The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) offers Zero Energy Building Certification which elevates the effort to design and build projects that balance energy usage and energy sources through onsite renewable energy sources. The Zero Energy standard requires a building to supply 100 percent of its energy needs without combustion. The certification process measures 12 month performance to ascertain compliance with the standard as defined in the Living Building Challenge Energy Petal. This is a global program with a focus on sharing projects on a platform that promotes more rapid growth of zero energy buildings as an important means of addressing climate change and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. The following discussion outlines 10 important features of the Living Future Zero Energy certification program and how this program fits within the bigger “green” picture.
