Living Future’s Equity in the Built Environment (EBE) Initiative represents a focused effort to integrate and center equity throughout all of our programs. 

Equity has been an explicit component of ILFI programs since the introduction of the Equity Petal in the Living Building Challenge in 2009. Since that time, ILFI has continued to elevate and champion equity as a core pillar of our work–a truly regenerative future is one in which community members are intentionally and actively engaged in co-designing and co-creating their built environment so that it reflects their values, meets their needs, and cultivates thriving communities. The EBE Initiative represents a pivotal moment for ILFI to continue growing and learning, as we deepen our commitment to advancing equity through every aspect of our work. The EBE Initiative aims to develop transformational equity and justice frameworks for the building industry by evolving ILFI’s standards, setting a new benchmark for holistic integration of equity in all program requirements.

Key activities include:

• Engage with organizations and individuals working to center equity in the built environment 
• Analyze of ILFI standards to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for integrating equity
• Conduct research to inform our approach to centering equity in the built environment and publish a final report with best practices and lessons learned
• Develop revisions to ILFI standards based on learnings
• Create resources for integrating an equity focus into building design and construction practices

This grant-funded initiative extends through June 2026. 

EBE Steering Committee

The EBE Initiative is co-led by a steering committee of ILFI staff and equity leaders in the built environment. Together, they aim to define key equity goals and priorities, identifying how ILFI can drive transformational change and create lasting impact within the industry.

Cheryl Tam

Director, Social Equity

(she/her/hers)

Daraja Brown

Civil Engineering Student, Georgia Institute of Technology

(she/her)

Lea Celestial

Manager, Affordable Housing + Equity

(she/her/hers)

Precious Rideout

Director of Community Engagement, IMT

(she/her)

Activity Timeline

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Interested in staying up to date? Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to hear about resources and updates, opportunities to participate in public review processes, and other EBE-related news.