Building a living future for all

We’re part of a global movement transforming the built environment through regenerative design and materials transparency.

Across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, we support the people and projects shaping a regenerative built environment. From innovative buildings to healthy materials, we champion a net-positive impact on human and environmental wellbeing—catalysing a future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.

Regenerative Buildings

The built environment is one of the largest contributors to the climate crisis, accounting for over 40% of global carbon emissions. It’s no longer enough to minimise harm—we must fundamentally rethink how we design, build, and live with our surroundings.

Regenerative design offers a bold, whole-systems approach that actively restores ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and reduces carbon in the atmosphere, all while improving human health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.

Healthy Materials

We come into contact with harmful substances from our buildings more often than we realise. From paints and carpets to insulation and adhesives, many common building products contain toxic chemicals that can compromise our health.

Our programs increase transparency around what materials we use, enabling us to make more informed, considered and healthier choices that protect people and support the long-term wellbeing of our environment.

Catalysing Industry

We advocate for industry transformation by setting ambitious performance standards and offering practical pathways and support to meet them. Our programs go beyond sustainability to show what good looks like, and how to get there.

Through education, technical advisory, and partnerships, we empower professionals to lead with integrity, embed regenerative design, and shape a future that supports all life.

Project
Spotlight

Pā Reo: Full Living Certified

Congratulations to the team at Tennent Brown Architects for achieving Full Living Certification for their landmark educational project, Pā Reo Campus. Located at Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Ōtaki, this project exemplifies regenerative design and demonstrates a holistic commitment to sustainability, cultural integrity, and community wellbeing.

LEARN MORE

384

Oceania Members

35

Certified or Registered Projects

270

Declare Labels

Our Partners

News

The latest projects, progress, and ideas from across Oceania.

We are Living Future Oceania!

We are Living Future Oceania!

The Living Future Institute of Australia has officially evolved into Living Future Oceania, marking a…
February 18, 2026
The circular economy: Retaining value by transforming our process

The circular economy: Retaining value by transforming our process

For a long time, the built environment has followed a linear model of production and…
December 4, 2025
Creating a non-linear materials economy: Putting principles into practice

Creating a non-linear materials economy: Putting principles into practice

In this article, Martin Heide, Principal at NH Architecture, and Marcus Strang, Technical Lead (Passivhaus)…
November 3, 2025
I Am Spotted Gum

I Am Spotted Gum

I am Spotted Gum. You know me by sight, even if you don’t know my…
October 31, 2025
The Nature Design Guide

The Nature Design Guide

The Nature Design Guide is a practical, industry-led resource created to help shape a Country-centred…
October 20, 2025
Technical Working Group Guidance Notes

Technical Working Group Guidance Notes

Living Building Challenge Guidance Notes from our Technical Working Group (TWG) Below you'll find a…
July 28, 2025
Enhancing wellness through biophilic design

Enhancing wellness through biophilic design

I have many cherished memories from my childhood of playing in gardens, witnessing flowers bloom,…
March 31, 2025
There is a picture of a dandelion with a green background. In the top right corner there is a logo that says Living Building Challenge with an orange flower.
The Living Building Challenge: Where Ambition, Flexibility and Innovation Meet

The Living Building Challenge: Where Ambition, Flexibility and Innovation Meet

How the Living Building Challenge is a powerful tool for driving regenerative design The Living…
September 27, 2024
2024 National Biophilic Design Award winners shine bright

2024 National Biophilic Design Award winners shine bright

Celebrating innovation in Australian biophilic design   What if you could step into a world…
June 18, 2024
The Hidden Danger: Lead in Plumbing and Why It Must Be Eliminated

The Hidden Danger: Lead in Plumbing and Why It Must Be Eliminated

The International Living Future Institute administers the Living Building Challenge® (LBC) certification program which is organised…
February 22, 2024
Net Positive Water

Net Positive Water

Water is a precious resource, and Australians know that better than most. Yet many of…
December 18, 2023
Why is PVC on the Red List?

Why is PVC on the Red List?

The Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List represents the “worst in class” materials, chemicals, and…
September 19, 2023
Statement of support for Yes23

Statement of support for Yes23

The Living Future Institute of Australia supports a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament…
July 5, 2023
Celebrating the Declare Program in 2022!

Celebrating the Declare Program in 2022!

Pictured: Capral Aluminium Framing Systems The Living Future Institute of Australia’s mission is to catalyse…
December 19, 2022
Living Future Institute of Australia appoints new Executive Board Committee

Living Future Institute of Australia appoints new Executive Board Committee

Peri Macdonald (Co-Deputy Chair), Vanessa Trowell (Chair) and Neil Arckless (Co-Deputy Chair) We're delighted to…
October 17, 2022
Inspiration for Impact in the Next Financial Year

Inspiration for Impact in the Next Financial Year

Image: Burwood Brickworks courtesy Frasers Property AustraliaWe asked our Strategic Partners what achievements they were…
July 6, 2022
Healthy materials with GH Commercial

Healthy materials with GH Commercial

Material design choices in today’s buildings have a deeper impact that goes beyond their form…
April 7, 2022
What can the housing market teach us about equitable design?

What can the housing market teach us about equitable design?

Sarah Lawlor, architect, LFIA Member and writer for our Symposium Greenhouse series explores the idea…
February 24, 2022
The Art of Flocking: How Biophilic Workplaces Foster Connection

The Art of Flocking: How Biophilic Workplaces Foster Connection

Biophilic design fosters connection to nature and with each other. The importance of these connections…
February 17, 2022
Five Ways to Measure the Value of Carbon Credits Beyond Price

Five Ways to Measure the Value of Carbon Credits Beyond Price

Sarah Lawlor is an architect, LFIA Member and writer for our Symposium Greenhouse series. As momentum…
February 10, 2022