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  • Writer's picturePaul Shahriari

International Living Futures Institute Conference 2023: Advocacy + Belonging

Sustainability, green building, and regenerative design experts and practitioners converge at the International Living Futures Institute (ILFI) Conference. Like a magnet, the event attracts industry professionals from around the world who are dedicated to creating a better future. The focus is on the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous green building certification program that promotes sustainable and regenerative practices in the built environment.


The Living Future 23: Advocacy + Belonging Conference took place in the heart of Washington, DC, May 3-5, 2023, and provided an extraordinary platform for attendees to engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations on topics such as social justice, climate action, regenerative design, and community engagement.


Visionary keynote speakers shared their wisdom and inspirations, leaving listeners with thought-provoking insights on how to take action toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The lineup included Nina Albert, Commissioner of the Public Building Service GSA; Erin Meezan, Chief Sustainability Officer at JLL; and Peggy Shepard, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice.


Seven focus areas provided additional inspiration: Biophilia + Beauty, Justice + Belonging, Impact Case Studies, Health + Materials, Restoration + Resilience, Advocacy + Innovation, and Zero Carbon. There was truly something for everyone.


Mindful Materials Portal

Ecomedes is a proud supporter of the new portal.mindfulmaterials.com that was presented at the 4-hour summit, A Materials Odyssey Reimagined, which covered a wide range of topics related to mindful MATERIALS, ILFI, USGBC, and WELL. The new portal brings together brands investing in transparency and impact reduction.



Material Certification Program

Of note was the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) and Living Building Challenge (LBC) Material Petal Certification program. Like a map leading you to products and materials that champion environmental and social responsibility, it includes seven criteria to assess sustainability: Red List Compliance, Embodied Carbon Footprint, Responsible Industry, Sustainable Supply Chain, Appropriate Sourcing, Conservation + Reuse, and Health + Happiness. It’s a true compass to a more sustainable built environment.


And best of all—Ecomedes is right there with them, fully supporting ILFI with a handpicked catalog of products. We've digitally analyzed these products to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge and Material Petals. Dive into our digital catalog here.


The International Living Futures Institute Conference is where dreams of sustainability become a reality.


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