GBCI, the certification body for USGBC’s global LEED green building rating system, announced it will now administer the Green Garage Certification Program through its acquisition of the Green Parking Council.

“Parking and sustainability are not mutually exclusive concepts. Every story about a green building is a story about people – and every story about parking is a story about connections between people and their community,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, COO of USGBC and president of GBCI. “Through collaborative, integrated and innovative green parking practices, we can advance sustainable mobility. This will enable our parking structures to achieve increased energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, improved parking space management, integrated mobility solutions and technologies, enhanced performance and stronger community relationships.”

The Green Garage Certification Program is the world’s only rating system defining and recognizing sustainable practices in parking structure management, programming, design and technology. The program applies to both new and existing parking structures and was developed by experts from a range of related fields, 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; programs encouraging alternate modes of transportation and community engagement; and efficient and sustainable technology and structure design.

“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 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.”

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.