TRAILBLAZING INSTITUTE CHAMPIONS ECO – FRIENDLY URBAN DEVELOPMENT, EFFICIENT LAND USE AND THRIVING, SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTES PACIFIC branch has championed die wise and efficient use of land and development of sustainable communities in B.C.

The development industrys premier bodyworks with the provinces leading residential, commercial, industrial and institutional developers – and is dedicated to fostering effective communication between the industry, government and the public. Its ultimate goal is to improve housing and job opportunities for all British Columbians.

UDI Pacific, which was founded in 1972, now comprises over 500 corporate members who, collectively, generate more than $30 billion and 250,000 jobs for the provincial economy each year. But thats just the start. The Institute, an environmental leader in the B.C. business community, continues to focus on expanding its membership and supporting the creation of livable, sustainable communities while generating new employment opportunities through urban development.“Our vision is to continue promoting the wise and efficient use of land, development of sustainable communities, and to help improve housing affordability for current and future generations,” says UDI Pacifics executive director, Maureen Enser.

“UDI has a commitment to be a leader when it comes to the environment and sustainability. Green development and sustainable communities are achievable outcomes when done in balance, and in consideration of broader social and economic objectives.”

Mark Holland, a senior planner at HB Lanarc, former UDI Awards jury member and expert on integrating sustainability principles in the development industry, says UDI is already having a far – reaching positive influence as an environmental leader when it comes to developing new communities – which will only increase.

“Existing coimnunities are increasingly intolerant of approaches to development that lay waste to an entire ecosystem in order to put in roads and houses,” says Holland. “Theyre now requesting and requiring a more environmentally sensitive approach – which requires innovative practical and policy solutions that environmental leaders, like UDI and their members, can provide.

“UDIs work to reach out to environmental and community groups and address the local and global concerns that can arise dur – ing the development process helps bridge die gap and create win – win results for all stakeholders in a proposed new development.”

Grosvenors The Rise project is a fine example of a win – win result in Vancouver. The mixed – use retail/residential development on West 8th Avenue and Cambie Street incorporates Home Depot, Winners HomeSense, Save – On Foods and 92 live – work rental lofts, arranged around a 20,000 – foot green rooftop and community garden. This efficient and sustainable development was also a 2010 UDI Awards for Excellence winner.
Holland stresses that sustainability is not a trend – rather a reality and concept created by economists; and the context for business in the 21st century.

“It is one of the core driving factors in some of the worlds largest businesses today and many commercial and residential purchasers increasingly expect development companies to pay attention to it,” he says. “Our customers want to see us in industry showing we care about things they care about – such as their childrens future and the health of their environment.

“Sustainability is changing how we make our money over die next few decades to ensure we do so in alignment with the earths limits. Its the new strategic playing field were all on, competing with each other and businesses around the world and for which UDI is an industry leader in B.C.”

Apart from being environmental leaders in the business community, a large portion of UDIs services to members focus on professional development and education. “Our members get the chance to attend regular events, seminars and networking opportunities revolving around topical and relevant industry matters,” says Enser.

“For instance, UDIs annual January Forecast Luncheon attracts the highest calibre speakers and CEOs from B.C.s leading development companies – which, in turn, attract over 1,000 senior executives and stakeholders in die industry for an in – depth market analysis and forecast for the coming year.” UDI also offers professional development courses – both for those starting out in the industry and more seasoned developers and industry veterans – dirough its School of Development.

“Our educational seminars, events with key industry leaders and government decision – makers, and industry – recognized courses are exceptionally effective tools,” explains Enser. “Our educational program supports die industrys investment decisions and enhances the level of professionalism within die development community.”

Meanwhile, UDI aims to fashion a government policy environment that facilitates and maintains die strcngdi of the urban development industry – something Enser says is crucial for an organization representing an industry sector diat contributes more to the economic well – being of the B.C. economy than any other.

“The success of our industry is intrinsically connected to the economic, social and environmental goals of broader society and, by nature, to the various levels of government and decision – makers representing British Columbians.

“Its therefore important for UDI to have a constructive and collaborative relationship with all levels of government to achieve workable solutions to many of the economic, social and environmental challenges faced by British Columbia – for which the urban development industry is a central solutions – oriented stakeholder. UDIs core advocacy is focused on improving housing affordahility, environmental leadership and regulatory efficiency.”

Underpinning UDIs work in professional development, education and government relations is a strong focus on research, which Enser says serves the dual purpose of educating bodi UDIs members and the public while also supporting the development of rational, credible and constructive policy.

“UDI research provides a solid foundation for addressing the mutual interests of our members, government and the community by helping to guide die development of pragmatic and credible public policy,” she says. When it comes to the future, UDI also has its fingers firmly on die pulse, supporting and helping groom die B.C. developers of tomorrow.

UDIs Undcr – 40 Committee started up in 2009 as a way of giving the next generation a voice within UDI by offering participation on policy committees or special task forces, educating them via professional development events and encouraging networking with both dieir UDI U40 peers and experienced mentors.

“The journey so far has been beyond expectations,” says UDIs U40 chair and VP of marketing at Polygon Homes, Ben Smith. “The U40 community in our industry has really embraced what were trying to do and weve sold – out every event weve held.”

As well as increasing the knowledge, experience and development of UDI Under – 40s, the Committee also has a particular focus on excellence, linking the new generation up with respected industry leaders and those whove had leadership roles in UDI.

“Generation] Y is now die largest generation, having surpassed the boomers in 2010, and makes up die majority of our U40 demographic,” says Smith. “I believe having a committee committed to fostering and engaging this large and influential demographic is one of the most important things we can be doing to ensure a successful future for our industry and UDI.”

Enser says UDIs biggest focus now is on continuing to grow and serve the interests of its members and the provincial community as a whole.

“UDI has a major presence in the Lower Mainland, Victoria, the Okanagan and die Fraser Valley, with national and international affiliations,” she says. “Our members include developers, financiers, builders, architects, engineers, environmental consultants, planners, legal practitioners, government and academic institutions.

“I would encourage any developer or company involved in the sector, who may not already be a member, to contact UDI or visit our website for more information on membership opportunities.”