An Open Class is to be held at 06:00 PM on tuesday 10-02-2026 of the Postgraduate Bioclimatic and Regenerative Architecture (Live Online).
Sustainability rating systems such as LEED, SITES, or LBC are transforming how we design and measure our sustainability performance, even though they present limitations within a paradigm that is now changing. This open class invites you to reflect on how current systems operate and to explore what comes next: a new generation of regenerative rating systems that enable architects, engineers, and developers to go beyond “minimizing harm” and become active agents in shaping a different future.
We will understand regenerative development as the next evolutionary step of certification systems, framing it within the Three Horizons model, showing the operational logic of systems such as LEED, SITES, and LBC, and what is required to change that logic.
The speaker
Emmanuel Pauwels, founder of and cofounder of Living Design Center
Emmanuel is a leading figure in sustainable construction and regenerative design, with more than 15 years of experience promoting green building across Europe. He holds a degree in Applied Economics and Business Engineering from the University of Antwerp (Belgium) and specialized in Sustainable Construction at Harvard, where he became a strong advocate for environmental certifications, particularly the LEED system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Since 2008, he has worked as a sustainable building consultant, and in 2015 he was recognized as USGBC Faculty. A strong proponent of the regenerative approach, he cofounded Living Design Center to promote projects that restore natural systems, notably achieving certification of his home as the first Living Building Challenge project in Europe. His mission is to transform the construction sector toward a more sustainable, resilient model with a positive impact on people and the planet.
The session will take place on-line using Google Meet.
As well, you can follow the Open Class using your mobile device by downloading the corresponding Google Meet application for your Android or iOS.
This event is open and free. To attend, please confirm using the "I Will attend". Limited places.