In Cradle to Cradle®, all waste becomes food in an approach that follows nature’s principle. Designed by chemist Michael Braungart and architect William McDonough, this is an eco-effective system in which resources remain in a complete cycle – as long as they are safe and non-toxic for the cycles. There are two distinct cycles: technological or biological. To ensure continuity of both cycles in the production of goods, there is a ‘Cradle to Cradle Certified™’ certification that guarantees the use of safe materials as well as the production and return of products. From production to dismantling and reintroduction, they are checked against five criteria in relation to suppliers and their circular chains: Material Health, Material Reutilisation, Renewable Energy and Carbon Management, Water Stewardship, and Social Fairness.
Cradle to Cradle®-Design
With thanks to EPEA Switzerland GmbH for graphics, data and film:
Cradle to Cradle Innovation – Nature as model, 2011.
Authors: Andreas Förster, Martin Paris and Tammo Trantow (Graz)