Instead of a world that is merely a less bad version of the one we currently have, we ask a simple and profound question: What does good look like?

Philosophy

Living Future’s vision is to cultivate a society that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. To make progress toward this vision, we must continue refining the definition of sustainability and regeneration through clear, measurable, and meaningful targets that can advance not only the building industry and organizations, but also policy. Our programs play a critical role in setting these targets and supporting best practices and innovations available in the industry. Through our programs, Living Future strives to not just minimize negative impacts but actually create positive social, cultural, and environmental impacts and benefits for all.

Living Future consults the best-available science, technical expertise, and the Living Future community of practitioners and advocates in establishing requirements. We rely on the expertise of technical advisors, the continuous feedback loops driven by the experience and real world knowledge of project teams and community members, and allied efforts and partnerships around the world, rather than a consensus approach.

Our programs are grounded in demonstrated performance and operational data, rather than anticipated or modeled performance. Through these programs, we aspire to bring about ripple effects resulting in positive health, climate, and equity outcomes. Projects within our programs change regulations, open minds, and shift expectations about what is possible. Transparency, information sharing, and advocacy are essential transformative tools and are integral to program requirements.

Update Process

1. Discovery entails information gathering, assessment, and analysis to determine whether a program needs a version update. 
2. Development includes conducting research to inform update content, including gathering more specific input from technical advisors, practitioners, and other stakeholders; visioning; defining metrics and thresholds; and drafting updates to the program implementation guidance
3. Review provides an opportunity for content review by advisory groups, auditors, external peer reviewers, other members of the Living Future community, and the broader public to see how early input was integrated into the update and to provide feedback before it is finalized. 
4. Publication entails making the new version publicly available and developing all external communication about the update and transition processes between the previous and new versions.
5. Support involves ongoing customer support, tracking program impacts, maintaining program feedback loops, and developing and publishing any supplemental educational or technical support courses as needed over time.

Current Program Updates

In 2025-2026, the Declare program will be updated from version 2.0 to version 3.0. Major updates will include an expanded Red List and creating a pathway for manufacturers to show progress toward optimization beyond achieving Red List Free status.

Significant funding for the program update is provided by the Freedom Together Foundation.
The anticipated timeline for program development and review is in the table below. Manufacturers interested in engaging with the development and review process may contact Declare Support.

Anticipated Date	Event
Early 2025	Announcement of Declare program update
Fall 2025	Drafts will be made available for comment
Early 2026	Launch of new program

Receiving Ongoing Feedback

Practitioner and stakeholder feedback on program content and implementation guidance is critical to continuous improvement and evolution. Future opportunities for public comment will appear on this page.
If you have any questions or comments on Living Future programs, please contact us at the relevant program support email address below.

Declare | Just | Living Building Challenge | Living Product Challenge | Zero Carbon | Zero Energy