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The International Living Future Institute is committed to a future that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. Today, the Institute backed its mission with a framework report that outlines how multi-family affordable housing projects can achieve the Living Building Challenge; a philosophy, advocacy tool and certification program.
Supported by the Kresge Foundation, the Institute worked with an innovator’s network of affordable housing developers across North America to pilot and study the challenges and opportunities to creating deeper green affordable housing projects.
“Every person, regardless of economic status, should have access to housing that is healthy, safe, affordable and environmentally sound. We are excited to see this Framework realized through the creation of affordable homes that have no energy bills, are free from toxic materials and are truly sustainable for future generations,” says Amanda Sturgeon, Executive Director of the Institute.
The framework analyzed climate zones around North America to determine the feasibility of meeting the performance-based requirements of the Challenge, including Net Positive Energy and Water, and suggested climate-specific strategies for each region. The report also identified key regulatory barriers and developed certification pathways to overcome them.
“We don’t simply create Affordable Housing, we create homes. As we develop our communities with a clear vision to provide a robust foundation for families to stabilize and thrive, the core principles of the Living Building Challenge naturally align with our mission. The families we serve, the children in particular, blossom when the homes in which they live are inspiring, healthy and financially predictable.” says Sunshine Mathon, Design & Development Director for Foundation Communities, who manages the project design teams for affordable housing projects.
The International Living Future Institute’s Framework report is available to download here