Last week, sustainability committee members Betsy Lynch, Elaine Damico, and Teresa Jan traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend The Living Future 2023 (LF23). A yearly forum that allows our team to come together, strategize, and learn. It’s a moment to step away from deadlines and projects to embed ourselves in the newest technologies that will allow the industry to become less reliant on fossil fuels and, ultimately, create a more equitable built environment grounded in sustainable practices.

Living Future is the signature event of the International Living Future Institute (the Institute), the creators of the Living Building Challenge, Declare, and Just labels and certifications. The conference assembles the world’s most ambitious and holistically-focused regenerative design experts. The conference creates an in-person networking hub to gather industry leaders focused on the intersection of climate, health, and justice in the built environment. Advocacy + Belonging was the theme of this year’s Living Future conference, now in its 17th year.

The conference featured inspirational keynotes and unique breakout sessions showcasing cutting-edge building projects, case studies, and new products. A forum that highlights justice work and promotes the well-being of our communities.

LF23 will also incorporate the Living Product Expo—a trade show showcasing revolutionary healthy building and design materials—allowing specifiers and purchasers to connect with leading regenerative design manufacturers directly.