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?
• Can I register my project under a previous version?
• Can I upgrade my project to the current version?
• How has the certification process changed?
• What sunset dates should I be aware of?

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. 

Can I upgrade my project to the current version? 

Yes. You can find instructions for re-registering your project under its program’s current version here.

How has the certification process changed?

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 complementary RfRs. The number of complementary RfRs depends on the project’s program and can be found here. 

No 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 (a.k.a., the application owner) is still required to have an active Professional Living Future Membership.

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