Every project is classified as either New Building, Existing Building, Interior, or Landscape + Infrastructure Typology. The Typology designation determines which Imperatives apply to the project, with Imperatives not being required where the conditions are either not applicable or may compromise other critical needs. However, project teams are encouraged to integrate the optional Imperatives into their projects wherever possible.
The Summary Table from the Living Building Challenge Standard, which lists the mandatory Imperatives for both LBC and Core under each project type, is provided in Table 1. For guidance in identifying the project Typology, refer to Figure 1, Typology Decision Matrix and the following definitions.
NEW BUILDING
This Typology is for any project that encompasses the construction of a new building or a new addition to an existing building.
EXISTING BUILDING
This Typology is for any project that alters either the thermal envelope or the major systems of an existing building.
INTERIOR
This Typology is for any project that does not alter either the envelope and/or the major systems of a building. The base building may be newly constructed or existing, but to be considered Interior Typology, the project scope must not include modification to any of the building envelope or the base building systems, including: electrical, conditioning, ventilation, or water systems.
LANDSCAPE + INFRASTRUCTURE
This Typology is for any project that either does not include an enclosed structure as part of its primary program, or includes an enclosed structure, but it is not considered regularly occupied. Examples include parks, roads, bridges, plazas, sports facilities, trails, or utility structures.
While an enclosed structure is typically not the focus of the primary program, the overall scope of a Landscape and Infrastructure project may incorporate open-air “park-like” structures, restrooms, amphitheaters, or structures intended to provide weather protection to infrastructure.
MIXED TYPOLOGIES
Not all projects will fall entirely into one of the Typologies identified above. For example, a new addition to an existing building that is undergoing renovation, for which the intent is to certify the entire building, would be considered a Mixed Typology. In that example, the applicable Imperatives would be those identified for the New Building Typology, but the efficiency targets could be adjusted according to the proportion of New vs. Existing building area. See clarifications in the Petal Handbooks for Imperative 05/C3, Responsible Water Use and Imperative 06/C4, Energy and Carbon Reduction. To clarify requirements for other Typology combinations, project teams should contact lbc.support@living-future.org.
For more information on registering multiple buildings as a single project, see Multiple Buildings.
Still Not Sure?
If your project doesn’t fall under one of the above categories or if the Typology is unclear after following the above guidelines, please reach out to lbc.support@living-future.org.
