Can any car park ever be "green"? Lloyd Alter, a Toronto architect and professor, has written an interesting article in Treehugger posing this question. The title says it all: LEED or Not, Parking Garages Are Not Green.
I know what you are thinking, Treehugger is never going to be pro-car park, but the argument stands. He says, "Can a parking garage ever be green? Hardly; when you build more parking, you get more cars; If you want people to get rid of cars, get rid of parking spaces. Make it tougher to park."
Even if this logic is correct, unless we are planning on eliminating cars off the planet entirely, it doesn't make much sense to attack parking garages that strive for LEED certification. These are some of the most progressive car park facilities in the world. They are making an attempt to be sustainable, and they are taking the lead that should be followed by others in the global industry.
Reducing available parking, especially in congested urban areas, is a legitimate approach that progressive cities are moving toward. But I don't think this means car parks should not strive to follow the LEED guidelines, or make any other attempts to be sustainable. Both approaches can go hand-in-hand as part of an overall "green" strategy.
So, to the LEED-certified parking facilities, I applaud your efforts.
Pete Goldin
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