Muhlenberg College’s Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation has made history by becoming the first project in the world to achieve Core Living Building Certification. This prestigious recognition, administered by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), highlights the building’s commitment to sustainability, academics, creativity, and community.
The three-story building, which opened in January 2023, has quickly become a beloved hub on campus. Designed by Re:Vision Architecture, Fahy Commons features more than 20,000 square feet of student programming and academic space, including the Office of Community Engagement, the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program’s Makerspace, the Institute of Public Opinion, the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, Religious & Spiritual Life, and new art studios and classroom spaces.
President Kathleen Harring expressed her excitement about the certification, stating, “This certification is an enormous honor for the College as well as an important recognition of our institutional commitment to educate, inspire and lead by example.” The building’s sustainable features, such as a sustainability dashboard and bird-safe glazing, offer teachable moments for students and visitors alike.
Fahy Commons’ Core Living Building Certification is just the beginning, as it serves as the entry point to the Living Building Challenge (LBC). The building’s focus on 10 core practices and seven divisions, including place, water, energy, and equity, sets a new standard for deep green building practices.
With its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, Fahy Commons is not only a cutting-edge academic building but also a living laboratory for experiential learning. The building’s impact extends beyond the campus, fostering connections among students, faculty, staff, and the community.