Tech Review: A World Class Sustainable Operation Saving The Planet One Parking Meter At A Time
Precise ParkLink’s ‘Certified Series’ demonstrates commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Marc Saltzman
As a self-professed “technology evangelist,” I was first introduced to Precise ParkLink nearly 10 years ago, to help create awareness surrounding some of the company’s cutting-edge technology. One of the videos I hosted was tied to new Pay-on-Foot systems, which directed drivers to an available spot via a series of digital displays.
Even more impressive, perhaps, is Precise ParkLink’s ability to straddle innovation and sustainability.
That is, it doesn’t need to be an either-or scenario.
Case in point: the company was first in Canada to introduce solar-powered Pay-and-Display parking meters in the late ‘90s.
Precise ParkLink is continuing its commitment to the environment with its Certified Series, a green parking solution that saves more than 1.3 millions pound of waste from landfills every year.
“Our Certified Series refreshes devices returned to our Innovation & Production Centre, where they’re revitalized with enhanced operating systems and more, to make them even superior to brand new units,” explains John Ivo, Director of Production and Support Services, at Precise ParkLink. “Whether they’re parking meters or complete gated parking systems, we enhance equipment inside and out, depending on what the customer requests.”
Along with municipal governments, customers are also from the private sector, such as hospitals, condos, storefronts, and privately-own lots.
In doing so, the Certified Series results in reduced energy consumption waste. No wonder this program has been recognized as one of the world’s most impactful sustainable parking solution.
Examples of interior upgrades include wider network coverage (such as adding 4G LTE support for accelerated transaction speed), enhanced credit card processing, better batteries to store solar power captured during the day, and replacement of internal components, harnesses, seals and EPROMs. Ivo says these durable meters are also versatile, such as being able to convert them to AC power for underground use, if desired.
Other upgrades may include a sleek anti-graffiti exterior, Level-1 PCI compliance (highest level), a longer life cycle and improved mean time between failures, credit card degrade mode, and other technical tweaks.
All Certified Series upgrades also include an extended warranty.
Maria Lato, Marketing Manager at Precise ParkLink, mirrors Ivo’s sentiment on Precise ParkLink’s commitment to the environment: “It’s never been easier to reduce your carbon footprint through your parking operation, and the forward-thinking Certified Series is part of that solution.”
“We know sustainability is top of mind for most property and facility managers, who jump at any opportunity to implement sustainable measures at their lots, Lato adds.
To give you a sense of scale of this Toronto-based operation, one of the two buildings responsible for Certified Series spans 54,000 square feet, with more than 60 employees, while a secondary building tops 60,000 square feet, and with about 40 people. You can take a virtual tour of Precise ParkLink’s Innovation & Production Centre.
And be sure to click or tap here to learn more about the Certified Series.
Precise ParkLink: Saving the environment one meter at a time.
Marc Saltzman
Technology Journalist