By Brittany Garneau, P.Eng., LEED® AP BD+C, WELL AP
Parksmart certification is one of the few frameworks specifically dedicated to the design, operation, and optimization of sustainable parking facilities. Developed to transform these often-overlooked infrastructures into drivers of environmental and urban performance, it provides a structured approach that extends far beyond traditional parking management.
Unlike broader environmental certifications, Parksmart focuses exclusively on structured parking facilities, whether above or below ground. Surface parking lots without a parking structure are not eligible, allowing the certification to target infrastructure with significant urban and energy impacts.
A Structured Framework Built Around Three Core Categories
Parksmart certification is based on three complementary pillars, each encompassing a series of measurable strategies.
1. Management
This category focuses on operational practices and facility governance, including:
- Energy and resource management
- Sustainable operations and maintenance
- Long-term operational performance
- Data collection and parking usage analysis
2. Programs
These initiatives are designed to influence user behavior while enhancing the overall parking experience. They include:
- Education and awareness initiatives
- Sustainable mobility programs (carpooling, car sharing, public transit, cycling)
- Incentives to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use
- Parking demand management strategies
3. Structural and Technological Design
This category addresses design decisions and integrated building technologies, including:
- Intelligent parking management systems
- Traffic flow optimization solutions
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Low-carbon materials and carbon reduction strategies
Tangible Benefits for Urban Environments
Beyond the certification itself, Parksmart serves as a powerful catalyst for transforming parking infrastructure. Its strategies help to:
- Integrate parking facilities into a broader sustainable mobility strategy
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle travel
- Improve air quality and occupant health
- Encourage the adoption of alternative transportation modes
- Enhance traffic flow and the overall user experience
Examples of Certified Projects
Several large-scale projects demonstrate the successful implementation of Parksmart certification worldwide.
In Toronto, the Yorkdale Shopping Centre – Parkades E and G is a noteworthy example of sustainable parking strategies integrated into a high-traffic retail environment.
In the United States, the Portland International Airport Short Term Garage illustrates how airport parking infrastructure can adopt innovative solutions to improve both environmental and operational performance.
gbi’s Contribution to Parksmart Certification
As part of the transition toward more sustainable infrastructure, gbi played an active role in achieving the Parksmart Gold certification for Royalmount Phase 1, awarded in 2025.
This achievement highlights the firm’s expertise in integrating sustainability strategies into complex infrastructure projects. It also reflects gbi’s deep understanding of the challenges related to mobility, energy performance, and user experience in large-scale developments.
