Ever-Changing Times

by Marcy Marro | June 3, 2019 12:00 am

We live in a world of constant change. From the menus at our favorite restaurants to the evolving electronics in our pockets, we are inundated with change. As the world around us changes, so do the programs designed to help architects create better and more sustainable buildings. Over the years, LEED has undergone a number of changes to better address the changing circumstances around us. Similarly, the International Living Future Institute[1] (ILFI) is constantly looking for ways to improve the Living Building Challenge[2].

In an effort to stay on top of changes in the construction and built environment, the ILFI recently announced updates to its Living Building Challenge (LBC), as well as a new certification called Core[3].

The updated LBC 4.0[4] focuses on the relationship between impact and effort by creating a streamlined approach focused on maximizing positive impacts specific to a project’s place, culture and community. The revised version simplifies the program, while filling the gap between the highest levels on mainstream green building certification and the entry point to the LBC.

According to the ILFI, LBC 4.0 also raises the bar by requiring that teams address basic issues in all petals, even if a project is focused primarily on a more limited scope of priorities. A number of new performance-based compliance paths have also been added to increase flexibility for teams.

The LBC has added ten Core Imperatives to address the fundamental tenets of each Petal. All of the Core Imperatives are required for Petal Certification, and together constitute the requirements of the new Core Green Building Certification. Known as Core, the ILFI says it’s a simple framework that outlines the 10 best practice achievements a building must obtain to be considered green or sustainable.

The ten Core imperatives are:

• Ecology of Place
• Human-Scaled Living
• Responsible Water Use
• Energy + Carbon Reduction
• Healthy Interior Environment
• Responsible Materials
• Universal Access
• Inclusion
• Beauty + Biophilia
• Education + Inspiration

It is important for architects and designers to stay on top of the changes in the standards and programs they use for design guidance and inspiration on a daily basis. To learn more about the updates to LBC 4.0 and the new Core Green Building Certification, visit living-future.org/lbc4/[5] and living-future.org/core/[6].

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/blog/ever-changing-times/

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