The Living Building Challenge 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 Living Building Challenge is organized into seven performance areas called Petals: place, water, energy, health and happiness, materials, equity, and beauty. Living Buildings are among the healthiest and most efficient in the world. Learn more at the International Living Future Institute website.