Performance Objectives

The UBC Technical Guidelines establish the following primary objectives (these are mandatory UBC-specific requirements):

.1   All projects shall comply to their design brief goals or performance targets as identified by UBC and as set at the Project Alignment Meeting.

UBC's major objectives in sustainable design are:

  • reduce energy and water consumption
  • contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
  • demonstrate innovation and research application
  • minimize impact on the local ecosystem
  • promote human health and well-being

.2  Projects shall be designed to achieve minimum life-cycle cost of ownership while meeting functional requirements of building users. What is unique about life-cycle planning at UBC is the permanency and resiliency of the buildings. Buildings integral to the academic mission of UBC must be built to last. Selection of materials and equipment must take into account not only the present capital cost, but the on-going operating and future renewal / replacement over an extended lifespan. As a result, the target design service life for key building systems are to be as follows, unless deliberately programmed to be for a lesser definite period:

  • 100 year service life is required for the structure and a 100 year service life plan is required for the exterior envelope (which may include planned replacements) unless the project is deliberately specified to be a temporary building for a short term project. Structures and components are to exhibit flexibility, i.e.storey heights, to adapt for future changes in use as well as maintainability and serviceability.
  • 25 years for interior components and systems, and designed to facilitate change and adaptability.
  • Mechanical systems shall be employed to operate without significant material replacement for a minimum of 30 years.
  • Electrical systems and components shall have a minimum service life of 30 years.
  • Roof systems shall have a minimum 25 year life.
  • Finishes shall be designed for long-term use or exhibit a service strategy acceptable to UBC. (Millwork etc. may only be required for a short research project duration).

.3   All common use and institutional facilities are to be built to CSA Durability Standards suiting long-term institutional use.

.4   Components, finishes, equipment and systems are to be selected that require minimal maintenance and exhibit a high level of maintainability and long-term reliability. Equipment shall be readily accessible for maintenance and replacement.

.5   All buildings undergoing construction, alteration or demolition are to conform to the latest edition of the BC Building Code , Division B, Part 8, "Safety Measures at Construction and Demolition Sites".

.6   All new construction and major renovations which are eligible must achieve LEED Gold certification according to the UBC LEED Implementation Guide .

In addition, UBC is a "learning" community. Living as a community necessitates a need for comfortable, enduring and creatively uplifting environments. All facilities shall be designed with choices in components and systems to create and maintain the utmost value in quality of life.