Did you know that U/D is a certified LEED-ND Platinum community? Since development began, the vision behind University District has always been to create a complete, vibrant and sustainable community that enhances the area while harmonizing with surrounding neighbourhoods. Read on to learn more about a variety of sustainability initiatives in University District.
The North Pond water feature helps capture stormwater runoff while enriching the surrounding natural habitat.
A LEED-ND Platinum Community
University District is proud to be the first community in Alberta to achieve LEED-ND Platinum certification. This internationally recognized certification represents the highest commitment to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighbourhood Development.
Says Josh Delannoy, Senior Development Manager, University of Calgary Properties Group, “Achieving LEED-ND Platinum certification reflects U/D’s commitment to building a vibrant, connected and sustainable community for all to enjoy. The time and consideration that went into U/D’s Master Plan is reflected in how well it scored in areas most important to our community’s long-term vision, including environmental responsibility, connectivity and accessibility.”
Key highlights that contributed to U/D’s LEED-ND Platinum certification include:
Learn more about our LEED-ND Certification here.
U/D’s feet-first community provides convenient, extra-wide sidewalks to grocery stores, pharmacies, dining options and other retailers on Retail Main Street.
U/D’s Guiding Principles
Sustainability is not just a goal for our community, it’s a core principle that guided decisions from the very beginning of University District’s development. U/D’s vision was to create a community that seamlessly connects the University of Calgary with the broader city, removing barriers to convenience, dining, health services and open spaces. The community was designed to deliver long-term value and revenue for the northwest Calgary area, with a strong emphasis on pedestrian access, multi-modal transportation and interconnected parks. Since construction began in 2017, University District has become a dynamic, lively and eco-friendly place to call home.
Good for your heart and great for the environment, University District’s focus on feet-first commuting and walkability redefines what an easy-to-access and eco-conscious community can look like. Environmental sustainability and social responsibility are central to U/D, blending both proven practices and innovative ideas to promote stewardship and community well-being.
Delannoy adds, “University District is redefining sustainable living with its focus on walkability. We are a community designed to make it easy to leave the car behind and enjoy a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle where everything is within reach.”
University District celebrates Calgary’s vibrant culture by providing inclusive, welcoming spaces that promote a unique, diverse and healthy lifestyle. We prioritize transparent communication and ongoing engagement with residents and stakeholders on environmental initiatives.
Community members gathered together for University District’s annual cleanup event, working hand-in-hand to keep the neighbourhood well-maintained
4th Annual Community Cleanup
To celebrate Earth Day 2025, University District hosted its fourth annual Community Cleanup. Community members came together to lend a hand to keep U/D clean and green. More than 60 volunteers participated in this year’s event, collecting 73 bags of litter from across the community. A big thank you to all our volunteers, including the The Canadian Brewhouse, Village Ice Cream and Save-On-Foods for donating drinks, food and sweet treats for our volunteers.
From our thoughtfully planned green spaces to community-led initiatives like the annual U/D Community Cleanup , sustainability is an important part of what we do at University District. It’s part of what makes U/D not just a place to live, but a community to be proud of.
To learn more about community events and how you can get involved, visit here.
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