Program Changes & Sunset Date FAQs

Use this article to navigate updates to Living Future’s building programs. 

IN THIS ARTICLE

What is the most current version of LBC/ZC/ZE?

Living Future launched a coordinated “X.1” update across all three of our building programs on April 4, 2024. The current versions are: 

  • Living Building Challenge 4.1
  • Zero Carbon Certification 1.1
  • Zero Energy Certification 1.1 

Can I register my project under a previous version?

No. The current versions (LBC 4.1, ZC 1.1, and ZE 1.1) are the only versions available to new registrants. A brief transition period followed the launch of the current versions, during which new projects could register for either the new or antecedent version of their chosen program. This transition period ended on June 30, 2024, and registration under previous versions of LBC/ZC/ZE is now closed. 

Tip 💡 Registering a project? Check out the Registration FAQs article.

Can I upgrade my project to the current version? 

Yes. You can find instructions for switching to a more recent version of the program you are currently enrolled in here.

How has the certification process changed under LBC 4.1/ZC 1.1/ZE 1.1?

Several procedural changes were instituted during the LBC 4.1/ZC 1.1/ZE 1.1 update. For those familiar with the certification process under previous versions, notable changes are summarized below: 

Core as an LBC Certification Pathway

Prior to the LBC 4.1 update, Core Certification functioned as its own independent building program, related to but separate from the Living Building Challenge. Now, under LBC 4.1, Core Certification has become a certification pathway within the Living Building Challenge. For more information on LBC certification pathways, please refer to this overview. 

Two-Part Payment Process 

On March 1, 2024 (about a month prior to the LBC 4.1 update), Living Future instated a two-part payment process for building certifications. All projects registered since that date will pay a flat fee at registration followed by a second, square footage-based certification fee when submitting for audit (learn more about program fees here).

Prior to this change, projects followed a three-part payment process wherein 25% of the total program fee was paid at registration, 50% at the start of construction, and the final 25% when submitting for audit. By returning to a simpler, two-part payment process (similar to the payment structure in place pre-2020), Living Future aims to better align with other certification payment schemes and reduce administrative headaches for all parties. 

Free-to-Access Program Manuals 

Prior to the LBC 4.1 update, program details were communicated via eight separate documents: the Standard and the seven Petal Handbooks. The Standard contained basic program information and the requirements for each Imperative and was publicly available at no cost. The Petal Handbooks contained details like Clarifications, Exceptions, Calculations, and Documentation Requirements and were available through paid Living Future Membership. 

Now, all program details are communicated via a single, consolidated document: the program manual. The program manual includes all information previously included in the Standard and seven Petal Handbooks. The program manual is publicly available at no cost and can be viewed and/or downloaded here. Please note that ZC and ZE have program manuals of their own. 

Request for Ruling Allotments

Prior to the LBC 4.1/ZC 1.1/ZE 1.1 update, registered projects could submit any number of Requests for Ruling (RfRs) at no cost before submitting for audit. Now, projects have a specific allotment of complimentary RfRs. The number of complimentary RfRs depends on the project’s program and can be found here. This change was instated to ensure that teams judiciously use and adequately substantiate requests for exceptions and/or considerations of unique circumstances. Allotments are based on historical request frequency.

No More Membership Requirement for Collaborators in Portal

Prior to March 2024, Living Future offered three complimentary memberships as part of project registration to allow collaborators to access the Living Future Portal (our online hub for project registration, documentation, and submission). 

Now, due to platform updates, membership is no longer required for collaborators to access Portal. However, please note that the individual that registers the project (i.e., the application owner) is still required to have an active Professional Living Future Membership.

How have the program requirements changed under LBC 4.1/ZC 1.1/ZE 1.1?

The LBC 4.1/ZC 1.1/ZE 1.1 update was designed to strengthen alignment across programs, clarify requirements, and provide a more cohesive certification framework—particularly with respect to energy requirements. The following guides are provided to help orient teams to notable changes across the three programs:

How can I keep track of ongoing program updates?

Living Future publishes minor updates to the program manuals in January, April, July, and/or October of each year. Minor updates are typically focused on improving clarity, offering additional guidance, and providing new exception pathways.

When updates are published, the cover page of the program manual is date-stamped to indicate the latest revision (e.g., September 2025). A summary of changes can be found at the end of the manual along with download links and summaries of changes for all previous revisions. 

Tip 💡 A project is generally not affected by updates to the program requirements published after its registration—learn more here.

What sunset dates should I be aware of?

Sunset dates for Living Future's building programs are as follows:

  • LBC 3.X projects must submit for Final Audit (or Ready Audit, if opting for a two-part audit process) begin the Certification Audit phase by December 31, 2024
  • LBC 4.0/Core 1.0/ZC 1.0/ZE 1.0 projects must submit for Ready Audit begin the certification Ready Audit phase by December 31, 2029
  • LBC 4.1/ZC 1.1/ZE 1.1 projects must submit for Ready Audit begin the Certification Ready Audit phase by December 31, 2032

Tip 💡 One-year extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis if requested at least one year before the sunset date. To request an extension, please reach out to lbc.certification@living-future.org. 

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