The Green Building Certification Institute, the certification body for the US Green Building Council’s LEED green building rating system, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Parking Institute, the world’s largest parking association, and the Green Parking Council.

The MOU recognizes the importance of sustainable parking facilities to the development of a green built environment.

The three organizations will work in a strategic partnership for the delivery and promotion of the GPC’s Green Garage Certification program, launched in June, which applies to both new and existing parking structures.

Green Garage Certification was developed by experts from a range of related fields, including parking, architecture, engineering, technology, property management, and academia. It assesses 50 elements of parking facility sustainability, including management practices that maximize performance while minimizing waste; programs encouraging alternate modes of transportation and community engagement; and efficient and sustainable technology and structure design.