Living Future Conference 2024
Dana Redden’s Session “Design Thinking for Systems Change.”
For a deeper understanding of the discussions and insights shared during the conference, you can view the recorded session here: Living Future Conference 2024: Plenary Day Two
At the International Living Future Institute’s 2024 conference, Founder and CEO Dana Redden shared her 15 Minutes of Brilliance in her session on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Renewable Energy Future. The title of her presentation was “Design Thinking for Systems Change.” This year’s theme for the conference was “Unity + Inclusion,” which Redden believes means “creating more opportunities for BIPOC people and women in an industry where we haven’t always been included.” In her talk, she emphasized the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the renewable energy sector and discussed how design thinking can be utilized to create more inclusive systems. Redden highlighted the need for increased opportunities for BIPOC individuals and women in the energy industry.
The 18th annual Living Future Conference, organized by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), took place from May 7–9, 2024, at the OMNI Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia—marking the event's first occurrence in the Southeast U.S. This flagship gathering convened professionals, advocates, and thought leaders committed to advancing regenerative design, social equity, and climate resilience within the built environment.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Heather McTeer Toney, an environmental justice advocate and former EPA Regional Administrator, who emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership in environmental policy. Additionally, Marquise Stillwell, founder of Openbox, shared insights on the transformative power of design in fostering community and cultural development.
The "Regenerative Revolution" panel featured industry leaders from Google, Amazon, and Harvard University, discussing pioneering Living Building projects and setting new benchmarks for sustainable development. This dialogue underscored the potential of large-scale regenerative architecture to redefine environmental standards.
ILFI also introduced Just 3.0, the latest iteration of its social justice and equity transparency platform. This updated version offers organizations a refined framework to assess and disclose their practices related to employee treatment, community investment, and overall equity, reflecting contemporary understandings of justice in organizational contexts.
Coinciding with the conference, ILFI's publishing division, Ecotone, released "Healing Ground, Living Values," a book chronicling the transformation of a 1970s public library in Muscatine, Iowa, into a regenerative headquarters for the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. This project exemplifies the integration of historic preservation with cutting-edge sustainable design, aiming for Living Building Certification.
Overall, Living Future 2024 showcased the convergence of innovation, equity, and sustainability, inspiring attendees to envision and work towards a built environment that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.
