Helena Joyce
Parking lots are a significant contributor to pollution, from the materials used in their construction to the emissions from cars searching for a space. With 1.5 billion cars projected to be on the roads globally by 2025, the development of more parking spaces will only accelerate climate change if we do not act to reduce their environmental impact. This paragraph will explore the ways in which we can make parking lots more sustainable and reduce their negative impact on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parking lot sweeping | Reduce pollution by sweeping, scrubbing, and cleaning the parking lot |
| Notices | Put up notices for users to cooperate in reducing parking lot pollution |
| Permeable paving materials | Use permeable paving materials to reduce the urban heat island effect |
| Green areas | Integrate green areas to reduce the effects of urban heat islands |
| Environment-friendly cleaning products | Use environment-friendly cleaning products for paved areas |
| Organic fertilizer and pesticides | Use organic fertilizer and pesticides for landscapes |
| Recycled concrete | Use recycled concrete to build parking lots |
| Grassed parking lots | Use grassed parking lots to control soil erosion and reduce the urban heat island effect |
| Plastic pavers system | Use a plastic pavers system to stabilize grass |
| Environmental education | Educate maintenance and service crews on types of pollutants and how to minimize them |
| Parking minimums | Reduce parking minimums to reduce car ownership and encourage public transportation |
| Car-sharing | Encourage car-sharing to reduce individual car ownership |
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What You'll Learn
Use permeable paving materials
Permeable paving materials are an effective way to reduce pollution in parking lots. These materials allow stormwater to pass through the pavement surface and infiltrate the ground, reducing the volume of stormwater runoff and the associated nonpoint source pollution. This is in contrast to traditional impervious surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, which contribute to stormwater pollution and runoff.
There are several types of permeable paving materials that can be used in parking lots. Porous asphalt, for example, is a special mix that allows water to pass through the surface. This type of asphalt can be used anywhere that conventional asphalt is appropriate and is effective in reducing stormwater runoff and pollutants. Another option is permeable pavers, which are paving units that allow stormwater to soak into the ground between them. These pavers are less durable than porous pavement and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas or handicap accessibility.
When using permeable paving materials, it is important to consider the subbase. For example, pervious concrete is more durable than porous asphalt in hot climates, but in cold climates, it must be designed with a stone subbase and never placed directly onto a soil subbase. In addition, an infiltration bed of crushed stone can be used underneath permeable pavers and asphalt to filter contaminants and allow water to slowly infiltrate the underlying soil.
Other permeable paving systems include Gravelpave, which consists of interlocking plastic cells filled with gravel, and Flexi-Pave, a porous material made from recycled tires. These systems can be used in overflow parking areas or small sections of the lot. It is also important to consider maintenance when using permeable paving materials to ensure that the paving system does not clog and continues to provide stormwater benefits. This maintenance may include high-pressure washing followed by vacuuming to remove sediment.
By using permeable paving materials and incorporating bioretention cells and swales, parking lots can reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality. This helps to mitigate the environmental impact of parking lots and can be combined with other green features such as extensive landscaping to further treat runoff and improve the appearance of the lot.
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Reduce parking minimums
Reducing parking minimums can help lower pollution and carbon emissions. By requiring fewer parking spaces, cities can reduce the demand for individual car ownership, as owning a car becomes less convenient and more expensive. This will encourage the use of public transportation, increase density, and reduce travel time and congestion, thereby improving air quality.
In the United States, an estimated 3.1 billion gallons of gasoline are wasted due to congestion each year, with 30% of fuel spent searching for parking, resulting in 18.6 billion pounds of carbon emissions. Reducing parking minimums can help alleviate this problem. Additionally, parking lots are typically made of unsustainable and non-porous materials, such as asphalt and concrete, which contribute to stormwater pollution and urban heat island effects. By reducing the number of parking spaces, the negative environmental impacts of these surfaces can be lessened.
Furthermore, parking minimums can raise construction costs and increase rent prices, as landlords pass on parking expenses to tenants, even those who do not own cars. By reducing parking minimums, cities can lower construction costs, promote the development of affordable housing, and decrease the cost of living for low-income families. This can also free up space for more housing or commercial developments, increasing density and making cities more walkable and transit-friendly.
Some cities have already successfully implemented parking reforms, including Mexico City, London, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Hartford, and Buffalo. These cities have eliminated or reduced parking minimums, with positive outcomes such as faster building rehabilitation projects, improved land use practices, and increased social equity. Additionally, California has eliminated parking minimums for developments within a half-mile of major transit stops, and Austin, Texas, has removed parking requirements altogether.
By reducing parking minimums, cities can take a significant step towards lowering pollution, improving sustainability, and creating more livable and equitable communities.
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Implement car-sharing
Implementing car-sharing can be an effective strategy to reduce pollution associated with parking lots. This approach addresses the issue of excessive car ownership and usage, which contributes to congestion, pollution, and accidents.
Firstly, car-sharing reduces the number of vehicles on the road. Research indicates that widespread adoption of car-sharing schemes could lead to a significant reduction in the global car fleet. For example, a US study suggests that the global car fleet could be reduced by a third if sharing schemes were widely implemented. This reduction in vehicles would directly decrease congestion, as there would be fewer cars competing for limited parking spaces. With less congestion, emissions caused by vehicles navigating in search of parking would also decrease.
Secondly, car-sharing encourages a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation. When car-sharing is combined with walking, cycling, or the use of public transportation, it can effectively reduce the reliance on private cars. This shift can help mitigate emissions and improve air quality. For instance, the city of Palermo in Italy implemented a car-sharing service, resulting in a 25% reduction in PM10 emissions and a 38% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Thirdly, car-sharing can help address the issue of parking minimums, which contribute to climate change. Parking minimums require developers to build a specific number of parking spaces for each new building, incentivizing car ownership and use. By reducing the number of cars through car-sharing, the need for extensive parking spaces decreases, allowing for more sustainable land use. This can lead to the development of more walkable and transit-friendly cities, where the distance between public transit infrastructure and residential or commercial buildings is shortened.
Lastly, car-sharing can reduce the environmental impact of individual car ownership. The average car is unused for more than 90% of its lifespan, and the costs of owning a car, both financial and environmental, are significant. By sharing cars, individuals can still access the convenience of a car when needed, without bearing the full burden of ownership. This reduces the overall carbon footprint associated with car ownership and use.
In conclusion, implementing car-sharing schemes can effectively reduce pollution related to parking lots by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, promoting sustainable transportation options, addressing parking minimums, and reducing the environmental impact of individual car ownership.
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Sweep and clean regularly
Keeping a parking lot clean and well-maintained is essential for safety, longevity, and customer satisfaction. Regular sweeping and cleaning can help reduce pollution in parking lots by removing dirt, debris, trash, and other pollutants such as motor oil and grease. Here are some detailed instructions for sweeping and cleaning a parking lot regularly:
Manual Sweeping:
This method involves using brooms, dustpans, rakes, or shovels to manually clean the parking lot by hand. It is cost-effective and suitable for smaller parking lots or fast-food restaurant parking lots, which tend to be smaller in size with less than 50 spots. However, manual sweeping can be time-consuming and labor-intensive for larger parking lots.
Mechanical Sweeping:
Mechanical sweeping utilizes specialized equipment, such as street sweepers or ride-on sweepers, to efficiently clean large parking lots. This method is more time-efficient than manual sweeping and is ideal for expansive areas.
Vacuum Sweeping:
Vacuum sweeping is a type of mechanical sweeping that uses powerful vacuums to remove fine dust, dirt, and debris from the parking lot surface. This method can be more expensive but provides a thorough cleaning, improving the appearance and longevity of the lot.
Scheduling and Frequency:
When scheduling sweeping and cleaning services, it is important to consider the peak operating hours of the business. Typically, these services are conducted overnight or early in the morning to avoid disrupting regular business operations. The frequency of cleaning can vary from 5 to 7 times per week, depending on the size of the lot and the level of cleanliness desired.
Additional Services:
To maintain the overall appearance of the parking lot, consider additional services such as power washing, pressure washing, scrubbing, striping, and seal coating. Power washing and pressure washing can effectively remove stubborn stains, oil spills, and other contaminants. Scrubbing can address heavy dirt, grime, and stains that remain after construction projects or in heavily soiled areas.
Choosing a Cleaning Company:
When selecting a parking lot cleaning company, look for a reputable and experienced business that understands various cleaning techniques and has modern equipment and technology. Eco-friendly practices and sustainable methods are also important considerations to minimize the environmental impact of cleaning.
By following these instructions and maintaining a regular sweeping and cleaning schedule, you can effectively reduce pollution in your parking lot and create a positive impression on visitors and customers.
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Use recycled concrete
Parking lots are often constructed using asphalt and non-permeable concrete, which can cause environmental issues such as flooding, water pollution, and the urban heat island effect. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is a sustainable alternative that offers numerous benefits for both your project and the environment.
RCA is made from recycled concrete waste, which helps divert waste from landfills and reduces the need for virgin materials. Despite being recycled, it retains its strength and durability, making it a reliable choice for parking lot bases. It provides excellent load-bearing capacity and stability, ensuring your parking lot can withstand heavy traffic and environmental stresses for years to come.
Additionally, RCA offers superior drainage and permeability compared to traditional base materials. Its porous nature allows water to infiltrate the base layer more efficiently, reducing the risk of standing water, ponding, and stormwater runoff. Improved drainage helps prevent erosion and contributes to a safer and more sustainable parking lot design.
Using RCA also reduces the carbon footprint of your construction project. RCA requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions during production compared to virgin aggregates. By opting for recycled materials, you support a more circular economy and help mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities.
When designing and constructing a parking lot, consider using RCA to reduce pollution and create a more sustainable environment.
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Frequently asked questions
When building, repairing, or repaving your parking lot, consider using permeable paving materials such as concrete with permeable asphalt, or recycled concrete. These materials can help control stormwater and reduce the heat island effect.
Regularly cleaning, scrubbing, sweeping, and degreasing a parking lot can help to reduce the buildup of dust, dirt, and debris. It is also important to post notices for the proper disposal of toxic fluids such as oil and antifreeze, and to provide well-placed trash containers that are regularly emptied.
Parking lots occupy a large amount of urban land and contribute to climate change. Reducing the number of parking spaces can help to decrease the demand for individual car ownership, encouraging the use of public transportation, biking, or walking. In addition, replacing underutilized parking spaces with green spaces can make cities more climate-resilient.
