Cradle-to-cradle design

The Cradle to Cradle concept (English, German, mutatis mutandis, from the cradle to cradle ) describes a form of cyclical use of resources, in the modes of production in the preservation scooped values ​​are aligned. Analogous to the nutrient cycle of nature, in the " waste " of an organism to be used by another, material flows have to be planned in the production of that waste and inefficient use of energy are avoided. The Cradle to Cradle concept was developed in 2002 by Michael Braungart and William McDonough. The concept is based on a concept that was introduced in the 1970s by the Swiss architect Walter R. Stahel.

Formation and development

Since the industrial revolution 200 years ago to improve production continuously contribute to increasing standards of living. This development led to serious problems in resource consumption. For this reason, Michael Braungart and William McDonough have the concept of Cradle to Cradle developed and published in the book " Cradle to Cradle, Remaking the Way We Make Things".

Today, the cradle-to -cradle concept is applied worldwide. For example, formulated California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Cradle to Cradle as one of its policy objectives by setting up the call "to move California to a Cradle to Cradle Economy by 2050. " In Europe, a cradle-to -cradle network has been set up, including shall serve for the exchange of ideas and solutions. In China, circular economy initiative (2004 ) and the Recycling Law were adopted substantial parts of the Cradle to Cradle design in the frame.

The World Horticultural Expo Floriade 2012 has been built according to the cradle-to- cradle principle, partly because the city of Venlo has established the principle for the establishment of companies as a default.

Importance

A life cycle assessment ensures that in the extraction of raw materials ( cradle) to disposal in a landfill ( Grave ), no harmful effects on the environment occur. This process serves to protect the environment, but natural resources are exhausted. When products are designed according to Cradle to Cradle, so there is no waste or is this recycled and there are no negative impacts on the environment at. Thus, the materials used are located in a closed circuit, without the loss of natural resources. A new LCA based on Cradle to Cradle instead of Cradle to Grave at a full utilization of raw materials, water and energy can be made ​​possible by the use of " 7RS Golden Rule ". They are a must for sustainable development and stand for:

• Reduction ( reduction),
• Reusing ( recycling),
• Recycling ( recycling ),
• Recovering ( recovery),
• Rethinking ( rethinking )
• Renovation (renewal) and
• Regulation ( regulation).

Braungart and McDonough recommend switching to a system in which waste for the production of new products can be reused.

Certification process (after EPEA )

The goal of the certification process is the award of products that use environmentally safe, healthy and recycling capability, materials. These materials have to be recycled and composted. Furthermore, be effected in the consideration of the use of renewable energy, responsible use of water as well as the social aspect. Thus, companies have the opportunity to present their achievements and progress with respect to a Cradle to Cradle design their products represent by means of the certificate. On the part of the customer is, however, so ask the option targeted products which satisfy an extended quality. The validity of a Cradle to Cradle certificate is one year. The subsequent recertification both the product quality is confirmed as also offered the opportunity to achieve progress through a higher level of certification. There are here four such certification levels (Basic, Silver, Gold, Platinum), which reflect the degree of fulfilling the requirements of a Cradle to Cradle product. The Cradle to Cradle Certification program and the corresponding certification criteria matrix is given by EPEA.

Criticism

The C2C concept of Braungart certified its own analysis and therefore does not meet the ISO standards 14040 and 14044 for the LCA that require a critical review by an independent appraiser.

The C2C concept does not consider the use phase of a product. For some products, however, this is the decisive factor for the ecological footprint, such as eg in the mobility. The biggest impact on the environment has a car or an airplane during the use phase. Therefore, it is relevant how easy the means of transport in order to consume as little fuel as possible.