The International Living Building Institute

In architecture, the words: green, quality, and smart are equal. The great buildings we admire are, as a general rule, quite green. 

The International Living Building Institute is focused on helping people build smart. Often described as "one level above LEED Platinum," they help create buildings that truly benefit those that use them. 

It's a great source for new ideas, and how to best apply your own ideas!

The 2030 Challenge

Founded by Ed Mazria of Santa Fe, New Mexico who believes that buildings are the low hanging fruit. 2030 is a challenge to adopt goals which reduce and eventually eliminate demand for energy with a greenhouse gas (GHG) component.  

The goals are gradual; in 5 year increments.

• All new buildings, must meet a fossil fuel energy consumption performance standard of 60% below the regional average for that building type.
• An equal amount of building renovation shall also be contracted for every square foot of new construction which takes place which will meet those same benchmark goals for GHG emissions.
• The fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings and major renovations shall be increased to: 70% in 2015; 80% in 2020; 90% in 2025; Carbon-neutral in 2030 

There are (3) ways to meet the challenge:  

• Use passive technology and design tactics with 0 added cost.  We don’t need to jump straight to adding more technology (ie solar panels) we need to go back to basic good design principles. 
• Use technology that costs a premium to go green. 
• Purchase sustainably produced energy from the grid. (solar arrays, wind farms).

Gaining popularity: 

• 2030 has been adopted by most professional organizations.
• The entire west coast has adopted the 2030 challenge at the state level and are implementing it in future code revisions.
• The federal government has adopted it now for all federal buildings.

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL / WHAT IS LEED®?

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to quality and sustainable buildings.  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)®, is a building rating system developed by the USGBC to promote 'sustainable' construction through rigorous third party verification criteria. This program makes sure that homes designed under their rating system are what they claim to be; truly sustainable.

LEED® 'Platinum' of 'Gold' home certification means:

• The home conserves energy and has lower or no utility costs
• conserves water, also lowering or eliminating costs
• delivers notably healthier indoor air quality, improving occupant health
• creates less manufacturing and construction waste, lowering construction cost
• optimizes water and energy use, and provides a more comfortable environment for its occupants
• A LEED home mitigates exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins, reducing illness