The ILFI Zero Carbon Certification is the first worldwide Zero Carbon third-party certified standard. This program recognizes the growing interest and focus on a broad-based tool for highlighting highly energy efficient buildings which are designed and operated to fully account for their carbon emissions impacts.
The ILFI Zero Carbon Standard is as follows:
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE OPERATIONAL ENERGY USE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT MUST BE OFFSET BY NEW ON- OR OFF-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE EMBODIED CARBON EMISSIONS IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS OF THE PROJECT MUST BE DISCLOSED AND OFFSET.
During a one-year performance period, buildings must achieve a targeted energy efficiency level. New projects may not utilize on-site combustion. One hundred percent of the project’s energy use must be offset by on- or off-site renewable energy on a net annual basis. The project must provide offsetting renewables which have the equivalent of 15 years of project power, provide additionality, and have durable ownership integrity associated with the project.
The project must also account for the total embodied carbon impact from any new construction and materials through a one-time carbon offset from an approved source. New projects1 must also demonstrate a 10% reduction in the embodied carbon of the primary materials of the foundation, structure, and enclosure compared to an equivalent baseline.
1. REGISTRATION
Registering your project signals your intent to build and certify your project as Zero Carbon. Projects are encouraged to register as early in the development/occupancy process as possible. When you register your building, you’ll gain access to a variety of support resources, along with the opportunity to connect with industry leaders from around the world. Registering your project requires ILFI Premium Membership ($150), as well as a $250 registration fee.
The following is included in your registration:
- Access to the Living Building Challenge Community Dialogue, the official venue to request feedback on proposed strategies for meeting certification requirements
- Access to the Living Future Network, a global community of industry leaders
- Recognition as a Living Building Challenge or Zero Carbon Building registered project
Here’s how to register your project:
- Process your Premium Membership with ILFI
- Log into the Living Future Community and scroll down to the ‘Register’ section, then select ‘New Zero Carbon Project’
- Schedule a kick-off call with your project team and ILFI’s energy program staff to discuss best practices for certification at zc.support@living-future.org
2. DOCUMENTATION
Once registered, a project team can begin organizing and submitting documentation on the ILFI online platform. Once you have twelve consecutive months of performance data demonstrating your project achieves net zero carbon, you are eligible to complete the submission of your project for audit and certification.
At the time of submittal for certification, prior to the commencement of the audit, certification fees are also paid.
ZERO CARBON CERTIFICATION FEES
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE - ZERO CARBON CERTIFICATION FEES
Zero Carbon (single) | Zero Carbon Ready | Zero Carbon Final | |
---|---|---|---|
$2,300 | $1,700 | $1,300 |
LANDSCAPE + INFRASTRUCTURE - ZERO CARBON CERTIFICATION FEES
Project Area (SF / SM) | Zero Carbon (single) | Zero Carbon Ready | Zero Carbon Final |
---|---|---|---|
0 - 5,380 SF / 0 - 500 SM | $3,300 | $2,700 | $2,000 |
5,380 - 10,764 SF / 500 - 1,000 SM | $3,300 | $2,700 | $2,000 |
10,764 - 53,819 SF / 1,000 - 5,000 SM | $3,300 | $2,700 | $2,000 |
53,819 - 107,639 SF / 5,000 - 10,000 SM | $4,700 | $3,800 | $2,800 |
107,639 - 538,194 SF / 10,000 - 50,000 SM | $5,700 | $4,600 | $3,400 |
538,194+ SF / 50,000+ SM | $6,700 | $5,400 | $4,000 |
ALL OTHER PROJECT TYPES - ZERO CARBON CERTIFICATION FEES
Gross Building Area (SF / SM) | Zero Carbon (single) | Zero Carbon Ready | Zero Carbon Final |
---|---|---|---|
0 - 5,380 SF / 0 - 500 SM | $3,300 | $2,700 | $2,000 |
5,380 - 10,764 SF / 500 - 1,000 SM | $3,300 | $2,700 | $2,000 |
10,764 - 53,819 SF / 1,000 - 5,000 SM | $3,300 | $2,700 | $2,000 |
53,819 - 107,639 SF / 5,000 - 10,000 SM | $4,700 | $3,800 | $2,800 |
107,639 - 538,194 SF / 10,000 - 50,000 SM | $5,700 | $4,600 | $3,400 |
538,194+ SF / 50,000+ SM | $6,700 | $5,400 | $4,000 |
3. AUDIT
Once your documentation is uploaded, Living Building Challenge Certification Staff will review it to ensure that it is complete, before passing it off to an independent third-party auditor for review.
4. CERTIFICATION
If the auditor determines the project performs at zero carbon and meets ILFI requirements, it will be certified. A beautiful offset print certification document or a stainless glass plaque are also available for purchase.
COPYRIGHT © 2020 INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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