LIVING BUILDING CHALLANGE CERTIFICATION
The Living Building Challenge certification aims to encourage the creation of a regenerative built environment. In the construction process, the challenge is to limit damage to the environment and contribute positively to it. It is aimed at architects, entrepreneurs and building owners intending to take action to quickly narrow the gap between current limitations and … Continued
The Living Building Challenge certification aims to encourage the creation of a regenerative built environment.
In the construction process, the challenge is to limit damage to the environment and contribute positively to it. It is aimed at architects, entrepreneurs and building owners intending to take action to quickly narrow the gap between current limitations and the positive solutions they seek.
The Living Building Challenge is an international sustainable building certification programme created in 2006 by the non-profit International Living Future Institute. The Living Future Institute is based in Seattle State, Washington, USA.
Who are Living Future Accredited (LFA) professionals?
These are recognised experts in making communities socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. An LFA professional is involved in the certification process and assists the design and construction team throughout the project lifecycle.
The Greenwich Living Future Team consists of 1 professional ambassador and accredited Living Future volunteer (LFA)
Living Building Challenge: applying the protocol
The Living Building Challenge is versatile and can be applied to any project:
- New constructions
- Existing buildings
- Interior projects
With different application uses:
- Residences for single families
- Multi-family residences
- Commercial
- Institutional
- Scientific and health
Once the construction phase of the project has been completed and a performance period of 12 months has elapsed, the buildings can begin their certification process, which involves the verification of specific requirements.
Living Building Challenge: 5 Levels of Certification
- ZERO CARBON CERTIFICATION
- ZERO ENERGY CERTIFICATION
- CORE – GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
- LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE – PETAL CERTIFICATION
- LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE – LIVING CERTIFICATION
How is the Living Building Challenge certification obtained?
Greenwich provides consultancy services and applies the procedures required for obtaining the Living Building Challenge certification in all the following phases:
REGISTRATION
- The project must be registered and a registration fee must be paid according to the type of project.
AUDIT AND ASSESSMENT
SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTATION
- The project team compiles the documentation for certification and monitors operation and occupation for at least 12 consecutive months. During this occupation and operation, project performance data are measured. After the operational period, the team sends all data and documentation for the audit.
AUDIT BY AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY AUDITOR
- The audit process is carried out by an independent third party. This independent auditor performs a preliminary audit and a final audit, during which mandatory performance is checked with additional data and documentation.
THIRD-PARTY AUDITOR SITE VISIT
- During the final audit, the auditors shall carry out another audit of the documentation together with an on-site visit of the project and an audit report for the team.
CERTIFICATION
- If the auditor concludes that the project achieves all applicable imperatives and the on-site visit is satisfactory, the project shall be awarded the certification.
Transparency labels governed by the International Living Future Institute
- Declare Products
Declare offers an extended access point to innovative regeneration projects and a powerful platform to connect with future customers.
- Reveal Buildings
Provides an audit of energy performance, including three separate metrics: intensity of energy use, zero energy performance index and reduction of energy consumption compared to baseline.
- Just Organisation
JUST marks the beginning of a new era of corporate transparency. ILFI invites organisations from all over the world to assess themselves through this lens of equity and social justice and become a JUST organisation.
Other certifications governed by the International Living Future InstituteLiving Product Challenge
- The Living Product
Challenge is a framework for manufacturers to create products that are healthy, inspirational and give back to the environment.
- Living Community Challenge
The Living Product Challenge is a framework for producers to create healthy, stimulating and reusable products in the environment.
International Living Future Institute pilot programme
Living Food Challenge: a living food system that provides nutrient-rich food for people in all communities.