Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in all areas of life. Property development is no exception. Green building certifications have begun playing a significant role in guiding construction and renovation projects toward environmentally friendly practices worldwide. Bike parking infrastructure is an important component in many of these certification systems, and all major ones award points for installing bike storage on premises.
Providing cycle parking like racks, stands and shelters, is a convenience for cyclists, but it also reflects a bigger commitment. It shows the decisive move by companies and institutions to reduce reliance on cars and promote eco-friendly transportation options and a way of life. Here’s a look at how bike parking supports green building certifications and why it matters.
Understanding Green Building Certifications
There are several major green building certification schemes. The most prominent ones are BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and WELL. They provide frameworks for evaluating the environmental performance of buildings. They focus on various aspects, including energy efficiency, water usage, material selection, and overall sustainability.
Within these frameworks, there is a strive to promote greener living, sustainable development, and an overall healthier lifestyle for occupants. Bike parking is recognised as a crucial element for achieving these goals. It supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging cycling over driving. It helps with integrating cycling into the broader transportation ecosystem. It encourages active travel as a tool to ease traffic congestion and improve health outcomes for people.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading UK sustainability scheme. It assesses how environmentally responsible a building is across its whole lifecycle, including energy use, carbon emissions, water efficiency, materials, waste, transport, land use, and management practices. Buildings are rated from Pass to Outstanding. BREEAM is widely used in the UK and is often required to meet planning, investor, and ESG requirements.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an international green building certification developed in the United States and used worldwide, including in the UK. It measures environmental performance across energy efficiency, carbon, water use, materials, site sustainability, and indoor environmental quality. Buildings are rated from Certified to Platinum. LEED is especially popular among global organisations and high-profile developments seeking an internationally comparable standard.
The WELL Building Standard is a certification focused on human health and well-being in buildings. Instead of focusing mainly on environmental impact, WELL considers how buildings affect the people inside them. It covers areas such as air and water quality, lighting, thermal comfort, acoustics, materials, movement, mental health, and community. Buildings are rated from Bronze to Platinum, and certification requires on-site performance testing. WELL is often used alongside BREEAM or LEED to address the social side of sustainability.
How Bike Parking Contributes to Green Certifications
BREEAM
BREEAM promotes cycling as a way to reduce carbon emissions and car dependency. It includes criteria under the Transport category that reward projects for reducing car dependence and promoting sustainable travel methods such as walking, cycling, or public transport. Installing bike parking facilities can directly contribute to the total number of credits a project receives if certain conditions are met.
The most important condition is providing secure storage. BREEAM emphasises the need for high-quality cycling facilities. The main components evaluated are capacity, security, accessibility, and user-friendliness. Additionally, there is extra credit for end-of-trip amenities such as showers, changing rooms, and drying facilities.
LEED
LEED supports cycling as part of a broader sustainable transport and urban connectivity strategy. LEED offers specific credits for providing bicycle storage facilities under the Sustainable Sites and Location and Transportation categories. Buildings can earn points by providing secure, accessible bike parking that encourages cycling as an alternative to driving.
The bike storage requirements include the number of spaces, dedicated short-term and long-term bike parking near building entrances, the provision of showers and changing facilities, and the overall accessibility of bike storage areas.
WELL Building Standard
The WELL Building Standard is a certification focused on human health and well-being in buildings. Instead of focusing mainly on environmental impact, WELL looks at how buildings affect the people inside them and emphasises occupant health and well-being. This includes promoting physical activity. Providing ample bike parking aligns with WELL’s goals by encouraging cycling, which supports physical health and reduces sedentary behavior. Again, the scheme is looking for secure, accessible bike parking with additional amenities.
Benefits of Integrating Bike Parking for Green Certifications
Enhanced Sustainability
The most fundamental outcome of incorporating bike parking into building design to align with green certification goals is naturally the improved sustainability rating of a building and the reduction of its carbon footprint. By promoting alternative transportation methods and encouraging cycling, developments can actively help reduce carbon emissions and support a more sustainable urban environment.
Improved Building Value
Buildings that achieve green certifications, including those with robust bike parking, are often valued higher for their environmentally friendly features. They are often more desirable for tenants and occupants and are seen as future-proof. This can lead to increased marketability and potential financial benefits.
Positive Environmental Impact
By encouraging cycling, bike parking helps decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduces the carbon footprint of building occupants. This supports broader environmental goals and helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
Attracting Tenants and Users
Green-certified buildings, particularly those with excellent bike parking facilities, are attractive to tenants and users who prioritise sustainability. This can enhance the building’s appeal and attract environmentally conscious individuals and businesses.
The emphasis on sustainability in building design is likely to grow, making bike parking an even more integral part of green certifications. Buildings that prioritise bike-friendly infrastructure will continue to align with emerging trends and standards in environmental design.
Bike parking plays a vital role in supporting green building certifications by promoting sustainable transportation and reducing environmental impact. By incorporating high-quality bike parking solutions into building design and adhering to certification standards, you can contribute to a more sustainable future, enhance your property’s value, and support the health and well-being of building occupants. As the importance of sustainability continues to rise, integrating effective bike parking solutions will remain a key component in achieving and maintaining green building certifications.