A living building is a building that is self-sufficient, sustainable, and regenerative. It is designed to mimic the natural processes of the ecosystem and use resources efficiently. Its features include using renewable energy, collecting and reusing water, employing natural ventilation and lighting, and using non-toxic and locally sourced materials.
Living buildings are designed to achieve the Living Building Challenge, a certification program that evaluates a building's performance based on seven categories: place, water, energy, health and happiness, materials, equity, and beauty. The requirements for certification are rigorous, and a building must meet all of the program's requirements to achieve Living Building status.
The building works by utilizing natural systems and processes to sustain itself. For example, it may use rainwater harvesting and filtration systems to collect and reuse water, as well as renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines to power the building. The building's design may also allow for natural ventilation and lighting to reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling. The use of non-toxic materials promotes a healthy indoor environment for occupants. Finally, the regenerative nature of a living building means that it gives back to the environment, improving the surrounding ecosystem over time.
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