Member Survey Results

In May this year, we conducted our annual Living Future Member survey. We seek out member feedback for two distinct reasons: to learn how we can improve, and also set my team’s objectives for the following year. Many thanks to the 242 of you who responded–you will have a direct impact on how ILFI’s membership program evolves next year!

Now for the survey results. On average, respondents rated their satisfaction as members as being 8.3 out of 10 (nearly reaching our goal of 8.5). 72% of respondents also told us they were “extremely” or “very” likely to renew. That’s excellent! (You can dig into more information about results here.) 

Of course, we still have much we can improve on. Here are some key takeaways we learned this summer, and how we plan to make changes next year.

1. Continuing education is a key benefit for members.

Percent of respondents who selected the benefit as one of their top 3 most valuable benefits.

Continuing education (such as member CEU webinars) came in on top with nearly 70% of respondents citing it as one of their top three most valued benefits. 

We’ve been hosting member events since 2020, but it’s only in the last year that things have really kicked into gear. We now have a robust calendar of Member Events which includes webinars offering LFA + AIA credit just for our members. This is our way of sharing expertise from within the community and giving members a look into new developments and trends in regenerative design. 

We heard from respondents outside North America that they felt the time zones these webinars are held in don’t allow for their participation. This is something we’re keen to acknowledge in 2024, either by way of special webinar screenings for folks on the other side of the globe or leaning on our Regional Member Communities to host more locally-focused events. 

2. Members also enjoy our resources, but have had a hard time finding them.

Second to continuing education, respondents indicated that they valued the program and technical resources we make available in the Member Dashboard. Whether it’s our Living Building Challenge handbooks, materials tracking tables, or project guidebooks, members are finding value. 

  • “I like the certification programs and resources – they are the most progressive and are really pushing for regenerative design.”
  • “The [Member Dashboard] including forums and resources could be easier to navigate.”
  • Navigating the website to find resources [could be better].”

However, in addition to that, members indicated that they found the resources difficult to locate, and the user experience of searching for resources in the Member Dashboard was lacking. To address this head on, we’ve rolled out a new Member Resource Library this week. 

This Resource Library has all of the resources and tools that members need to learn about our programs, share information with clients, or pursue labels and certifications. We’re excited to build out this library even further in 2024 with resources like program pitch decks, book excerpts, and more.

3. Members are looking for more opportunities to connect.

Finally, we noted extensive written feedback from members asking for more opportunities to connect with and learn from peers in the community. 

  • “I wish there were more events to learn…to hear directly from project team members working on projects.”
  • “[I want] a group devoted to support and energy in the indirect work change-agents need to maintain… a support group, celebration group, a kick-in-the-butt group.”
  • “More engagement activities and opportunities… meet ups or webinars on a monthly basis.”

Shortly after this survey closed, we launched our Regional Member Community program. We now have seven active member groups from Washington State to Washington D.C., and across the Pacific in Australia. These member-led groups are currently organizing virtual and in-person events (think Living Building tours) for their communities and doing an amazing job of it. If you see a group in your area, check it out.

If you don’t see a regional community in your area, not to worry! We plan to expand our member groups in 2024–stay tuned for more information in your Member Newsletter. In the meantime, the Member Directory and Discussion Board are great ways to find folks to connect with.

Didn’t get a chance to fill out this survey and still want to share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you–contact my team at membership@living-future.org. 

Become a Member

Cover photo by Jessica Yurinko.

Written By

Liz Harder

Liz manages the Living Future Membership program, helping to expand the growth of ILFI’s membership base & seek new ways to bring value to the Living Future Member community. If you have any questions about becoming a member, you can reach her at membership@living-future.org.