7 tips for a more efficient carpark
Keeping an eye on sustainability can offer energy savings and efficiency improvements for carpark operators. Here’s what to look for when weighing up sustainable car park management systems.
1) Energy saving opportunities
Some of the main energy-consuming aspects of a car park are its lighting (42%), fume extraction (38%), and other sources (20%). Check if there are any specific technologies or strategies that can significantly reduce your carpark’s energy consumption.
2) Look at your carpark’s lighting
It’s no secret that energy costs in Australia are increasing rapidly. Energy-efficient lighting be incorporated into your carpark to reduce energy consumption, and innovative lighting technologies and automation systems can further enhance energy savings.
For example, LED lighting combined with dimmable capability in unused areas can significantly reduce your energy consumption – and offer better lighting for users too.
3) Renewable energy integration
Check whether you can integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, into your car park’s infrastructure. For example, solar panels could be deployed on the top deck or open areas instead of shade sails.
4) Install wayfinding and traffic management systems
Modern wayfinding and traffic management systems help to reduce the time drivers spend searching for parking spaces – and therefore the emissions they produce.
A further benefit is that, when drivers can find an empty bay more quickly, they can get their business done with you and leave more quickly – so that you’ll have the “Carpark Full” sign up less often. It adds up to a better customer experience and more chance of repeat business.
5) Offer electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Of course, electric vehicles are becoming more common in Australia. Make sure your carpark supports this trend by offering modern EV charging infrastructure.
The latest EV charging systems can be integrated with your parking guidance system which can determine if a car is charging or not, and charge a fee to cover revenue loss through an occupied-but-unused EV charge bay. They can also integrate with your boom gate system, allowing you to levy a fee for time spent on your charger.
6) Implement monitoring and data analytics
The right data analytics and monitoring systems can be used to optimise your carpark’s energy usage and identify areas for improvement. With better knowledge around your carpark’s users, you can decide whether to alter tariffs for long stays, or determine total energy usage.
7) Keep up with future trends and innovations
It’s a very good idea to keep across any upcoming trends and innovations in sustainable car park management systems. For example, you may be able to integrate smart lighting (such as Parcsafe’s LED Park system) into your parking guidance systems.
Get more information about carpark sustainability
If you’d like to know more about setting up your carpark for better sustainability, call the Parcsafe team today on 1300 987 645 or contact us online.
