Asphalt parking lots can be harmful to the environment for many reasons. They increase businesses’ carbon footprints and reduce the amount of green space available to the surrounding communities. Keep reading to discover some sustainable alternatives to traditional parking lots.
Asphalt Recycling
Traditional asphalt parking lots are harmful because asphalt promotes runoff and absorbs heat energy, creating a heat island effect. The material also has a shorter lifespan than more eco-friendly alternatives. Fortunately, more and more industries are finding ways to recycle asphalt and create better versions of traditional parking lots. For example, permeable pavements are types of recycled asphalt and concrete that can absorb water to mitigate runoff. There are also specialty asphalt coatings that help reduce the heat island effect so many traditional parking lots create.
Automated Parking Facilities
Parking garages and multi-story facilities are much more efficient options when designing parking solutions. When you add automated parking technology, these facilities become even more eco-friendly. Multi-level parking garages use vertical space, which leaves more real estate for cities to use as green spaces, parks, natural wildlife attractions, and more. Additionally, automated parking technology can help expand the number of parking spaces provided by each garage, which helps save even more square footage and accommodates more vehicles for businesses.
Underground Parking Facilities
Underground parking facilities have many benefits, including many of the same benefits as above-ground garages. They provide extra space for vehicle storage without using nearly as much above-ground real estate, allowing cities to create even more green spaces for improved air quality and better wildlife populations. Underground garages can also utilize automated parking technology to create more vehicle storage for businesses without using extra space. Not to mention, underground facilities have the added benefit of reducing runoff and water contamination. They also don’t act as heat islands because they aren’t exposed to harsh sunlight.
If you’re a business owner, you may want to consider one of these sustainable alternatives to traditional parking lots. Renovating your parking lot is an investment that can lead to positive improvements for your business and your community.
