Masterclass Progress: What is the Living Building Challenge?
The Living Future Europe (LFE) 2024 Masterclass is in full swing, offering an exploration into the intricacies of regenerative design. The Masterclass presents a carefully curated curriculum designed to challenge conventional narratives and inspire innovative solutions. Through expert-led discussions, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies, participants are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive progress within the sustainability agenda and resilience imperative.
With 10 live sessions spanning from February to April 2024, participants are immersed in a transformative learning experience that addresses the ‘why’, ‘what’, and ‘how’ of living buildings, products, and communities. You can read more about our first phase, addressing the ‘why’ of regenerative design, here. We’ve also now finished the second phase. Here is a quick recap:
Phase Two: A Deep Dive into the ‘What’ of Regenerative Design
In phase two, we’ve taken a close look into the petal framework of the Living Building Challenge. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including PLACE, WATER, ENERGY, HEALTH & HAPPINESS, MATERIALS, EQUITY, BEAUTY, and the LBC PROCESS.
Image: Williams College
The journey began with the PLACE Petal, where participants learned about Living Transects and the importance of resilience and pedestrian-friendly environments. This Petal dives deeply into the local land with topics like ecology of place, urban agriculture, and habitat exchange. Following this, the WATER Petal was examined, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of water management and the need to address incongruencies in water assignment and economic value.
During discussion on the ENERGY Petal, participants examined the stringent requirements of the LBC, including combustion-free energy production and strict use-reductions. A case-study drove home the high-standard needed to achieve this level of quality. In the conclusion of the first of two sessions, participants learned about the HEALTH & HAPPINESS Petal, during which the importance of designing spaces that promote physical and psychological well-being, as well as reconnecting with nature was emphasized.
The second session continued with discussions on the MATERIALS Petal, focusing on the LBC Red List and transparency tools like Declare and the Living Product Challenge. A case study showed how science-backed life cycle assessment methodologies can sometimes bring forth counter-intuitive truths. The EQUITY Petal spotlighted fair hiring and contracting practices, as well as the Just organization certification. The LBC is the first green building certification to include equity, highlighting the essential nature of enabling all people to participate and prosper by design.
The BEAUTY Petal emphasized the critical nature of education and inspiration in promoting broader impact, with concrete examples of projects showcasing successful implementation of solutions. Biophilia is also a key component of this Petal. To close out the sessions, participants were guided through the LBC PROCESS including outlining feasibility assessments and compliance strategies.
For those who missed the session, recordings are available, offering a valuable opportunity to catch up on the discussions and insights shared. Don’t miss out on this chance to deepen your understanding of the Living Building Challenge and gain meaningful insights into sustainable design practices.
Recording links:
What’s Next
In the coming weeks we are looking forward to presenting the “How” section of the Masterclass. From exploring materials vetting to delving into financial implications and zero carbon initiatives, each session offers valuable knowledge for industry professionals. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about applying LBC principles to historic buildings, promoting social justice, selecting positive products, navigating project management, and complying with EU/UK regulations. Led by industry experts, these sessions provide a unique opportunity to deepen understanding and skills in sustainable design practices.
If you missed any of the previous sessions, it’s not to late to register! Recordings are available, allowing you to catch up at your convenience. Whether you’re an architect, planner, or simply passionate about creating a more sustainable future, join us as we continue our quest towards regenerative excellence.
Topics
regenerative design, regenerative sustainability, regenerative thinking, agile management, climate resilience, Living Building Challenge, Living Product Challenge, Declare, Scale jumping, Place, Water, Energy, Health + Happiness, Materials, Equity, social justice, Beauty, biophilia, biophilic design, design for climate change, Zero Carbon, project management, EU regulations
Target group
architects, engineers, project managers, manufacturers, constructors, urban planners, developers, academics, educators, students, designers, sustainability practitioners, researchers, policy makers, public officers, community leaders
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Header photo from Living Certified Project: Cal Guerxo in Bresca, Spain
