Architectural Design : Mixed-Use Development : Sustainability :

Can a parking structure become LEED Certified?*

At this time, stand alone parking structures cannot become LEED Certified. Since these facilities create an open-air environment, indoor air quality cannot be measured, and therefore they cannot meet the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Prerequisite 1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance. In addition, the USGBC does not consider these facilities to be large enough users of energy to adequately measure reductions in energy use through sustainable design practices.

However, over the past few years numerous mixed-use parking facilities throughout the country have achieved LEED certification and many more are going through the process right now. Mixed-use parking structures with a significant footprint of conditioned interior space including retail, office or even residential space meet the requirements of IEQ Prerequisite 1, and therefore stand a better chance at receiving LEED certification.

In addition, although stand-alone parking structures cannot achieve certification alone, they can contribute to the certification of an overall campus development. TimHaahs has provided design services on parking structures which have utilized sustainable design strategies on campuses pursuing LEED certification, including:

• DISA Headquarters Parking Structure Design – Fort Meade, MD
• Commonwealth II Parking Garage Design – Chantilly, VA
• T. Rowe Price Corporate Campus Garages – Owings Mills, MD
• Riddle Memorial Hospital Parking Structure – Media, PA
• Canon Headquarters Parking Garages – Melville, NY
• Miami Marlins Ballpark Stadium Parking Structures – Miami, FL


Rendering courtesy of Populous