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As the dynamics of urban mobility change, parking issues take center stage in building smart, sustainable cities. However, traditional parking systems pose a formidable challenge to sustainability. With inefficient planning, lax management, and sub-par utilization, parking in modern cities faces a crisis unlike any other. At the same time, it presents a sustainability opportunity that is central to driving change in our cities. Read the importance of sustainability in parking.

Sustainability to cut emissions

Transportation is the biggest contributor to CO₂ emissions. Given the increasing vehicle ownership in urban areas, it isn’t hard to imagine the impact of traffic congestion on worsening pollution conditions. Inadequate parking is often responsible for vehicular emissions are drivers circle around parking spots in the search of a space. There is evidently a need for embracing a sustainable and environmentally-conscious approach to if cities want to seriously think about creating livable communities and protecting the environment.

Also read: London To Charge Parking Based on Emissions

Sustainability to optimize land usage

Given that real estate is a limited resource, unchecked parking demand will soon have cities staring at a crisis of unparalleled proportions. A sustainable approach to parking must be developed to optimize land usage such that there is enough to support the growing parking demand. Of particular importance here are smart parking solutions that drive improved management of a facility and help optimize utilization. By streamlining management, revenue collection and helping lot owners set the right prices, smart parking can further the cause of sustainability.

Importance of Sustainability in parking

The parking landscape sits at the center of a sustainable environment and mobility network. If the entire industry takes a more responsible approach, it can effectively educate consumers about sustainable initiatives and influence policy to a large extent. In the future, sustainability will gain greater importance in the public discourse as cities, neighborhoods, and campuses increasingly face the wrath of unsustainable growth. With smart parking initiatives, governments and private entities can enforce the right standards for sustainable living – enhanced management of the real estate, energy-efficiency strategies, and optimal pricing of lots.

With technology-enabled solutions, business owners will improve the efficiency and economic viability of their facilities in an environment-conscious way. With time, we’ll see sustainability become an important element of parking, helping build sustainable, livable communities.