As the infrastructure maintenance sector evolves to meet environmental and economic challenges, many organizations are exploring ways to reduce environmental impact while also balancing budgets and maintaining infrastructure quality.

Increasing consumer demand for environmentally conscious business practices is driving business and property owners to be a part of the eco-friendly movement in the best, most efficient ways possible. Sustainable parking lot and pavement maintenance solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising durability are top of mind for facility managers and property owners, but they may not know exactly how to achieve it. Focusing on building certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is key to keeping up and making a difference.

More companies are seeking ways to make their facilities greener, not just for their internal sustainability goals but also to align with widely recognized standards like LEED certification.

LEED promotes environmentally responsible building and site management, and parking lots continue to play a key role in achieving these certifications. By using low-VOC coatings, infrared asphalt repair and engaging in proactive maintenance, FMs and owners can significantly reduce their waste production, energy consumption and carbon footprint.

And by investing in eco-friendly maintenance strategies, businesses can position themselves as leaders in responsible property management, which can help them potentially earn LEED certifications in sustainable site development, materials and resources, and energy efficiency.

The role of durable, low-VOC coatings

Innovative pavement coatings that are both durable and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the key factors in revolutionizing parking lot maintenance. They not only reduce environmental impact but also save the user any long-term costs. Different from traditional coatings that require frequent reapplications and release harmful emissions, these advanced formulations last longer and greatly contribute to cleaner air. The extended lifespan of these coatings means far fewer resources needed for maintenance, which leads to cost savings for property or business owners while supporting the desired sustainability goals. The demand for eco-friendly infrastructure is continually growing; therefore, investing in these coatings is an intelligent, forward-thinking choice for businesses looking to balance increased performance with being environmentally responsible.

Key points:

  • What are VOCs?: Harmful chemicals that evaporate into the air during application, majorly contributing to air pollution and increasing any potential health hazards.

  • Reduced environmental impact: Due to the coatings lasting longer and releasing fewer emissions, these coatings help decrease waste, the need for frequent maintenance and limit harmful chemical exposure.

  • Durable coatings: High-quality pavement markings and sealants designed to last longer, which reduces the frequency of reapplications, minimizing the material waste and cost of labor over time.

  • Lowered maintenance costs: The longer the coatings last, the fewer disruptions to parking lot operations such as repairs and repaints, as well as expenses and labor.

Infrared asphalt repairs

Infrared asphalt repair is one of the most sustainable and cost-effective solutions for pavement maintenance. It is revolutionizing parking lot maintenance by offering a greener, more efficient alternative to traditional asphalt patching. In traditional asphalt patching, damaged asphalt is torn out and replaced with entirely with new material. Infrared repair uses infrared heat to soften the existing pavement, allowing it to be seamlessly reworked and combined with a much smaller amount of fresh asphalt. Because this process eliminates the need to do a full replacement, it significantly reduces material waste and minimizes the amount sent to landfills.

From an operational and cost-efficiency standpoint, infrared repair is also a breakthrough in the industry. It allows for faster, year-round repairs, which reduces downtime for business and property owners while lowering overall maintenance costs. Because sustainability is a key priority for commercial properties and developers, adding infrared asphalt repair presents an eco-friendly pavement solution that aligns with both environmental and financial goals.

The demand for innovative and environmentally responsible pavement solutions will only continue to grow. From infrared asphalt repair to durable, low-VOC coatings, the industry is undergoing a transformation that benefits the planet and businesses. By embracing more efficient, eco-friendly practices, FMs and property owners can pave the way – literally and figuratively – for a more sustainable future in the parking lot and pavement maintenance industry.