New! Living Building Challenge 201: Certification Pathways, Requirements & Project Insights
New! Living Building Challenge 201: Certification Pathways, Requirements & Project Insights
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Want to save on this course? Professional Members get 20% off and Corporate Members save 30%. Join now to unlock your discount and enjoy exclusive benefits on all courses.

Course Description
This course is the first part of the Living Building Challenge Certification & Project Leadership Course Series. Enroll in the series to save!
Deepen your knowledge of the Living Building Challenge® 4.1 with this in-depth, self-paced course. Learn to lead projects through all seven Petals while exploring case studies, certification pathways, and practical tools, equipping you to deliver regenerative design outcomes with confidence. Presented by the authors of the LBC and experienced practitioners, this course offers unmatched insight into real-world application of the Living Building Challenge.
Through immersive learning and practical guidance, you’ll explore the philosophy and structure of LBC 4.1, including all seven Petals: Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty. Learn from the real-world experiences of LBC project teams, uncover common challenges, and dive into more than 20 certified Living Building case studies.
Whether you're pursuing Petal, Core, or Living Certification—or similarly ambitious sustainability goals, this course will prepare you to confidently guide your team and deliver truly regenerative outcomes.
This course is designed for built environment professionals who want to lead with regenerative design principles and support Living Building Challenge (LBC) goals. Ideal participants include:
- Architects, engineers, and designers working on or preparing for Living Building Challenge (LBC) projects or similar high-performance goals
- Sustainability consultants and project managers supporting regenerative design goals for clients and teams
- Green building professionals seeking deeper knowledge in climate, health, equity, and cutting-edge sustainability practices
- Advocates and changemakers committed to transforming the built environment from doing less harm to doing lasting good
Recommended prerequisite: Living Building Challenge 101: Design Regenerative Buildings for the Future, especially for those new to the LBC framework. This foundational course is free for Professional Living Future Members.
Learning Experience
What You'll Learn
This course is designed to give you a practical, working knowledge of the Living Building Challenge 4.1, covering everything from Petal imperatives to navigating the certification process. You’ll learn:
- The philosophy, structure and requirements of all seven Living Building Challenge 4.1 Petals: Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty
- How to apply insights from successful projects across different building types
- Key certification steps and how to navigate them with your project team
- Tools and resource to support Core, Petal, and Living Certification
- Strategies to overcome common challenges and achieve regenerative outcomes
This course was developed in collaboration with the Living Future Buildings Team and experienced LBC practitioners to ensure grounded, actionable content and takeaways.
How You'll Learn
You’ll move through interactive, self-paced lessons that guide you through:
- Engaging video lessons and readings
- Case studies and expert insights from real LBC projects
- Scenario-based learning through a guided project simulation
- Quizzes and reflective exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to navigate all LBC requirements and guide your project team from vision to certification.
Course Details
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Learning Activities
Watch video lessons, complete readings and activities, participate in a guided project simulation, and test your knowledge with multiple choice quizzes
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Length & Format
15 hours
Online, self-paced
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Continuing Education Credits
15 LU|HSW AIA CES credits
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Member Perks
Professional Living Future Members save 20% on enrollment
Common Questions
Is this course right for me?
It depends on your goals, but we're here to help you find the perfect fit.
- New to Living Future programs? Start with an introductory course like Living Building Challenge 101: Design Regenerative Buildings for the Future to explore the fundamentals of regenerative design, healthy materials, and social equity frameworks.
- Looking for advanced learning? Our in-depth, expert-led courses cover specialized topics with real-world case studies, ideal for professionals ready to deepen their knowledge and impact.
- Seeking professional recognition? The Living Future Accreditation (LFA) program offers a comprehensive understanding of regenerative design and sustainability leadership. Earning your LFA signals your expertise in transforming buildings and organizations into forces for climate justice and regeneration.
- Need continuing education credits (CEUs)? Most of our courses offer AIA Learning Units (LUs). Explore our curated, value-packed curated course bundles designed to help you meet your professional development goals.
Still unsure? Browse our course catalog or contact us for guidance!
Do I need to be a Living Future Member to take a course?
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.
Do I need to create an account to enroll in a course?
No, you do not need to create an account in order to enroll in a course. However, an account will be created for you during checkout using the name and email address you provide. Once enrolled, you'll receive an email to set up a password for your account. Already have an account? Simply log in after purchasing to start learning.
For details on logging in, resetting your password, or accessing different Living Future platforms, please visit ourAccount & Login help article.
If you enrolled in a course between January 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025 your account and eligible course enrollments have been migrated from our old platform to this platform. Read here for more information.
How does course access work?
Our courses are on-demand and self-paced to fit your schedule! Once you enroll, you’ll receive an email with login details to access your course. You can start anytime, move at your own pace, and revisit materials anytime during your 1 year access period.
Do courses count toward continuing education credits?
Yes! All of our courses are AIA CES approved. Please view the course details for specific Learning Unit type (HSW or Elective). After successfully completing a course, you’ll receive an email with a credit reporting request form to submit for us to report your completion to AIA on your behalf.
You may earn other credits by self-reporting your course completion to your credentialing program using the provided certificate.
AIA CES Provider Statement
International Living Future Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number R306. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Will I receive a certificate of completion?
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.
Do you offer any discounts on LFA and courses?
Yes! We offer several ways to save on our online education. Learn more or become a member to unlock access:
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
Introductory Courses
- Free for Professional Members
Advanced Courses
- 20% off for Professional Members
- 30% off for Corporate Members
Can I enroll my team?
Yes! Teams of 3 or more and Corporate Members are eligible for group enrollment and discounts.
How does my course purchase support Living Future?
Your course purchase directly supports the International Living Future Institute's mission and our ability to offer our educational programming. If you'd like to further contribute, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation. The International Living Future Institute (EIN #27-1791162) is a tax-exempt public charity recognized 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 technical issues?
If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact us. We’re happy to help!
