Green Initiatives at Calgary Parking

The colour green has always been part of the Calgary Parking brand and we think that it can’t be more appropriate when it comes to our commitment to the environment. As a company dedicated to sustainability, we constantly seek innovative solutions to minimize our environmental impact. Our team is committed to finding cutting-edge technologies and practices that support our sustainability goals. At the heart of this commitment lies a series of sustainable practices that guide our decisions and actions.

Today, we’re sharing just a few of the ways we integrate eco-friendly practices into every aspect of our parking operations:  

We currently offer 46 EV chargers available at six parkades. There is no additional cost for customers to use the chargers (just the regular cost for parking). Electric vehicle owners also receive priority placement on our monthly contract waitlists.

Although you might associate parking with cars, we’re very inclusive when it comes to promoting all types of transportation, and bicycles are one of the most sustainable options.  We offer monthly bicycle parking at five parkades, with over 200 available stalls. Customers pay only $10 per month (plus GST) to park their bicycle in one of our secure and enclosed locations.

We actively promote the use of our MyParking app to pay for parking, a method that is contactless and environmentally friendly. Using the app (or alternative online payment methods) reduces paper usage and the amount of service trips to physical pay machines.

One example of our LPR technology in action is found at the Calgary Zoo. With the volume of daily parkers that the Zoo receives, daily visits from multiple Parking Safety & Compliance vehicles would typically be required. Instead, fixed cameras at the entrance and exit lanes capture licence plates through LPR technology, which allows for virtual enforcement 24/7. A vehicle is only sent if there is an issue that requires further attention.

We have some of the best way-finding signage in the parking industry. We use real-time displays that indicate the number of available stalls and where they can be found. Combined with enhanced signage to direct customers around our facilities, we reduce the need for our customers to drive around unnecessarily trying to find a place to park. This contributes to lower emissions and greenhouse gases.

Transitioning our facilities from high pressure sodium (HPS) lighting to LED is another way we reduce our energy consumption and leave a smaller environmental footprint. Switching to LED lighting in City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) alone provided a 25 per cent reduction in electricity consumption.

We manage the Residential Parking Permit (RPP) System, monthly Contract Management System (CMS) and the membership systems for ParkPlus clients such as the Zoo, TELUS Spark, and Heritage Park. By using our built in-house Electronic Permit System (EPS) enables the licence plate to be the vehicle identifier so that we do not require physical permits, hang tags, or decals. With tens of thousands of active permits, memberships, and contracts, the elimination of paper and plastic that would otherwise be required is significant. The ability to manage these programs electronically substantially helps in our sustainability and cost-efficiency efforts.

Sustainability is just one more reason there’s lots to love about Calgary Parking. By adopting energy-efficient technologies, embracing sustainable practices, and by investing in renewable energy sources, we’re ensuring that our operations align with our sustainability goals. This commitment to sustainability isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing journey towards net-zero and to leaving a positive mark on our planet.

Together, let's build a greener and more sustainable future for Calgary and for the generations to come.