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 or renovating existing structures, every action creates impacts on people, communities, resources, and the environment. To ensure genuine progress, it’s essential to claim both positive and negative impacts with integrity.

Identifiable Impacts: Real

To maintain the credibility of Living Future projects, it’s crucial that claimed impacts are tangible and identifiable. Unfortunately, some entities take credit for actions they haven’t actually undertaken. For instance, certain carbon offset programs may claim reductions in emissions simply by preserving undeveloped lands, which can detract from genuine sustainability efforts.

Measured Impacts: Metered

Quantifiable impacts are a cornerstone of ILFI’s programs. We require a 12-month performance period backed by verifiable data to support the benefits claimed. Accurate measurement ensures that the progress reflected in Living Building Challenge, Zero Carbon, and Zero Energy projects is real and impactful.

New Impacts: Additionality

Recognizing only new impacts is essential for continuous progress. Awarding credits for pre-existing achievements can stagnate advancement. Zero Carbon and other ILFI-certified projects must demonstrate that their positive impacts extend beyond what has already been achieved, ensuring that every project pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Attributed Impacts: Earned

Proper attribution is vital to prevent double-counting benefits. Credit should only be given where it is due. For example, a project cannot claim benefits that rightly belong to another entity. By adhering to this principle, Living Future projects maintain the integrity and transparency that drive real progress.

In conclusion, ensuring that impacts in regenerative design are identifiable, measured, additional, and correctly attributed is fundamental to sustaining the integrity of sustainability efforts. By embracing these principles, we can collectively advance toward a regenerative future.

.Join us in this commitment to real impact. Explore how you can contribute to a Living Future by certifying your next project with ILFI. Contact us at sales@living-future.org or click here to get started.

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Written By

Emma Weiss Burns

As a Buildings Manager on the Impact team, Emma coaches project teams towards meeting ILFI’s certification standards, including The Living Building Challenge, Zero Carbon, and Zero Energy. Emma graduated from Rocky Mountain College with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Management and Policy, and went on to receive her Master’s in Freshwater Science and Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. While working towards her Master’s, Emma worked as a research analyst studying the effects of pharmaceuticals on the aquatic ecology of Lake Michigan. She also worked as a research analyst for The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission focusing on lake and watershed management. Emma has also worked in environmental planning and natural resource consulting for Stantec Consulting, where she gained experience in restoration ecology, stormwater management, and engineering. She also led the due diligence, permitting, and project coordination of over 25 solar development projects. In her spare time, Emma likes to play ping pong, hike, and swim.