New Haven, CT The Connecticut Green Building Council (CTGBC) and the Living Building Challenge: Connecticut Collaborative (LBC CT) formed a collaboration as partners. CTGBC signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) to operate LBC CT. This mutually beneficial relationship allows the LBC CT to benefit from the CTGBC network and staff, and the CTGBC to expand its mission and audience.

James Albis, CTGBC executive director said, “CTGBC’s goal is to be the hub of green building awareness and action in Connecticut, and partnering with LBC CT is a step closer to that goal. CTGBC continually seeks to partner with other like-minded organizations that provide education and advocate for sustainable and resilient communities and a sustainable built environment.”

The LBC is a green building certification program and sustainable design framework that visualizes the ideal for the built environment. It uses the metaphor of a flower because the ideal built environment should function as cleanly and efficiently as a flower. The LBC CT Collaborative was founded in 2012 with the mission to raise awareness and advocate for a Living Future in Connecticut through educational events, building tours, social activities, and advocacy work. The co-facilitators are Nora Rizzo of Fusco Corp. and Melissa Kops of Pirie Associates Architects. CTGBC and LBC CT cohosted the NESSBE Health of Place summit at Yale University in April 2017.

“I founded the LBC CT Collaborative 5 years ago with the intent to promote a more resilient, just, and healthy built environment in Connecticut,” said Nora Rizzo. “Now, more than ever, our mission is essential for supporting Connecticut’s future as a leader in sustainable development and energy independence. The CTGBC has been a driving force in this effort and we are proud to be partnering with such a prominent organization.”  

With this partnership we are able to offer all CTGBC members a complementary Basic Membership with ILFI. Basic Membership with the Institute offers valuable benefits such as complimentary online education about the Living Building Challenge, access to becoming a Living Future Ambassador, and discounts on workshops, books, and more.