Living Future Accreditation (LFA) – Credential for Regenerative Design Professionals

Living Future Accreditation (LFA) – Credential for Regenerative Design Professionals

Living Future Accreditation (LFA) is the foundational credential in regenerative design from the International Living Future Institute. This 20-hour, self-paced online program builds expertise in regenerative buildings, healthy materials, and equitable organizations—key pillars of a socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative built environment. Through video lessons, readings, and interactive exercises, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills and learn to advance the practice of regenerative design with Living Future programs like Declare, Just, and the Living Building Challenge and advocate for net-positive solutions and policies.

Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate, gain the LFA designation, and join a global community of professionals leading the transformation of the built environment. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge, advance your career, or drive meaningful change, LFA equips you with the tools to lead with confidence.

  • Length

    20 hours

  • Format

    Self-paced

  • Learning Level

    Introductory / Intermediate

  • Member Perk

    Professional Living Future Members save 20% on enrollment

  • Access

    1 year

  • Credits

    20 LU|HSW AIA CES credit valid through March 25, 2028

Living Future Accreditation Learning Modules

Explore the 5 learning modules below and download the syllabus to take a closer look.
Module 1

Living Future Philosophy

The foundation of regenerative thinking for a socially just, culturally rich, ecologically restorative future

Discover the essential principles of a Living Future, including our theory of change that translates philosophy into action through certification, advocacy, education. Learn about the building industry's opportunity and responsibility to foster holistic solutions that create positively impactful buildings, products, and organizations.
Module 2

Regenerative Buildings

Creating spaces that function as elegantly and efficiently as a flower, giving back more than they take

Get to know the key principles of a Living Building and dive into the Living Building Challenge, Zero Energy, and Zero Carbon certification programs, along with initiatives for affordable housing and biophilic design, which inspire the green building community.
Module 3

Healthy Products & Materials

Promoting transparency, sustainability, and responsible innovation in product design, manufacturing, and selection

Learn about Living Future's industry-transforming green building product programs and standards, including Declare and the Living Product Challenge, the promote human health and net-positive impact.


Module 4

Equitable Organizations

Advancing social justice, inclusion, and belonging in workplaces and beyond

Explore how equitable practices within organizations promote inclusive workplaces and foster belonging. Learn about the purpose, requirements, and processes of Living Future’s organizational equity program, which serves as a dynamic tool for workplace transformation.
Module 5

Living Future Leadership

Growing a diverse, capable, and confident community to lead the regenerative movement

Identify ways to contribute your unique experiences, knowledge, and perspective to a Living Future, while building the skills and confidence to advocate, innovate, and lead transformative change.

Meet the Living Future Accreditation Community

LFA program participants come from diverse backgrounds but share a commitment to advancing regenerative design and sustainability.

  • Sustainability and Green Building Professionals

  • Architects, designers, engineers, consultants, and builders deepening their expertise in regenerative design

  • Emerging Leaders in the Built Environment

  • Early-career professionals and students seeking to establish a strong foundation in sustainable and equitable design practices

  • Industry Professionals Engaged in Living Future Programs

  • Teams working with Declare, Just, Living Building Challenge, Living Product Challenge, Zero Carbon Certification, or Zero Energy Certification

  • Advocates for Climate, Health & Equity

  • Individuals dedicated to creating a built environment that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative

  • Corporate & Organizational Leaders

  • Decision-makers and sustainability champions embedding regenerative strategies into projects, policies, and operations
"Pursuing LFA has deepened my commitment to sustainable development and to helping my country. LBC provided a framework for me to explore the unique barriers and opportunities in regenerative design for developing countries. Achieving LFA also had an influence on my transition to sustainability and development work."
Angelo Tan, LFA
Country Lead for Climate Business, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group
"Acquiring LFA establishes a strong foundation for our sustainability and decarbonization efforts. It signals to others that we possess a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices and principles, and a commitment to helping clients and communities reach a carbon neutral, resilient future. LFA is an invaluable asset for anyone striving towards a sustainable future, as it provides a deep, multi-disciplinary education that enhances every aspect of our work."
Ghina Annan, LFA
Principal, Decarbonization Business Lead, Stantec

LFA Frequently Asked Questions

Is LFA right for me?
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!
Is there a final exam for LFA?
No, there is no final exam. Your understanding of the material is assessed through knowledge checks and multiple-choice quizzes, which you can retake as needed. This approach emphasizes true comprehension rather than rote memorization. Exercises are ungraded, but you are encouraged to engage with other participants by providing and receiving feedback on submissions.
Does the LFA credential require renewal or continuing education?
No, the LFA credential does not expire, and no renewal or continuing education is required to maintain it. However, LFA course content evolves alongside Living Future's programs and strategy. To stay current, you can enroll in individual courses covering new program updates and topics, or become a Living Future Member to unlock access to more courses, webinars, resources to keep learning!
How long do I have to complete my LFA?
There is no set deadline; however, you will have access to the course for one year. Most participants complete their LFA within three months.
Do I need to be a Living Future Member to enroll in LFA?
No, LFA is open to everyone! However, Living Future Members enjoy exclusive benefits—like discounts, extra learning opportunities, and connection with a community of changemakers. Want to save up to 30% on LFA? Become a Professional Member or register your team to unlock savings and more. Join today to receive your member discount code to use at checkout. Learn more here.
Do courses count toward continuing education credits?
Yes! LFA offers 20 AIA LU|HSW CES credits. You can earn additional 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.
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. You’ll also be eligible to use the ‘LFA’ designation after your name as a professional credential.
Can I enroll my team?
Yes! We offer options for teams to enroll together. Reach out to us to learn about group enrollment and team pricing.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! Professional Living Future Members receive 20% off LFA and discounts up to 30% off are available for teams, as well as special pricing for qualifying international learners. Email us to learn more.
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).
Can I be exempt from any courses in the LFA curriculum?
No, all courses in the curriculum must be completed to earn the LFA credential, regardless of prior experience or proficiency.
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!

Join our growing community of LFA professionals in 35+ countries across the AEC industry