International Living Future Institute

Definition

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices and fostering a regenerative approach to the built environment. It is known for developing the Living Building Challenge, which sets the highest standards for sustainability in architecture and urban design, encouraging projects to become self-sufficient and have a positive impact on their surroundings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ILFI was founded in 2009, emphasizing the need for buildings to contribute positively to their environments rather than simply reducing negative impacts.
2. The Living Building Challenge is considered one of the most rigorous sustainability certifications available, requiring projects to meet strict criteria across several performance areas including energy, water, and materials.
3. ILFI promotes not just energy efficiency but also social equity, health, and well-being in the built environment.
4. The organization also advocates for policy changes and education around sustainability to inspire broader systemic change in how buildings are designed and constructed.
5. ILFI operates a program called the Declare label, which helps manufacturers provide transparency about product ingredients and encourages the use of healthy materials in construction.

Review Questions

• How does the International Living Future Institute promote sustainability in architecture compared to other certification programs?
  • The International Living Future Institute promotes sustainability through its Living Building Challenge, which sets a high bar for regenerative design, pushing projects to not only be efficient but also restorative. Unlike other programs like LEED, which focus on credit systems for various sustainable practices, ILFI's challenge emphasizes a holistic approach requiring buildings to be self-sufficient in energy and water use while prioritizing health and equity. This comprehensive framework encourages architects and builders to innovate beyond conventional practices.
• What role does the Living Building Challenge play in shaping sustainable design practices within the construction industry?
  • The Living Building Challenge significantly influences sustainable design by establishing clear, demanding criteria that challenge architects and builders to achieve high performance levels. By requiring projects to generate more energy than they consume and use non-toxic materials, it pushes for innovation in sustainable technologies and practices. This rigorous standard not only sets a benchmark for excellence but also raises awareness about sustainability issues in the construction industry, encouraging wider adoption of regenerative design principles.
• Evaluate the impact of ILFI’s advocacy for policy changes on the broader landscape of sustainable architecture and urban planning.
  • ILFI's advocacy for policy changes has had a transformative impact on sustainable architecture and urban planning by driving legislative initiatives that support regenerative practices. This includes influencing building codes and regulations to encourage green building methods while promoting social equity. By collaborating with policymakers, ILFI helps establish frameworks that align economic incentives with sustainability goals, fostering an environment where sustainable designs are not only viable but desirable. This systemic change supports a cultural shift towards prioritizing environmental responsibility in urban development.

Related terms

Living Building Challenge: A performance-based certification program that encourages the creation of buildings that are self-sufficient, produce more energy than they consume, and utilize materials that are non-toxic and sustainably sourced.

LEED Certification:

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a widely recognized green building certification system that provides a framework for sustainable building practices, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality.

Regenerative Design: An approach to design that seeks to restore and enhance ecosystems and communities, going beyond sustainability to create systems that are beneficial to both the environment and society.