The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1993, that develops green building programs, most notably the LEED rating system.
USGBC writes and updates the programs; its affiliate Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) reviews projects and issues certifications and professional credentials. USGBC also runs education, advocacy and research on sustainable buildings and communities.
Programs relevant to parking
- LEED for buildings and neighborhoods, where parking affects transportation, heat island and stormwater credits.
- Parksmart, the rating system for parking structures, which credits design, technology, operations and mobility programs.
- Professional credentials such as LEED AP and Parksmart Advisor.
Why it matters for owners
- Certification gives a recognized, third-party way to document sustainability claims to tenants, lenders and cities.
- Some cities and public agencies require or reward LEED or Parksmart certification on projects they fund or approve.
The Parkonomics view
USGBC sets the yardsticks that many owners and cities use. For parking, the most useful one it offers is Parksmart, because it measures what a garage actually does.
Related terms: LEED, Parksmart Certification, GBCI, Sustainability, Carbon Footprint, Embodied Carbon