zero carbon certification
Working toward a future in which buildings are a positive force for climate response
A Vision for the Future
The International Living Future Institute’s Zero Carbon Certification presents a bold vision for a future in which buildings are a positive force for climate response — helping to draw down emissions and slow global warming. This certification program tackles both operational and embodied carbon emissions, providing organizations with a powerful tool to showcase their commitment to sustainable practices. Zero Carbon certified buildings undergo a 12-month performance period and verification by a third party to ensure they are energy-efficient, combustion-free (or actively phasing out combustion), and powered by renewable sources.
Discover more about this groundbreaking, performance-based carbon standard that addresses both operational and embodied carbon, and join a community of global leaders in taking decisive climate action today.
ILFI launched ZC 1.1 on April 4, 2024. Looking for an older version of the Standard and Handbook? Click here.
Supporters & Affiliates
ILFI is at the forefront of advancing research and standards in this field. We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders Amazon, JLL, JPMorgan Chase, and Prologis, who are providing their support and industry expertise. Together, we are developing the next version of the program, which includes a certification pathway for existing assets.
With the generous support of these companies, ILFI is creating new guidance tailored for existing assets seeking certification without major capital projects. This update will make the program more accessible to a wider range of projects, further driving the market toward lower carbon buildings and operations.
Through this collaboration, ILFI is updating and extending its certification program, thereby accelerating credible decarbonization efforts in the real estate sector. Join us in leading the way to a more regenerative future.
Featured Case Studies
Lon 6 Pancras Square
Zero Carbon Certified
Archimania’s Office
Zero Energy & Zero Carbon Certified
EINDHOVEN DC4
Zero Carbon Certified
why certify zero carbon?
AUTHENTICITY – Zero matters. Zero Carbon certification is the only standard to measure actual decarbonization, not just reward carbon calculations or modest reductions.
RESILIENCE – Zero Carbon buildings operate efficiently, phase out combustion, and use renewables. They are the safest properties when weather or energy markets shift.
VALUE – The world’s largest companies, investors, and cities are already decarbonizing. Zero Carbon buildings are future-proof to remain valuable in a post carbon building market.