Reducing the environmental impact of our communities will lower operating costs, enhance the quality of life for our residents, and maximize value to our investors and shareholders. Our goal is to seek more than just financial performance by achieving something we refer to as ROV, a Return on Values. This concept that brings UDR’s corporate objectives full circle, delivering personal and professional fulfillment to associates and residents alike.

To accomplish this goal, UDR has created Sustainability Guidelines that are being implemented, throughout our portfolio of communities, located from coast to coast. Our original Concept of Smart Apartment Living is being expanded to offer opportunities for all residents to enjoy green living environments. The idea is to make it easy for them to contribute to sustainability without having to make a special effort; to create communities designed to make living and thinking green so easy and intuitive that it becomes second nature.

While the knowledge that what we are doing makes a measurable difference in saving energy, reducing costs and improving our communities is important, it is particularly gratifying to see our residents get excited about embracing green initiatives. For many, it is the first time that they have been afforded a real opportunity to participate in efforts and programs that have previously been available only to homeowners.

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)

Currently, we are applying for LEED certification on all of our development projects ranging from Silver to the first ever Platinum rating for a multifamily project. Comprehensive measures are being taken to address critical areas including site selection, energy consumption, water conservation, indoor air quality, pest management and materials/waste recycling. In addition, associates from both the operations and marketing sides go through an ongoing educational process. This assures that they fully understand and are able to communicate the advantages of sustainable practices to our current and prospective residents as well as vendors and stakeholders.

Redevelopment

UDR pursues green objectives through continually seeking to improve existing communities. Our comprehensive Asset Quality Program maintains and improves communities to enhance resident satisfaction while lower operating costs and increasing real value.

A Greener Place to Live

This extends to the day-to-day operations of all UDR communities. It’s a team approach that involves our management, associates, residents and vendors every step of the way. At UDR, we view sustainability as a work in progress and are continually striving to refine our programs and increase our efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents, associates, and the neighborhoods in which we operate. Through our Smart Apartment Living program, UDR is truly opening doors to the future.