Green Parking Council Becomes an Affiliate of the International Parking Institute
Joining forces will further enhance the parking industry’s efforts toward sustainable solutions
(FREDERICKSBURG, VA – May 14, 2013) Under an agreement approved by the boards of both organizations, the International Parking Institute (IPI) and the Green Parking Council (GPC) have announced that they are joining forces with the GPC becoming an affiliate of IPI’s to further strengthen the parking industry’s ongoing sustainability initiatives. Their joint goal is to encourage parking professionals to integrate green design and economically-efficient products and practices in management and operations.
IPI will marshal its extensive resources as the industry’s largest association to help GPC launch its Green Garage Certification and Credentialing Program, which recognizes and inspires high performance, sustainable parking facility design, technology, and management.
Certification will provide both a roadmap and assessment tool for real estate owners, developers, planners, architects, tenants, parking operators, and others to strive toward a more environmentally and economically sustainable future. A Public Beta test of the garage certification program is underway.
GPC Executive Director Paul Wessel explained the GPC Board’s decision to affiliate with IPI this way: “It made sense to recognize the common sustainability goals of the two organizations. We are on a mission, and, this strengthened relationship gives us bandwidth we need to accomplish our goals. It’s the right match at the right time.”
GPC’s efforts are closely aligned with those of IPI’s Sustainability Committee, which launched its Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management, and Operations last year. The Framework outlines industry-wide goals and organization action items that provide education, incentives, and forums for members to learn about and contribute to sustainable parking solutions. One of those goals is to develop strategic partnerships with government agencies, vendors, and other not-for-profit organizations that share its mission.
“There is tremendous opportunity for parking professionals to positively influence sustainability efforts across the globe,” said Shawn Conrad, CAE, executive director of IPI. “The parking industry has made great strides, and the addition of the Green Parking Council as an affiliate organization uniquely positions us to dramatically change the landscape.”
As Wessel summed up, “We look forward to an even brighter future as two like-minded organizations join forces with a shared mission.”
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About IPI:
The International Parking Institute (IPI) is the largest and leading trade association representing parking professionals and the parking industry worldwide. www.parking.org.
About GPC:
The Green Parking Council (GPC) is a not-for-profit affiliate of the International Parking Institute that provides thoughtful leadership and oversight for the green conversion of parking facilities to sustainable, environmentally responsible assets. www.greenparkingcouncil.org.
Media Contact:
Helen Sullivan
703.606.7622 mobile
sullivan@parking.org