Parking garages may adopt sustainable practices to prevent environmental degradation and promote energy efficiency. They implement online reservation systems instead of paper ticketing to help prevent paper waste. When using a parking garage with reservation systems, drivers may reduce the time spent circling for an available spot; this contributes to lower emissions. Here is how sustainability is shaping the future of parking garages:
Promoting Digital Solutions
Drivers can use online accounts to book parking passes in some garages. Accessing parking through online channels substitutes paper use, and this helps to reduce the carbon footprint. Garage management services may use digital tools to streamline entry and exit processes, such as license plate readers. This system identifies drivers who have parking permits by reading the vehicle’s plate number as it enters the facility.
Digital signage helps to mitigate traffic congestion by giving real-time updates on available parking spots. This information can be accessed via mobile phones or navigation systems, and it allows drivers to find the most convenient parking area. Drivers are guided directly to open stalls, which helps lower emissions from vehicles idling while searching for parking.
Optimizing Space Usage
Effective garage management focuses on layouts that allow drivers to enter and exit conveniently. With streamlined traffic flow, more vehicles can be accommodated in the same space, maximizing usage. Some garages install features such as grouped sectioning, garage circulation, and angled spaces.
- Grouped sectioning is where drivers who temporarily park their vehicles are guided to specific areas with the most vacant spots. Longer-stay vehicles are directed to designated parking areas.
- Garage circulation includes paths that connect every part of the garage, making it easier for drivers to navigate in and out of the facility without causing traffic jams.
- Angled spaces are often used in a parking garage because they allow for easier parking and one-way driving paths.
In urban areas where space is limited, multi-level parking garages may shape their angled spaces in a helix or spiral design, which helps maximize parking capacity. Parking garages can use these designs to create narrower driving lanes, allowing them to increase the space used for parking. Garages that offer parking for varied users enable more drivers to use the garage, and management can avoid underutilized spaces. Some parking garages offer compact spaces for smaller vehicles, and others provide ADA-accessible stalls.
Improving Traffic Flow
Effective layouts and access levels enhance movement in garages, so drivers may find parking stalls more quickly. Rather than using a single access point, some garages are designed to have multiple entrances and exits. This helps to manage congestion and lower emissions caused by long lines of vehicles entering through one entrance.
Some garages have different technologies to enhance the traffic movement; this includes automated vehicle guidance systems. These guide drivers to vacant parking areas. Other garages have smart lighting that lights up areas in use, making driving through the garage safer and easier. This offers an energy solution that is environmentally friendly.
Garages may adopt effective payment systems, including contactless payments or mobile applications. Drivers can use their phones or credit cards to pay at the exit; this is beneficial if they lack cash. It also helps remove the necessity of waiting in line at a payment kiosk.
Encouraging EV Adoption
Placing electric vehicle charging stations in parking garages may lower the emission level and encourage sustainable transport. EV drivers are able to charge their cars while at work or when completing their errands. This reduces the need to frequently refuel, and it helps to make the environment cleaner.
Electric cars produce a smaller carbon footprint and cause no emissions when on the road, compared to traditional cars. Garages that have EV charging stations provide convenience to drivers who prefer to lower their carbon footprint. This means EV drivers won’t need to drive further distances or circle city blocks as they search for an open charging station.
Book a Parking Garage
Choosing to book a parking garage stall in advance helps users plan their day and makes the process more convenient. Some garages offer online booking options, and this allows drivers to reserve a spot in advance. This is useful for busy areas or events where parking spaces may be limited. Contact a parking management company to book your space today.
