Eco Factor: Sustainable parking facility harvests rainwater and wind energy.
HOK Architects have completed a new parking garage in Chicago, which maximizes use of the city’s windy conditions. Christened the Greenway Self Park, the 24-hour parking facility incorporates several sustainable features including wind turbines and a rainwater collection system. Moreover, the facility will also include plug-in station to recharge electric cars.
Standing 11 stories high, the energy-efficient garage is in pursuit of LEED Certification from the US Green Building Council. The southwest corner of the garage is a 12-paired array of vertical turbines which are clearly visible to passers-by. Energy generated by the array is used to power the exterior wall lighting of the facility with excess energy being transferred to the grid.
