The International Living Future Institute (Living Future) cultivates a society that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative by envisioning a living future and showing that it works better in practice and policy. Premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision is needed to reconcile humanity’s relationship with the natural world, Living Future’s programs have shaped more than 55 million square feet of real estate development across the United States and around the world, with 800+ projects certified or registered and 1,500+ labeled products. The organization’s strategy focuses on making regenerative design the new normal, with a 2030 goal that regenerative, resilient solutions will be adopted as common practice for everyone creating and maintaining buildings—aligned with the UN Buildings Breakthrough target for near-zero emission and resilient buildings.
Why It Matters: As global support for climate action weakens, progress increasingly depends on thoughtful, values-driven individuals, communities, and organizations who know a better world is possible—and Living Future exists to recognize and empower them. By demonstrating that regenerative design works better in practice and policy rather than just advocating for it, the organization provides proof of concept that transforms aspiration into a buildable reality across 55 million square feet. The integration of socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative goals reflects understanding that truly living buildings must serve human flourishing alongside environmental regeneration, making the built environment part of healing rather than harm.
