Living Future Accreditation (LFA)
In this article:
- What is LFA?
- Is LFA right for me?
- Can I enroll my team in LFA?
- How do I achieve LFA?
- How much does it cost to achieve LFA?
- Do you offer any discounts on LFA?
- How long do I have to complete LFA?
- Do I need to pass a final exam to achieve LFA?
- Does LFA have any maintenance, renewal, or continuing education requirements?
- Do I need to be a Living Future Member to achieve LFA?
- Do I need to work on a Living Future project or label to achieve LFA?
- Can I be granted exemptions from any LFA requirements due to prior experience or demonstrated proficiency?
- Does LFA count toward continuing education credits?
- Will I receive a certificate of completion upon completing LFA?
- How does my enrollment in LFA support Living Future?
- What is your refund policy?
- How can I get support if I have further questions or experience technical issues?
What is LFA?
Living Future Accreditation (LFA) is the premier credential for regenerative building professionals.
This self-paced, 20-hour program from the International Living Future Institute introduces the foundational principles behind Living Future’s visionary programs, including:
- Declare®
- Just®
- The Living Building Challenge®
- The Living Product Challenge®
- Zero Carbon Certification™
- Zero Energy Certification™
Through engaging video lessons, readings, and interactive exercises, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to create buildings and communities that are socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. By completing this program, you’ll earn the LFA designation and join a growing network of professionals driving systemic change in the architecture, engineering, design, and construction industries.
You can find more details (& unlock a special enrollment offer) by downloading the LFA Syllabus.
Is LFA right for me?
Probably! Do you feel a responsibility towards reconciling, restoring, or reimagining our relationship with the natural world? Can you envision a future where the built environment has a net positive impact on climate, health, and equity? If you answered yes, then LFA is right for you!
- Professionals in architecture, design, engineering, and sustainability who want to build a strong foundation in regenerative design
- Those working with Living Future programs like Declare, Just, the Living Building Challenge, and Zero Carbon Certification
- Advocates for climate, health, and equity
- Professionals in adjacent AEC fields
- Post-secondary students and educators
Whether you're an emerging leader or an experienced professional, LFA provides the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change in the built environment. No prerequisites required.
Can I enroll my team in LFA?
Yes! Teams of 3 or more and Corporate Members are eligible for group enrollment and discounts.
How do I achieve LFA?
The process for achieving LFA is simple. There is no prerequisite education and no maintenance requirement. Simply:
- Enroll in LFA
- Complete all the online lessons at your pace within one year
- Celebrate your achievement 🥳
Need help enrolling? Visit this FAQ for step-by-step instructions.
How much does it cost to achieve LFA?
The cost to achieve LFA is the price of enrolling in the course: $799 USD. There are no additional fees (such as maintenance or renewal fees), and we offer several options for discounted enrollment.
Do you offer any discounts on LFA?
Yes! We offer several ways to save on Living Future Accreditation (LFA):
- 15% off for teams of 3 or more
- 20% off for Professional Members
- 30% off for Corporate Members
- International learners may qualify for reduced pricing through our International Pricing Policy
How long do I have to complete LFA?
You will have access to LFA course content for one year from your enrollment date. Most participants complete their LFA within three months.
If an unforeseen circumstance prevents you from completing your LFA within a year, please email us so we can help!
Do I need to pass a final exam to achieve LFA?
There’s no final exam, no hidden fees, and no ongoing requirements for LFA.
Living Future Accreditation is a one-time investment designed to support deep, flexible learning. Your understanding is assessed through knowledge checks and multiple-choice quizzes, which can be retaken as needed. There are no scheduled exams to pay for or stress over—this approach emphasizes real comprehension, not rote memorization. Exercises are ungraded, but you’re encouraged to engage with other learners by sharing and receiving feedback on your work.
Does LFA have any maintenance, renewal, or continuing education requirements?
The Living Future Accreditation (LFA) credential does not expire and does not require renewal or continuing education to remain valid.
LFA course content evolves alongside Living Future’s programs and priorities, so we encourage you to stay up to date by exploring new courses and topics as they are released. Many of these learning opportunities are free or discounted with a Living Future Membership.
Unlike many credentials, LFA has no additional fees for exams, renewals, or CEUs—making it a long-term, low-maintenance investment in your professional growth.
Do I need to be a Living Future Member to achieve LFA?
No, our courses are open to everyone! However, Professional Living Future Membership offers complimentary access to introductory courses and bundles, 20% off LFA and advanced courses, and additional continuing education opportunities, like live webinars and the chance to connect with a passionate, values-aligned community of regenerative design leaders.
Become a member! Join our community today to receive your member discount code and apply it at checkout.
If you have any questions about Living Future Membership, we encourage you to send an email to membership@living-future.org and say hello!
Do I need to work on a Living Future project or label to achieve LFA?
No. Working on a project or label is not a requirement for achieving LFA. But for those who have the opportunity, we strongly encourage the reinforcement of your LFA eduction with real-world experience on Living Future projects and labels.
Can I be granted exemptions from any LFA requirements due to prior experience or demonstrated proficiency?
No. To earn the LFA credential, all courses in the curriculum must be completed in full—regardless of prior experience or expertise.
Does LFA count toward continuing education credits?
Yes! LFA offers 20 AIA LU|HSW CES credits. You can earn other credits by self-reporting your course completion to your credentialing program using the provided certificate. The International Living Future Institute (Living Future) is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number R306.
Please visit this FAQ for details on how AIA credit reporting is conducted for Living Future online courses.
Will I receive a certificate of completion upon completing LFA?
Yes! Once you’ve completed all course requirements, you’ll be able to claim a certificate of completion to download and share on LinkedIn and other profiles. You’ll also be eligible to use the ‘LFA’ designation after your name as a professional credential.
Please visit this FAQ for help obtaining your certificate of completion!
How does my enrollment in LFA support Living Future?
Your course purchase helps advance Living Future’s mission and supports the development of our educational programs. If you'd like to deepen your impact, consider making an additional one-time or recurring donation to further support our work.
The International Living Future Institute (EIN #27-1791162) is a public charity recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3).
What is your refund policy?
We want you to have a great learning experience! Please review our refund policy or reach out to us if you have questions.
How can I get support if I have further questions or experience technical issues?
Explore the self-help resources available in the Education Support Center, or email us anytime!