OVERVIEW
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 net-zero or net-positive impact on virtually everything the built environment touches. Its requirements are categorized under seven petals:
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Place
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Water
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Energy
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Health
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Materials
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Equity
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Beauty
Through detailed “imperatives,” LBC leaves little wiggle room. Everything is a prerequisite, unlike in LEED, where project teams can choose among credits.
Here we have collected strategies, case studies, and expert commentary on how to achieve LBC certification in the real world.
IN-DEPTH
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Deep Material Vetting (That Won’t Chew Through Your Design Budget)
April 23, 2015Webcast
In just one hour, learn how to vet products and materials (without having to earn chemistry and toxicology degrees!). Includes special access to a forum offering post-webcast product vetting support.
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LEED Offers Living Building Challenge Alignment
April 10, 2015News Analysis
Projects certified under LBC will be able to get full LEED credit in energy and water categories without added documentation.
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The Problem with Red Lists
February 1, 2015Primer
Having a short list of toxic chemicals to avoid is convenient, but nasty “alternatives” can sneak in the back door. Hazard screenings help solve this problem.
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ECOS Challenges Paint Industry to Disclose Ingredients
January 4, 2015Product Review
ECOS Paints ignored “trade secret” complaints made by other manufacturers and now makes the first paints designated Red List Free for the Living Building Challenge.
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Can the Living Building Challenge Scale Up?
December 30, 2014Op-Ed
The stringent system has already changed the world, but to reach beyond demonstration projects it has to help everyday buildings succeed.
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Beyond Living Buildings: ILFI Expands Scope to Food, Products, Communities
June 4, 2014News Analysis
With new program announcements, the International Living Future Institute and its Living Building Challenge continue to drive innovation and transformation.
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Seattle School Earns World's Fourth Living Building Certification
April 15, 2013News Brief
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New Accreditation Could Add a Living Future to Your Name
May 31, 2012News Brief
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Why's That on the Red List?
April 30, 2012Primer
Ever wonder why copper and Neoprene are flagged in some green building red lists and rating systems? Although they aren't the worst offenders, they're flagged for a good reason.
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Net-Zero Certification Spins Off from Living Building Challenge
November 1, 2011News Analysis
International Living Future Institute launches net-zero energy certification program.
