Yes. Sustainability is simply defined as the practice of creating structures and
using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout
a building's life-cycle: from design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation,
and deconstruction. This practice expands and compliments the classical building
design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. In our environment
all living things are born and die. Our bodies are absorbed into the environment
and life continues. In the sustainable design world this principle is closely attended
to and designed for. Buildings are designed to mimic the life cycle of living things
from birth to death. They are designed for minimal intrusion into the environment,
while providing the comfort and performance levels we have become accustom to. UDC
has written sustainability standards that are followed with each building design.
It is a list of systems, equipment and materials that enable the building to exist
as close to a neutral state as possible in the environment. Performance of the building
is related to UDC’s sustainability standards, but we realize that performance levels
into the zero energy range may not always fit our clients budgets or be allowed in
specific jurisdictions. We design the building to fit our clients needs and budget.
