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CARBON
STANDARD
1.0
A Visionary Path to a
Carbon-Positive Future
SEPTEMBER 2020
VISION
WE ENVISION A WORLD
OF CARBON-POSITIVE
BUILDINGS AND PRODUCTS
THAT REVERSE CLIMATE
CHANGE, HELPING
PEOPLE AND LOCAL
ECONOMIES THRIVE.
II | Zero Carbon Standard 1.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2
VALUE PROPOSITION 4
TYPOLOGIES 6
CERTIFICATION SCOPE 7
REQUIREMENTS 10
DOCUMENTATION OVERVIEW 12
CERTIFICATION: PATHWAYS 14
CERTIFICATION: PROCESS 15
RESOURCES 16
OTHER ILFI PROGRAMS 18
EDUCATION + EVENTS 19
AMBASSADOR NETWORK 20
GLOSSARY 22
Zero Carbon Certification was developed by the International Performance requirements are specified for new and existing
Living Future Institute (ILFI or the Institute) in 2018 to directly buildings, and reflect the following key principles:
address the building sector’s role in the global climate crisis.
Building construction and operations currently contribute nearly Projects must first reduce operational energy use
40% of global greenhouse gas emissions,1 which are conclusively and embodied carbon emissions associated with
linked to a rise in global average temperatures and associated building materials and construction, while introducing
threats to the health and prosperity of humans and ecosystems. no new combustion.
ILFI developed Zero Carbon to establish a scalable pathway to
a carbon-positive building sector to reverse climate change and 100% of the operational energy use associated
ensure global communities thrive. with a project must be offset by new on- or off-site
renewable energy.
Zero Carbon Certification is a third-party verified industry-
recognized standard verifying that the operational and embodied 100% of the embodied carbon emissions associated
carbon emissions of a built project have been neutralized. By with the construction and materials of a project must
achieving the performance targets of Zero Carbon Certification, be disclosed and offset.
organizations demonstrate a credible and comprehensive
approach to carbon neutrality to enhance the resilience and asset
value of a built project.
1 Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, 2018 Global Status Report (2018)
AUTHENTICITY
Zero Carbon is recognized as the only international standard
focused on building-scale carbon emissions and requiring full
decarbonization. 2 ILFI’s Zero Carbon standard comprehensively
addresses both the operational and embodied emissions associated
with a built project. Zero Carbon Certification is verified through
measured performance rather than predicted outcomes, and
demonstrates leadership through an authentic commitment to
decarbonization.
RESILIENCE
The best-in-class performance requirements of Zero Carbon ensure
durability and low operational expenses for years to come. This
certification uniquely promotes the elimination of new sources of
combustion that can negatively impact occupant health, safety,
and productivity. Zero Carbon also targets investment towards
permanent carbon sinks and a clean energy sector to ensure lasting
global benefits.
ASSET VALUE
Zero Carbon offers a cost-effective solution for the world’s leading
companies that are committed to decarbonization. Incorporating
strategies to reduce both operational and embodied carbon preserves
the asset value of a built project by future-proofing it against emerging
carbon regulations and energy cost volatilities. Zero Carbon
Certification also offers a unique platform to positively engage
stakeholders and investors who value demonstrated climate action.
OPERATIONAL EMBODIED
CARBON CARBON
OPERATIONAL
CARBON
Projects seeking Zero Carbon certification must
meet an energy efficiency target over a 12-month
performance period. The targets are specified
based on building type, size and location:
EMBODIED
CARBON
The embodied carbon emissions of primary
materials7 must be reduced by 10% compared to
a baseline building 8 of equivalent size, function,
and energy performance.
Zero Carbon Certification is awarded through a two-part process, including 1) a Ready Audit upon completion
of construction and 2) a Final Audit after a 12-month performance period. This process allows for early
recognition once systems are in place as well as performance-based verification to ensure that intended
outcomes are achieved. The International Living Future Institute offers the following options for either single
building certification or streamlined certification across a portfolio of projects.
DPR CONSTRUCTION’S SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE, ZERO ENERGY CERTIFIED, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
12 | Zero Carbon Standard 1.0 COURTESY OF DPR
CERTIFICATION: PROCESS
Single project certification follows the certification process in this section. The
certification process for the Volume Pathway is defined through an established
agreement between the project team and ILFI.
REGISTRATION Project data can be submitted through ILFI’s certification
Project teams can gain access to ILFI resources, customer support, portal prior to both the Ready and Final audits. Prior to the
and the online certification system by registering a project. Project commencement of the Ready audit, certification fees will be
teams are encouraged to register a project early, during the assessed based on the project floor area and selected certification
concept design phase, in order to take advantage of online ILFI pathway.
resources and customer support.
The certification process is as follows:
The registration process is as follows: • Upon receipt and confirmation of project documentation, ILFI
• The project team lead must have a current Premium Membership assigns an auditor to perform an independent, third-party audit
with the International Living Future Institute to register a of all submitted documentation.
project. To become a premium member and to learn more about
its benefits, visit: living-future.org/membership. All project • The auditor submits a summary of requested clarifications
team members are encouraged to maintain ILFI membership required from the project team, which may include requests to
throughout the term of the project in order to access the submit supplemental documents or information.
continually-updated resources and educational content provided
• After review of the supplemental information, the auditor issues
by the Institute.
a final report with determination of certification. If project
• Project registration can be completed through the Membership certification is denied, the project team is given the option to
Dashboard by logging in at living-future.org and then following appeal the determination.
the instructions under “Register a Zero Carbon Project.” The
Project teams should anticipate a 6-8 week timeframe for the full
project may be marked as confidential at registration.
certification process, which varies depending on project size and
Certification complexity, team responsiveness to auditor clarification requests,
Throughout the design and construction phases of a project, and auditor availability.
the required project documentation should be compiled and
PROGRAM FEES
organized. Once the project is completed and 85% occupied, the
Note that all auditor fees are included in certification fees.
performance of a project should be monitored to determine when
Certification fees are non-refundable and subject to change. All
the 12-month performance period can commence.
applicable fees are listed on the living-future.org website.
PERFORMANCE DATA
EMBODIED CARBON GUIDANCE DOCUMENT embodied carbon. ILFI consolidates feedback from project
The Embodied Carbon Guidance Document was created to teams into this comprehensive reference that is periodically
provide rigorous and authentic practices and methodologies updated to include all current Dialogue posts. The Handbook
to illustrate a common understanding of embodied carbon. is a reference tool and should be used in conjunction with the
This guidance seeks to help project teams quantify the Dialogue to ensure that the most up-to-date rulings
reductions made within their projects and empower them are understood. The Handbook is available through
to create measurable change to meet their climate action ILFI’s Membership Dashboard.
goals. Key points of clarification within this document include
embodied carbon reduction types and strategies, calculation THE DIALOGUE
scope and methodology, and approved tools and calculators. The Dialogue is an online platform for the transparent
exchange of ideas between project teams and the Institute—
ZERO CARBON WEBSITE it is the official site to request feedback on proposed
An online resource for project teams and others, the Zero strategies for meeting the requirements for ILFI’s programs.
Carbon website provides an overview of the program and The Dialogue allows for current unknowns to be discovered
resources to support the certification process—including fee and shared in real time as project teams proceed with their
schedules for certification, detailed case studies of certified projects and research. It provides teams with the flexibility
projects, and educational resources. Additional guidance to get information most relevant to their work, such as in-
documents and other resources are available to registered depth commentaries, compliance paths, clarifications, and
project teams. temporary exceptions.
ZERO CARBON HANDBOOK Filterable based on specific content, the activity in the
The Zero Carbon Handbook is a critical resource for project Dialogue not only serves as a platform for distributing
teams pursuing Zero Carbon Certification. The Handbook strategies for success, it also yields modifications to future
contains the clarifications, exceptions, and definitions needed releases of the Standard itself. In this way, the Dialogue
to fully understand requirements and compliance options. captures the ongoing evolution of the program and gives
The Embodied Carbon Guidance Document focuses on credit to the hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals who
methodology and guidance surrounding embodied carbon contribute to the process. Only project team members can
whereas the Zero Carbon Handbook is a comprehensive post questions to the Dialogue, but responses are available
resource that addresses requirements, guidance, publicly as searchable articles.
documentation, and more, for both operational and
RESEARCH
Despite the rigor of ILFI’s programs, project teams are
proving that the ambitious requirements of the program are
achievable. However, both perceived and real barriers to
success still exist that are technical, regulatory, behavioral,
or financial—or a combination of these influencing factors.
In collaboration with partners in the design and construction
field, local and state governments, and other forward-
thinking nonprofits, the Institute is spearheading efforts to
carry out cutting-edge research and create practical tools.
The latest published reports are posted on the Institute’s
website: living-future.org/research.
Living Certification
The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a philosophy, certification, and advocacy tool for
projects to become truly regenerative. LBC consists of seven performance categories, or
“Petals”: Place, Water, Energy, Health + Happiness, Materials, Equity and Beauty. Projects
pursuing LBC Certification must meet all twenty Imperatives within all seven Petals and verify
performance of energy and water through a twelve-month performance period. Explore the
Standard on our website.
CERTIFIED
PETAL Petal Certification
Petal Certification is for projects that want to take a deep dive into one particular focus area,
or Petal, of the Living Building Challenge. This certification requires the achievement of all the
Core Imperatives, in addition to the Imperatives in either the Water, Energy, or Materials Petal.
CORE
The Core Green Building Certification (Core Certification) is for projects seeking a high
aspiration certification that is verified, holistic, and achievable. Projects must meet the
GREEN BUILDING requirements of the ten Core Imperatives – up to two Core Imperatives per Petal – and
CERTIFICATION verify performance for energy and water through a twelve-month performance period. All
Imperatives required for this certification are consolidated into the Core Green Building
Certification Standard.
ZERO ENERGY
The Zero Energy (ZE) Certification is for projects focused on achieving net zero energy
through the on-site production of renewable energy. The building industry has characterized
net zero energy in many ways, but ILFI has a simple definition: one hundred percent of the
building’s energy needs on a net annual basis must be supplied by on-site renewable energy,
with no combustion. Explore the requirements on the Institute’s website.
The Institute is dedicated to transforming theory and practice in all sectors of the
building industry, and offers several ways to broaden knowledge of deep-green
building principles and practices, including the following:
The Institute welcomes suggestions for future workshops and other educational content.
Contact Institute staff to discuss options for hosting a workshop locally by emailing
education@living-future.org.
The Living Future unConference offers project teams the opportunity to network with
other teams with similar project types, climates, or regulatory challenges to help model
and scale Zero Carbon and other ILFI programs.
HOOD RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC + SCIENCE BUILDING, ZERO ENERGY CERTIFIED, HOOD RIVER, OR
22 | Zero Carbon Standard 1.0 COURTESY OF BRUCE DAMONTE
GOOGLE’S PANCRAS SQUARE, ZERO CARBON CERTIFIED, LONDON, UK
Zero Carbon Standard 1.0 | 23
COURTESY OF GOOGLE
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