The Living Building Challenge, a program of the International Living Future Institute, has redefined the meaning of sustainability within the green building movement. This non-governmental organization is committed to catalyzing a global transformation toward true sustainability resulting in a future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative across development at all scales—from new construction and renovation, to infrastructure, landscapes, and neighborhoods.
To qualify as a Living Building, the project must adhere to specific regulations within seven primary sustainable design categories, known as petals in regard to the International Living Future Institute’s dandelion logo, which include the following:
Certification is based on actual performance, so projects must meet all criteria for twelve consecutive months of operation before the certification can be completed.
Currently, only six projects in the world have received this certification while twelve others have entered their twelve-month operational phase required prior to the audit. At this level of sustainable performance, these projects can truthfully claim to be the “greenest” buildings found anywhere and will serve as role models for projects to follow.