Living Building Challenge
The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is widely considered the most stringent green building standard in the world. LBC, run by the International Living Future Institute, attempts to emulate a flower by encouraging regenerative design. Its requirements are categorized under seven “petals,” or categories.
Through detailed imperatives, LBC leaves little wiggle room. Everything is a prerequisite, unlike in LEED, where project teams can choose among credits.
Living Building Challenge
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Take Control of Your Materials: Four Empowering Lessons from Teams That Beat the Red List
Feature
Need to streamline your product vetting process? These LBC project teams have it down to a science, and anyone can apply their methods.
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The Great Eight: High-Impact Material Choices for Green Building
Feature
We’re at a tipping point in insulation, flooring, textiles, and other product categories. Here’s what to spec and what to avoid.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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How RECs Work—and Why You Might Not Own Your Clean Energy
Explainer
Even if you buy into a solar farm or host an array, someone else can claim the benefits. Here’s how to get what you expect.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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New Label from ILFI to “Reveal” Building Energy Data
News Analysis
Buildings will be able to display a standard label showing energy use under a new program from the International Living Future Institute.
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How a Dense Metropolis Can Support a Living Building
News Analysis
Net-zero water tops the list of obstacles a New York group is tackling. Its goal: to solve the large-scale ecological problems of dense urban areas.
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Jason McLennan Steps Down as Living Future CEO
News Analysis
McLennan will focus on his own practice after a decade as head of the International Living Future Institute.
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First Projects Certified Under Living Building Challenge
News Analysis
After a long wait, the first projects have been certified to the stringent standards of the Living Building Challenge.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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