Green Parking Lots
Type of Development
New Development
Topography
Hills, Valleys, Baylands
Longevity
Environment
Urban
Maintenance
Medium
Cost
Installation costs for green parking lots are generally higher compared to traditional asphalt, but they vary depending on site characteristics like climate, topography, soil type, etc. As green parking lots significantly reduce runoff and improve water quality over time, the need for a conventional stormwater management system is also reduced, resulting in cost savings.
Overview
During extreme rainfall events, parking lots often flood because they are made of impearmeable pavments that prevent water from being absorbed. Addressing this issue, green parking lots utilize a variety of techniques, including permeable pavement and bioswales, to reduce stormwater runoff and increase absorption. Bioswales and other natural landscaping features in green parking lots treat runoff and improve the appearance of parking lots while also improving water quality by filtering and removing pollutants from stormwater. Beyond nature-based design solutions, green parking lots may also incorporate local codes that minimize the land area devoted to parking.
Function
Green parking lots provide on-site stormwater management by allowing of runoff to move into the ground during storm events. This significantly reduces runoff volume and rate.
Benefit
Green parking lots reduce stormwater runoff, while also improving water quality, increasing ground water supply, and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Dependency
Development Considerations
Green parking lots should not be located in areas with highly contaminated runoff, like gas stations and auto repair facilities, to avoid potential groundwater contamination.
Environmental Considerations
Green parking lot features require suitable soil types and porosity for adequate water infiltration.
Maintenance Consideration
The lifespan of permeable pavement materials used in parking lots is comparable to conventional asphalt or concrete pavement; however, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that the paving system does not clog and eliminate stormwater benefits. Landscaped features must also be maintained.
Cost Considerations
Installation costs for green parking lots are generally higher compared to traditional asphalt, but they vary depending on site characteristics like climate, topography, soil type, etc. As green parking lots significantly reduce runoff and improve water quality over time, the need for a conventional stormwater management system is also reduced, resulting in cost savings.