygen supply. Less emission means a healthier and cleaner city of Milwaukee.
8. Enhances personal safety
Sustainable parking structures increase personal safety, especially at night. Horror stories of attacks in parking lots and garages are nothing new. However, with adequate security and lighting, parking structures become safer. Sustainable parking also improves the safety of road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
9. Designed for all users
Traditional parking is known to neglect users with special needs and cyclists. Sustainable parking provides options for all users ranging from cyclists to people with disabilities. Cyclists have a designated place to store their bikes. People with disabilities are also thought of – they have accessible parking lots to meet their needs.
10. Improves the user experience
Sustainable parking optimizes users’ experience by designating drop-off, pick-up points, and waiting areas that are well-lit and secure. It also allows easy use of the facility, and users do not spend much time locating open spaces and, entries & exits.
Parking structures are essential parts of our Milwaukee community and city design. They are some of the most used outdoor spaces and gateways to buildings. Therefore, taking parking structures seriously and designing them thoughtfully is essential. Sustainable parking lots have benefits for users, owners, and society as a whole.
How do you make your parking lot or parking garage more sustainable? Some companies specialize in sustainable parking solutions. Their apps and systems are easy to use and environmentally conscious. It connects people to parking spots and saves them the headache of searching for parking. The parking solution providers aim to solve the urban parking problem and protect the environment from the emissions of drivers looking for parking. Rather than constructing more parking lots, let us share the existing parking lots and garages in Milwaukee.
