{"id":18365,"date":"2023-04-20T15:18:25","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T13:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/upcyclea.com\/building-c2c\/"},"modified":"2024-10-23T16:18:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T14:18:58","slug":"building-c2c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/upcyclea.com\/en\/building-c2c\/","title":{"rendered":"C2C building: a new approach to sustainable construction"},"content":{"rendered":"

The building sector is a major player in the fight against climate change and the preservation of our environment. Thus, it is essential to adopt new approaches and construction methods that reduce our ecological footprint. One such approach is the “Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup>” concept, which aims to transform the building industry into a more sustainable and environmentally friendly model. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of the Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> concept, its benefits in the building sector, examples of achievements and how to integrate this concept to design a C2C building.<\/p>\n

Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> (C2C<\/a>) concept<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Origin of the concept<\/h2>\n

The Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> concept was developed by the American architect and designer William McDonough and the German chemist Michael Braungart. They introduced this approach in their book “Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup>: Remaking the Way We Make Things”, published in 2002. Their goal was to create a new vision of production and consumption, where waste becomes a resource and products are designed to be recycled or reused.<\/p>\n

The 5 basic principles of C2C<\/h2>\n

The Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> concept is based on five fundamental principles:<\/p>\n

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  1. There is no such thing as waste:<\/strong> It is about designing products so that their components can be recovered and reused at the end of their life cycle, creating a waste-free material loop.<\/li>\n
  2. Use renewable energy<\/strong>: Buildings must be designed to minimize their energy consumption and favor the use of renewable energy, such as solar, wind or geothermal.<\/li>\n
  3. Preserve water quality<\/strong>: Projects must be designed to prevent water pollution and encourage on-site water treatment and reuse.<\/li>\n
  4. Promoting diversity<\/strong>: The C2C concept encourages biodiversity and the creation of green spaces integrated into buildings to improve the quality of life of occupants.<\/li>\n
  5. Adopt an ethical and social approach<\/strong>: Projects must respect the rights of workers and local communities, and promote a fair and inclusive economy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Benefits of the Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> concept in the building sector<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Environmental sustainability<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    C2C buildings are designed to minimize their impact on the environment throughout their life cycle. This translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, better management of natural resources and a reduction in waste production.<\/p>\n

    Circular economy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The C2C concept promotes the circular economy by encouraging the reuse, repurposing and recycling of building materials. Thus, buildings become reservoirs of resources (also called “material bank buildings”) that can be recovered, reused or even upcycled at the end of their life cycle.<\/p>\n

    Improved quality of life<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    C2C buildings integrate green spaces and promote biodiversity, which contributes to improving the quality of life of occupants and residents. In addition, the use of healthy and non-toxic materials ensures a healthy indoor environment for users.<\/p>\n

    Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> certification and buildings: the concept of “C2C-inspired Building<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    It is important to note that a building itself cannot be certified as Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup>. C2C certification<\/a> applies to materials, products and systems, but not directly to buildings. However, a building can be made of C2C-certified materials and be considered a “C2C-inspired building”. This means that the construction project follows Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> principles and incorporates C2C-certified elements in its design, without being certified itself. However, the building can be referenced to the international “Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> inspired Building” register.<\/p>\n

    Steps and conditions to be referenced<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The website www.C2C-Buildings.net<\/a> lists buildings that are inspired by Cradle to Cradle\u00ae<\/sup> principles and incorporate C2C-certified materials. For a building to be published on this site, it must meet certain conditions and follow a specific process.<\/p>\n

    Conditions to be respected<\/b><\/h3>\n