Zero Energy

Key Principles for Real Progress At the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), our mission is to advance the creation of a truly regenerative built environment. In this pursuit, organizations must operate with the same clarity and integrity as individuals—setting clear goals, seeking consistent encouragement, and measuring tangible progress. However, misplaced credit can undermine these collective efforts. Whether building from scratch…

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of zHome, the first ILFI certified Zero Energy community in the United States.  This groundbreaking project aimed to make zero carbon living mainstream by demonstrating an array of new, but available, technologies under one roof.  Over the last 20 years, the solutions zHome showcased have become much better, more accessible, and less…

A New Chapter for ILFI’s Building Programs In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable building standards, ILFI has consistently been at the “tip of the spear,” defining a vision for the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and challenging practitioners of the built environment to reach new heights of performance and impact. Recognizing the clear role that buildings play in…

2023 Midyear Stats and Takeaways Now that we’ve hit the midyear milestone, the Institute is pleased to share high level stats and takeaways around the growth of our programs.   BUILDINGS CORE, LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE, ZERO CARBON, and ZERO ENERGY In the first half of 2023, 12 projects achieved certification (1 Living, 5 Petal, 1 Zero Carbon, and 5 Zero Energy),…

7 Questions Answered by Miller Hull’s Living Building Challenge Services Director This Q&A is a postscript to the Institute’s webinar on regenerative design, “Bringing the Living Building Challenge into Practice,” held on June 27, 2023.  In this webinar, which is a dynamic extension of a new Ecotone Publishing book, Challenge & Change: Miller Hull’s Living Building Practice, we explore why…

Verdical Group founder and CEO Drew Shula shares his path to sustainability leadership and why he founded the Net Zero Conference.

All photos courtesy of archimania. Last May,  ILFI was thrilled to share that archimania’s office achieved dual Zero Energy and Zero Carbon certification. Jacob Davis, AIA, LEED AP, and Senior Associate with archimania explains their project’s approach to addressing carbon, both in their building and the community at large: “By upcycling the existing concrete and terrazzo floor, steel structure, and…

Celebrating the Grand Opening of Indiana’s First Zero Energy Affordable Housing Building The Harbor Square project, along with other affordable housing projects in the area, was envisioned to help shape a new future for the city of East Chicago. East Chicago, Indiana is the home of the USS Lead EPA Superfund site, which, unfortunately, is located on the former home…

The International Living Future Institute is thrilled to celebrate the recent achievements from our Living Future Members in constructing buildings and communities, manufacturing products, and leading organizations that move us towards a future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Here are the milestones that have been accomplished so far in 2021! Use the links below to jump…

Triple Bottom Line Benefits for Residents Zero Energy homes are not only environmentally sustainable, they also cost less to operate, and are healthier to live in. Low-income families have a far higher cost burden for utilities, spending, on average, 17% of their income on utility bills, compared to 2-3% for other households.[1] Affordable housing units tend to be older and…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Leaders Call for Bold Action Where Climate, Health, and Equity Meet in the Built Environment Living Future 2021: Inclusion + Unity Highlights Leaders Building a Movement Built on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice April 23, 2020 (SEATTLE) – Living Future 2021: Inclusion + Unity put a spotlight on climate, health, and equity in the built environment, closing…

Cover image: 350 China Street in San Francisco, CA. Rendering courtesy of Mithun Editor’s note: ILFI has green building solutions for everyone, everywhere. If you’re interested in being part of our work to ensure affordable, healthy, sustainable housing for all, join our upcoming members-only Affordable Housing Showcase event on Thursday, March 18! Members can register in their Member Dashboard login. To sign up…

PRESS RELEASE: Regenerative Retrofit: California’s First Living Building New book from industry leader in green building performance explores building reuse, water and energy independence, biophilic design, and a carbon-free future.  SEATTLE, WA., September 23, 2020—Ecotone Publishing, the industry’s original green architecture and design publisher, today announced the release of the seventh book in the Living Building Challenge Series titled Regenerative…

Editor’s Note: Brad Liljequist directed the Zero Energy and Zero Carbon programs at ILFI from 2013-2018 and the Living Community Challenge from 2014-2015. Between 2008-2011, he developed the first ILFI certified Energy Petal and Zero Energy community in the United States, zHome. Today, Brad leads Zero Energy and Zero Carbon efforts for McKinstry, a national construction, consulting, and energy services…

This vignette is piece of a multi-part series that will highlight the work being done surrounding Washington State Executive Order 20-01. The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) has been working closely with Washington State for nearly two years to support agencies in their development of Zero Energy projects. ILFI has developed a toolkit of resources for project teams in the…

This vignette is piece of a multi-part series that will highlight the work being done surrounding Washington State Executive Order 20-01. The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) has been working closely with Washington State for nearly two years to support agencies in their development of Zero Energy projects. ILFI has developed a toolkit of resources for project teams in the…