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08.07.2016 Cradle to Cradle® is a system of certification for products from all sectors of activity. The concept is also of interest in the building sector: in the LEED system, there are additional points for the use of building materials with evidence of Cradle to Cradle®.
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Cradle to Cradle® concept
The cradle to cradle® concept is based on the reutilization of materials and products with a view to sustainability. A distinction is made between biological and technical cycles.
In a biological cycle, consumer goods which are able to be returned after use are circulated. They become compost or other nutrients from which new products are created. Thus, the waste from an old product becomes the “food” for a new product.
In a technical cycle, consumer goods are circulated. Products are already optimized in the design and production process as resources for the next phase of use. Raw materials and recyclable materials are not lost, but are able to be recovered without wastage and are often endlessly recycled in the ideal scenario (source: EPEA).
There are three principles:
- Waste is food
- Use of renewable energies
- Support of diversity
Cradle to Cradle® combines these themes in its certification and a holistic approach towards products over the whole lifecycle. The following areas are evaluated:
- Material health
- Material reutilization
- Renewable energy and carbon management
- Water stewardship
- Social fairness
Currently, around 400 products are Cradle to Cradle® certified, including almost 150 in the category of building supplies and materials as well as 140 in the sector of interior fixtures & fittings and furniture.
Cradle to Cradle® in the LEED system
In the LEED system, a total of up to two points can be achieved in MR Credit 4 “Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Material Ingredients” through evidence of the Cradle to Cradle® certification of building products. There is one point for evidence of ingredients used as a result of a Cradle to Cradle® v2 Basic Level or Cradle to Cradle® v3 Bronze certificate for a total of 20 building products from five manufacturers. Alternatively, GreenScreen or a health product declaration can also serve as evidence. A further point is awarded for the optimization of the ingredients used. The Cradle to Cradle® v2 Gold, v2 Platinum and v3 Silver/Gold/Platinum certificates serve as evidence. Alternatively, GreenScreen or REACH optimization are also recognized. Overall, evidence must be provided for 25% of all materials installed (on the basis of material costs).
Cradle to Cradle® buildings
Buildings are not themselves Cradle to Cradle® certified, but can be called Cradle to Cradle®-inspired buildings under certain circumstances. Thus, only materials which flow in biological or technical production cycles, serve as a resource and whose effects are positive for people and the environment are used in Cradle to Cradle®-inspired buildings. Hazardous substances are only used if they do not enter the environment, are able to flow back into technical cycles and obtain energy solely from renewable energies.
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