Living Standard
Living Standard is a grassroots initiative from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It was introduced in 2018 as a method for sharing best practices and supporting the USGBC’s belief that: “Healthy people in healthy places equals a healthy economy.”
Living Standard was originally conceived as an ideological bridge - rooted in human health and wellness - between the USGBC’s first and second generation of certified projects and practicing professionals. The campaign was intended to ensure practitioners shared personal experiences as they looked to create built environments that support a sustainable future.
Living Standard has published two research reports (Standard Issue, Volumes I and II) that examine how changing public perception around green buildings will be an ongoing challenge that may demand new approaches to relaying information in an approach that is less data driven. This change may be required in order to position sustainable design as an accessible option with a more human appeal.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM.
- BREEAM, LEED or WELL.
- Green rating systems.
- Green Seal.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED.
- UK Green Building Council.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.

















