Living Building Challenge

Living Building Challenge

What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place?

What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place?

The Living Building Challenge is a philosophy, advocacy tool, and certification program defining today’s most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment. It addresses all buildings at all scales and is an inclusive tool for transformative design. Whether the project is a single building, a renovation, an infrastructure project, or a park, the Living Building Challenge provides a framework for designing, constructing, and improving the symbiotic relationships between people and all aspects of the built and natural environments.

NOTE: ILFI launched LBC 4.1 on April 4, 2024. Through June 30, 2024, project teams may register for either LBC 4.0 or 4.1. Also, ILFI will sunset certifications for LBC 3.0 and 3.1 (“3.x”) on December 31, 2024. Please reach out to lbc.certifications@living-future.org with any questions.

Looking for the 4.0 Standard and Handbook? Click here.

Featured Case Studies

Arch | Nexus Sac

Arch | Nexus Sac

Certified Living

Sacramento, CA
Read More
R.W. Kern Center

R.W. Kern Center

Certified Living

Amherst, MA
Read More
Perkins Seed Classroom

Perkins Seed Classroom

Certified Living

Seattle, WA
Read More

Petals

Imagine a building that is as efficient as a flower; a simple symbol for the ideal built environment. The Living Building Challenge is organized into seven performance areas.

Place

Place

Restoring a healthy interrelationship with nature.
Materials

Materials

Endorsing products that are safe for all species through time.
Water

Water

Creating developments that operate within the water balance of a given place and climate.
Equity

Equity

Supporting a just and equitable world.
Energy

Energy

Relying only on current solar income.
Beauty

Beauty

Celebrating design that uplifts the human spirit.
Health + Happiness

Health + Happiness

Creating environments that optimize physical and psychological health and well being.

What does good look like?

Living Buildings are:

  • Regenerative buildings that connect occupants to light, air, food, nature, and community.
  • Self-sufficient and remain within the resource limits of their site.
  • Create a positive impact on the human and natural systems that interact with them.

Ready to Get Started?

Create Buildings that give more than they take. Browse the standard or join an upcoming webinar to learn more about the philosophy and framework of the Living Building Challenge.