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CRADLE TO CRADLE (C2C) INSPIRED MASTER THESES ADDING PIECES TO THE PUZZLE

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Page 1: CRADLE TO CRADLE (C2C) - Rotterdam School of · PDF file2 3 Cae Study Boo Inpired by Cradle to Cradle ® Cae Study Boo Inpired by Cradle to Cradle CRADLE TO CRADLE (C2C) INSPIRED MASTER

CRADLE TO CRADLE (C2C)

INSPIRED MASTER THESES

ADDING PIECES TO THE PUZZLE

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32Case Study Book Inspired by Cradle to Cradle® Case Study Book Inspired by Cradle to Cradle®

CRADLE TO CRADLE (C2C)

INSPIRED MASTER THESES

ADDING PIECES TO THE PUZZLE

With an introduction by prof. dr. Michael Braungart

v. 1.0, October 2015.

Texts and Images:

Introduction, Case reflections, Closing remarks by the project team.

Case descriptions by the students.

Project team:

Marleen Lodder, Diana den Held and Michael Braungart.

With special thanks to:

Katja Hansen, Douglas Mulhall, Ljiljana Rodic, Marijn de Ruiter and Tanja Scheelhaase.

Management, organisation and production:

C2C Chair for Innovation and Quality, RSM, Erasmus University

Design and lay out:

Marleen Lodder

Edition:

v. 1.0, October 2015

ISBN/EAN:

9789058924339

Reference:

C2C Chair. (2015). Cradle to Cradle inspired master theses: Adding pieces to the puzzle. Cradle to Cradle Chair for Innovation and Quality, Rotterdam School of Management, Rotterdam: Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Funded by:

Copyrights:

Chapter 1 and 8 of Cradle to Cradle (C2C) inspired master theses: Adding pieces to the puzzle of the Cradle to Cradle Chair for Innovation and Quality is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License.

Chapters 2 - 7 copyright: the authors.

We tried to trace the owners of copyright material reproduced in this publication and secure permissions to our best effort. We would like to apologise for any omissions and we will be pleased to incorporate missing acknowledgements.

Academic Chair ‘Cradle to Cradle for Innovation and Quality’

ROTTERDAM SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT ERASMUS UNIVERSITY

Burgemeester Oudlaan 50 Mandeville Building (T-Building), Room 9-46 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Tel: +31 10 408 2277 www.rsm.nl/c2c

Cradle to Cradle® and C2C® are registered trademarks held by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, LLC (MBDC).

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FOREWORDProf. Dr. Michael Braungart – Academic Chair ‘Cradle to Cradle for Innovation and Quality’ at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University

Isn’t it amazing how much innovation is possible when we take the traditional sustainability approach and move it further? We built on 40 years of blame and shame to generate business, products and processes which are really so much better than the things that are right now in place. Take a simple parking ticket, a euro coin or 3D printing material; nothing is designed for us, nothing is designed to be healthy and to go into biological and technical systems. It’s only designed to be cheap.

Therefore, we need to reinvent all our businesses and products; not to minimize damage, but to be good. Instead of a triple bottom line, a triple top line approach. We can use 40 years of blame and shame now for innovation, quality and beauty. Sustainability was the beginning: “… to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commission, 1987) was a good start, but we want to be good for the future generations and not just compromising the needs. Instead of climate neutral, we want to be as good as a tree: We want to be positive for the climate.

This is how we can build all this, where destructiveness, less bad, reduction, avoidance and minimization are paradigms of the past. It is nice to have RSM as a business school to demonstrate that this is for business and not a green challenge or a little eco niche, it’s about mainstream business for the future!

Rotterdam, 16 July 2015

(source: EPEA)

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD 5

1. INTRODUCTION 8

2. ARCHITECTURE BUILDING & PLANNING 13Meeuwsen, 2009: CRADLE TO CRADLE IN REGIONAL DESIGN 14

Lam, 2008: REMAKING THE WAY WE MAKE CITIES 20

Gejer, 2011: DESIGNING THE CIRCULAR METABOLIC BUILDING 27

van Schaik, 2010: REVITALISEREN VAN DE GEBOUWDE OMGEVING VAN BEDRIJVENTERREINEN OP BASIS VAN CRADLE TO CRADLE 35

Kulik et al., 2009: BUILDING INTEGRATED GREENHOUSES 40

Smits, 2013: THE BREATHING GREEN PAVILION 47

Riga, 2012: CLOSING THE MATERIALS CYCLES 54

Vandenbroucke, 2011:CRADLE TO CRADLE IN REGIONAL DESIGN 61

de Groot, 2009: MATERIALIZING WITH CRADLE TO CRADLE 68

3. ARTS 75van Balgooi, 2009: ECO-EFFECTIVE FASHION DESIGN - A DIFFERENT MINDSET 76

4. ENGINEERING 83Jongeneel, 2009: C2C IN SUSTAINABLE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT IN GREENPORT VENLO 84

Wiersma, 2009: EVALUATION OF CRADLE TO CRADLE DESIGN 92

Bjørn, 2013: CRADLE TO CRADLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 97

Bailleul, 2013: AIRCRAFT DESIGN USING CRADLE TO CRADLE®: REALITY OR UTOPIA? 102

5. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 109Mesch et al., 2013: APPLICATION OF C2C DESIGN IN A CANTEEN ENVIRONMENT 110

van Putten, 2009: DESIGN OF A BIO-BASED CONSUMER PRODUCT FROM SUSTAINABLE RENEWABLE BIOMASS SOURCES AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 117

Herrera Jaramillo, 2013: DEVELOPMENT OF A DECISION SUPPORT MODEL FOR BUILDING DESIGN 121

6. MANAGEMENT STUDIES 129Koster, 2010: CRADLE TO CRADLE, A GAIN FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES? 130

Zwaans, 2009: HOW DOES THE CRADLE TO CRADLE METHODOLOGY CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMPANY’S FOR-PROFIT GOALS? 137

Babre, 2013: POTENTIAL CONSUMERS OF CRADLE TO CRADLE PRODUCTS 141

Redolfi, 2013: CRADLE TO CRADLE: DRIVING CHANGE IN THE BRAZILIAN GYPSUM INDUSTRY 146

Iosif-Lazar, 2012: THE EVOLUTION OF THE CRADLE TO CRADLE MODEL IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN ORGANIZATIONS 152

Cassel, 2010: ADDRESSING RISK GOVERNANCE DEFICITS THROUGH SCENARIO MODELING PRACTICES 158

Ünal, 2013: CRADLE TO CRADLE FOR INNOVATION AND QUALITY 164

7. SOCIAL SCIENCES 171Zanzanaini, 2011: EXPLORING THE DYNAMICS OF CRADLE TO CRADLE 172

Vaane, 2009: CRADLE TO CRADLE IN THE NORTH-LIMBURG REGION 176

8. CLOSING REMARKS 182

9. REFERENCES 184

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1. INTRODUCTIONWHAT IS CRADLE TO CRADLE?

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is a whole-systems approach to material goods – the things we use each day – that challenges society to rethink the way we design, manufacture, use, enjoy, reclaim and re-use these goods (or their components). First introduced in the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things (McDonough & Braungart, 2002b), and further elaborated in The upcycle: Beyond sustainability--designing for abundance (McDonough & Braungart, 2013) the C2C approach starts from the point of view that there is no need for waste. The unique feature of the Triple Top Line (McDonough & Braungart, 2002a), distinguishes the C2C approach from traditional sustainability: C2C is focused on the positive impact humans can have on the Earth while living abundant ‘big footprint’ lives, actively challenging the current environmental view that aims to restrict materials use and minimize our negative impact.

In C2C as in nature materials can be seen as nutrients: used in a range of products, retrievable from these products, and reused to create new products, akin to a natural, ecological metabolism. When placed in the modern world C2C offers a holistic economic, environmental and social framework, providing a key to creating systems which generate a positive contribution to the world. This model is not limited solely to product design; it is used in the urban environment, economics, logistics, the construction and manufacturing industries.

Positive Contribution: Three Key Concepts

The goal of C2C is to move beyond the idea of reducing the negative impacts of human activity by providing an engaging vision of a positively-conceived footprint on the planet - environmentally, socially and economically (Hansen, Braungart, & Mulhall, 2012). This goal challenges designers to rethink how to design for a healthy present, and how to return ‘common property’ (for example organic and inorganic

compounds of products such as packaging, furniture, clothes, etc.) with even more quality in the future (McDonough & Braungart, 2013). C2C focuses on improving quality to enable the generation of values for society through the following three concepts: 1) Intelligent Materials Pooling, 2) Eco-effectiveness, and 3) the Triple Top Line.

Intelligent Materials Pooling

The C2C design approach began with a focus on materials in products, when Braungart et al. noticed that there were key elements missing in the publications on sustainable development. This was outlined in the Intelligent Product System framework (Braungart & Engelfried, 1992; Braungart, Engelfried, & Mulhall, 1993) for creating materials and goods that flow safely and productively within closed-loop systems. This was furthered by the by the concept of Intelligent Materials Pooling, which aims to design products in which every ingredient can be safely, beneficially returned to natural systems, or can be reused to provide high-quality resources for the next generation of products (Braungart, 2002). The Intelligent Materials Pooling concept was incorporated in the C2C principle ‘waste equals food’ or ‘everything is a nutrient for something else’ when the C2C design approach was introduced by McDonough & Braungart in 2002.

Eco-effectiveness over Eco-Efficiency

Most sustainable design approaches entail Eco-efficiency strategies, which focus on maintaining or increasing the value of economic output, while at the same time decreasing the relative impact of economic activity upon ecological systems (Verfaillie, Bidwell, & Cowe, 2000). Braungart et al. (2007) state that Eco-efficient techniques in a linear system seek to minimize the volume, velocity and toxicity of the material flow system, are incapable of altering its linear progression and therefore, will always be down-cycling.

The C2C approach instead emphasizes Eco-effectiveness. In contrast to the linear Eco-efficiency model, Eco-effectiveness aims to transform products and their associated material flows in such a manner that they have an absolute positive environmental impact on systems. Eco-effectiveness requires a cyclical system, one that does not minimize the cradle-to-grave flow of materials, but maximizes the Cradle to

Cradle flow of materials, designed to be returned as resources that maintain their original quality and value and accumulate intelligence over time. The accumulation of intelligence is a continuous process of learning and knowledge development on how the materials can maintain their quality while adding value, or have a positive impact, on the environment over time. This process is called up-cycling, a term coined by Braungart et al. in 2007.

Triple Top Line

As opposed to the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ approach (for an overview see: Elkington, 2004) which refers to the concept of sustainable development as balancing traditional economic goals with social and environmental concerns, McDonough & Braungart (2001) introduced the ‘Triple Top Line’ (TTL) approach. TTL moves the accountability to the beginning of the design process, instead of measuring the degree to which a company has minimized a liability in the end (McDonough & Braungart, 2002a). The aim of the TTL approach refers to a vision of development that has this positive

impact on environmental systems and enables long-term economic and social values (Braungart et al., 2007; McDonough & Braungart, 2002a). Triple Top Line thinking reminds us that we live in an interconnected world and challenges us to discover opportunities that honor the needs of all three value systems (economic, ecologic and social equity), instead of limiting the influence of one or the other (McDonough & Braungart, 2002a). The fractal triangle has been introduced as a tool to incorporate the TTL values (McDonough & Braungart 2002a), including social equity. Next to eco-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, the TTL approach also incorporates socio-effectiveness (see e.g. Dyllick & Hockerts, 2002; Stead & Stead, 2013; Young & Tilley, 2006) to describe the absolute social impact of a design.

The Cradle to Cradle Design Principles

The principles of C2C design are grounded in the three concepts mentioned earlier: Intelligent Materials Pooling, Eco-effectiveness and Triple Top Line. These principles provide a starting point for designers whose work is inspired by C2C. By learning from the design principles of nature, we see that: (1) waste does not exist; (2) all processes are powered by the sun; and (3) diversity is the only way to survive. The C2C principles inspired by these observations are (McDonough & Braungart, 2002b):

→ “Waste equals food”/ “Everything is a nutrient for something else”

→ “Use current solar income”

→ “Celebrate diversity”

The first principle “Everything is a nutrient for something else” reflects on how we humans handle materials. The assumption is that all materials return to either the natural environment (the biosphere) or the technical environment (the technosphere), depending on their use. Products that are consumed will eventually end up in our natural systems; therefore, they can be designed to have a positive influence on these natural systems. A consumption product is for example soap that will end up in surface water when used. This consumption product can be designed to improve the water quality instead of polluting it. Products that are used to provide a service could be up-cycled through the combination of re-use and continuous innovation (McDonough & Braungart, 2013). An example of a service is the light

(source: EPEA)

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you need when working behind your desk; you do not need to own the lamp itself, you just want to use the service this lamp is providing to you. If service products are designed for disassembly and the materials are kept pure, they can be re-used, employing the latest technical innovations. Both consumption products and service products are designed for their intended and unintended use in order to be safe and add value for the users and the producers of these products and the natural environment.

With the second principle “Use current solar income”, C2C design addresses the energy sources that are available on this planet. McDonough & Braungart (2002b) state that there is enough energy available through renewable sources powered by the sun (wind, kinetic, biomass, etc.) to make and remake things throughout the circular C2C process.

The third principle “Celebrate diversity” is one of the most obvious lessons learned from natural processes. In nature diversity is celebrated by evolutionary processes

that teach us how to become resilient to shocks and stresses. In C2C design, diversity includes not only bio-diversity, but also social and cultural diversity. Diversity could be ‘celebrated’ by design and in society through a focus on innovation, quality and value. C2C design, therefore, aims to be adaptable and flexible for future use depending on changing socio-cultural behavior. Integrating this principle into design will enable design solutions to stay attractive and usable over time. ‘Attractive and usable’ are qualities that are dependent upon the local environmental, socio-cultural and economic circumstances. Therefore designers are challenged to incorporate local cultural habits, local available materials and local social behavior into a design solution, while being modest: “People can also design so that what they create does not impose itself on the tastes and needs of future generations” (McDonough & Braungart, 2013, p. 154.

WHAT DOES THIS BOOK PRESENT?

C2C has been received as an inspiring approach by many students, faculty members and staff at international universities. At the Cradle to Cradle Chair for Innovation and Quality at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), we aim to celebrate this abundance of information. However as all universities collect and publish their theses using their own systems and databases, we noticed that it was a hurdle for students to easily find work that relates to their field of study and their focus on C2C in a particular field.

As the C2C Chair at RSM is based in the Netherlands, we started searching all databases from Dutch Universities, and extended our search to international Universities. We started gathering the C2C-relevant student theses in a database in 2009. The database is updated regularly and includes scientific articles, research reports and essays, assessments and internships, and theses. For this publication we invited the authors of 75 Master theses to contribute to this publication.

Entitled ‘Cradle to Cradle inspired Master Theses; Adding pieces to the puzzle’, this book is the first C2C Case Study Book published by the C2C Chair, in which we have focused on the 75 Master theses referenced above from this database. We have invited all students to write their ‘case’ as a section of the book in which they elaborate on their research, including a summary of their thesis or article, their

personal motivation, their explicit focus on the various aspects of Cradle to Cradle, and how the student experienced working on this specific ‘puzzle’. Each student also offered their recommendations and suggestions for further research as part of their case.

After having worked hard on their Master theses, sometimes years ago, we understand it was quite a challenge for these former students to answer all the questions we asked in the application form so that they could ‘add their pieces to the puzzle’ for this book. We would therefore like to thank all the contributing authors who invested their time in this publication.

STRUCTURE

We have structured this book according to fields of study/study programs. Section 2 comprises Master theses related to Architecture Building & Planning; Section 3 comprises Arts-related theses; Section 4 comprises Engineering theses; Section 5 comprises Industrial Design theses; Section 6 is devoted to Management Studies theses; and Section 7 to theses related to Social Sciences. In Section 8 we highlight the main issues raised by the students with regard to the C2C approach.

After presenting each thesis we summarized its main focus, findings and recommendations. Additionally we included some suggestions for further reading, including the other student theses referenced in this book as well as scientific articles not mentioned by the students themselves in their reference lists (mainly because these articles were published after their graduation). The links to these articles can be found in Section 9, the reference list, at the end of the book.

More references can be found on our website: www.rsm.nl/c2c in the following categories:

→ C2C publications by Chair members

→ C2C publications by Academic colleagues

→ Books

REFERENCES

Braungart, M. (2002). Intelligent materials pooling: Evolving a profitable technical metabolism. Charlottesville: MBDC.

Braungart, M., & Engelfried, J. (1992). An ‘intelligent product system’ to replace ‘waste management’. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 1(9), 613-619.

Braungart, M., Engelfried, J., & Mulhall, D. (1993). Criteria for sustainable development of products and production. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 2(2), 70-77.

Braungart, M., McDonough, W., & Bollinger, A. (2007). Cradle to Cradle design: Creating healthy emissions - a strategy for eco-effective product and system design. Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(13-14), 1337-1348.

Dyllick, T., & Hockerts, K. (2002). Beyond the business case for corporate sustainability. Business Strategy and the Environment, 11(2), 130-141.

Elkington, J. (2004). Enter the triple bottom line. The Triple Bottom Line: Does it all Add Up, 1-16.

Hansen, K., Braungart, M., & Mulhall, D. (2012). Resource repletion resource repletion , role of buildings. In R. Meyers (Ed.), (pp. 9025-9049) Springer New York. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0851-3_420

Mcdonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2001). Reinventing the world. Green@Work, 8, 43-45.

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002a). Design for the triple top line: New tools for sustainable commerce. Corporate Environmental Strategy, 9(3), 251-258.

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2013). The upcycle: Beyond sustainability--designing for abundance North Point Press.

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002b). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. New York: North Point Press.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Renewable Energy

Celebrate diversity

(bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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“C2C distinguishes economy and ecology in its present concepts: where economy

is about ‘efficiency’, ecology is ‘effective’.”(Meeuwesen, 2009)

“Due to the growing interest in C2C by the Dutch construction industry, partly

caused by episodes of the TV documentary Tegenlicht (2006, 2007), my interest

in C2C was also aroused.” (Lam, 2009)

“C2C theory was incorporated in this thesis as a guide for the employment of the

intelligence of natural systems in such a way that nature, human society and

technology could fruitfully coexist.” (Gejer, 2011)

“In my opinion the C2C concept to close cycles by waste is food, is interesting.

By using this philosophy we will mimic nature.” (van Schaik, 2010)

“Rather than waste, C2C considers materials as “food” for the natural and

industrial environments, and this concept was crucial for the conduction of this

thesis.” (Riga, 2012)

2. ARCHITECTURE BUILDING &

PLANNING

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CRADLE TO CRADLE IN REGIONAL DESIGN

Name: Arjen Meeuwsen MSc. (2009)

Supervisors: prof. dr. Jusuck Koh

dr. ing. Sven Stremke

ir. Rudi van Etteger

Background info:

The origin of Cradle to Cradle brings together environmental awareness, economic viability and positivist realism. The concept is understandable for product design, but for the field of landscape architecture and spatial planning, it poses challenges. The thesis aims to bring together theory from both landscape architecture with the Cradle to Cradle paradigm. The author studied at WUR and ETH Zürich, worked for AECOM in Abu Dhabi, and works now at H+N+S Landscape architects.

University: Wageningen University, the Netherlands

Faculty: Environmental Sciences

Department: Landscape Architecture

Master: Landscape Architecture

Involved institutes: Wageningen University, Dienst Landelijk Gebied

ABSTRACT

The “Cradle to Cradle” approach is based on the thought in cycles of nutrients and energy; waste equals food. Many “Cradle to Cradle” concepts exist on smaller scale (industrial products, architecture), but a way to apply the “Cradle to Cradle” approach to the regional design, has not been developed yet. In the Netherlands, we already have a ‘hands-on’ approach to our environment and we are used to work in regional designs.

In our densely populated country, the landscape is a product of culture: it is turned into a production landscape. A future perspective lies in the sustainable development that nature gives us as an example. Instead of organizing our landscape solely to meet our present-day demands, we will have to design it in such a way that it can provide many services in a sustainable way, while the landscape remains identical and appealing. In this way, the potentials of the site are used to make regenerative landscapes that not only provide food and materials but also renewable energy, biodiversity and attractive living for its inhabitants. The case of Greenport Venlo is explained as an example of the attempt to implement Cradle to Cradle in a regional design. It is an agricultural area of 3000 hectare, with a projected development of agricultural businesses and offices, housing, greenhouses, distribution centres, nature reserve, golf course, remaining agriculture and the Floriade 2012.

THE PUZZLE

The thesis statement is that by combining Cradle to Cradle principles with the landscape approach for regional design, we can come up with usable strategies to design regions Cradle to Cradle.

To answer the thesis, the research questions covered the motives to design regions according to the Cradle to Cradle paradigm, the translation of principles to design guidelines, the strategies needed, and an exploration of examples.

The bringing together of theories was the puzzle, one that lead to five key ‘notions’, and a roadmap to bring C2C principles towards a concrete design.

Time-frame

The work was done in an 8 month-period. While the thesis was individual work, and nested in the landscape architectural theory, the collaboration in a ‘think-tank’ led to the production of the five notions, applicable for all professions in spatial planning. The regular meetings and visits of conferences and workshops, together with a lot of reading, led to new insights.

Global societal challenges or trends

Men’s hunger for resources has made us a destructive force in our relation with our environment. Many ecosystems degraded in the past fifty years and more harm is yet to come. All these changes will only have a larger impact with climate change. The human influence on the decline of ecosystems has been recognized, but too few action has been undertaken so far. The interconnectedness of parts of an ecosys¬tem teaches us that we will need to take care of all elements, since our well-being is depending on it. Abrupt, nonlinear and catastrophic adaptations can be caused by modest changes and can threaten our way of life.

Our landscape is dynamic, and the present situation is just a phase in time. With future challenges concerning resource availability and climate change, a new task lies ahead: to design regions ‘Cradle to Cradle’. This means an open attitude and an assessment of the present use of our landscape. The design task for landscape

architects and planners is to develop attractive, sustainable landscapes that offer quality for living, that produce food, energy and other resources, landscapes which protect us and at the same time sustain biodiversity and a viable economic system.

Motivation

The interest that I met for my thesis subject showed its relevance. Sustainable design suddenly is ‘hip’, and as a graduating landscape architecture student I am in a very interesting position in between the practical and the academic world. My thesis tries to bridge these worlds: translating theory and research into strategies for design and into a design to illustrate this. Landscape architecture receives new relevance by its ability to deal with global issues. Cradle to Cradle is not something entirely new, but it does present another approach to design. The reason to start with this is a combination of idealism, smart realism and pure curiosity. I think these are good attitudes to start with any project and I hope to be able to keep this up in my work.

APPROACH

Thesis statement: Via the three pillars research, theory, and design I will address the thesis: “By combining Cradle to Cradle principles with the landscape approach for regional design, we can come up with usable strategies to design regions Cradle to Cradle.”

Research questions: To answer the thesis, the research questions are:

→ Why would we want to design regions Cradle to Cradle?

→ How to translate Cradle to Cradle principles into concrete design guidelines?

→ What can we learn from the landscape approach in regional design?

→ What are the strategies needed to design regions Cradle to Cradle?

→ What kind of sustainable designs, relevant for the Greenport, exist already and what can we learn from them?

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To prove that the strategies can lead to a design that can work, the following research questions will be researched by the design for the Green-port Venlo:

→ How would a C2C design for the Greenport be different from a regular regional development?

→ How can we realize a C2C Greenport?

CRADLE TO CRADLE

C2C distinguishes economy and ecology in its present concepts: where economy is about ‘efficiency’, ecology is ‘effective’.

The Cradle to Cradle approach is based on cycles of nutrients and energy; waste equals food. It provides a positive and economically viable approach to re-invent our designs into regenerative life-cycles.

McDonough strives in his architecture for a positive footprint. The design needs to incorporate all ecological functions in a way that the building, just as a tree, creates oxygen, fixes carbon, makes energy out of the sun, changes with seasons, and provides shadow and shelter. If a building can be compared to a tree, a city might be compared to a forest, with horizontal diversity, vertical layering and variation in time. We can describe this as a multi-functional land use in time and space, or in ecological terms, in periodicity and biorhythm.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle gives a powerful new view upon current approaches. The paradigm has the ability to break through given theories and assumptions. I think it enriches the approach in spatial development projects, and brought me much further than literature from my own profession would have done. The freshness of a concept that is a little out of your ordinary discourse, enriches and broadens the view.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Spatial planning and landscape architecture is not like product design or architecture. Creating a blueprint is impossible, which is exactly the point that needed enrichment. The C2C concept needed theory from the landscape architecture discourse, to be applicable in the planning business. Involving multiple stakeholders, open end planning, and dealing with uncertainty was a potential that was in the C2C paradigm, but wasn’t made explicit yet. In theory, I think I did a good try. To translate it into a site-specific design is still hard.

What I see in most cases, is that C2C is used as an inspiration. But to put a C2C-stamp on a regional design, still needs a lot of development in awareness, finance, will, etc.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

By combining the Cradle to Cradle approach with present regional design approaches, strategies are made up to design regions Cradle to Cradle. Three characteristics

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Renewable Energy

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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Meeuwsen aimed to enrich the C2C approach with the landscape architecture discourse in order to make it more applicable in regional design. He looked at the possibilities the C2C approach offers to regenerate landscapes by the focus on the services it could provide for society and ecology.

His research can be positioned in this quest of translating the C2C approach into practise in the field of Design. The challenges Meeuwsen faced were how to translate his theoretical work into a practical site specific design as creating a blueprint is impossible, which is exactly the point that needed enrichment. What he noticed was that C2C is used as an inspiration. But to put a C2C-stamp on a regional design, still needs a lot of development in awareness, finance, will, etc.

Further readings student theses e.g.: van Schaik, 2010; Jongeneel, 2009; Vane, 2009; Lam, 2008; and related publications e.g.: Girardet & Braungart, 2012; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

organize these strategies:

→ Designing cycles is the basic premise of Cradle to Cradle; it about metabolisms and about closing flows between sink and source.

→ In a region, the layer approach adds an extra focus in the proper strategies. It helps to receive insight in the landscape and its processes and makes it possible to close cycles in the landscape or to see the relations between scales.

→ The dynamic character of the landscape is the third character of the developed strategies: the change in time demands for flexibility and resilience in every design.

By designing the region according to the “Cradle to Cradle” principles, we see that it can fulfil a function that goes beyond its original ambitions: it provides partly its own renewable energy, it produces food, it is a habitat for many plants and animals, it changes colours with the season, it creates micro climates and it purifies water.

Results

The desk study revealed several opportunities and pitfalls for this case, and lead to The result is an exploration in theory for regional development. The developed ‘notions’ and their elaboration (to be found in the thesis) can be used in planning and design projects:

→ Design clean cycles

→ Strive for creation of value in people, planet, and profit

→ The development planning process is strategic and operational

→ Use existing capital: landscape and people.

→ Regional development is seen as a sustainable evolutionary process.

Other solutions

The body of theory is my contribution to the -hopefully- evolving discourse of sustainable regional development.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Research into realized projects: which lessons can be learned from the aspects in projects. Mostly a project will deal with just several aspects of C2C. Still, a lot can be learned from it. By bringing the aspects together, integral recommendations can be made, and strategies formulated. Spatial planning deals with so many things, amongst which are a large variation of stakeholders, financial strategies, planning in time, physical and societal aspects, networks and occupation and land use patterns. The lessons from a research into the relation between sustainability and procurement rules, for example, can contribute greatly to the realization of more C2C projects, although it covers just one aspect (which in itself is a complex aspect).

REFERENCES

Meeuwsen, A.C. (2009). Cradle to Cradle in regional landscape design. Wageningen University, the Netherlands.

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REMAKING THE WAY WE MAKE CIT IES

A RESEARCH IN URBAN METABOLISM AND THE APPLICABIL ITY OF THE CRADLE TO CRADLE PHILOSOPHY TO URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Name: Wai Chung Lam (2008)

Supervisors: Prof. dr. ir. W.F. (Wim) Schaefer

Dr. ir. A.J.D. ( Fred) Lambert

Ing. C.W.M. (Kees) Faes

Background info:

Wai Chung Lam is of Chinese descent, but born and bred in The Netherlands. After the secondary school, she started a BSc in Architecture at the Eindhoven University of Technology. In 2008 she attained her Master’s degree. During her Master she specializes in sustainability. Thereafter, she has worked as a consultant in sustainable development at an engineering consultancy firm. For more information about her background go to: www.linkedin.com/in/waichunglam.

University: Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Bouwkunde

Department: Architecture Building and Planning

Master: Construction Management & Engineering

ABSTRACT

The manner in which humans are developing their cities causes great impact on the environment. Cradle to Cradle offers a possible solution for sustainable development of urban areas. However, in practice professionals do not know how to apply Cradle to Cradle and there is little scientific research published on Cradle to Cradle. In order to handle the latter problem, the subject of industrial metabolism is used as the scientific basis of this master’s research. To make the subject more tangible, an existing neighbourhood is analysed quantitative as well as qualitative in order to formulate a Cradle to Cradle strategy to make the analysed neighbourhood more sustainable.

The overall conclusion of this thesis is that Cradle to Cradle is applicable to existing residential areas in order to redevelop the areas sustainably. By using Cradle to Cradle in the following way:

→ as a positive approach to look differently at problems, and to take action;

→ as a level of ambition in regard to closing the cycles with a closed urban metabolism;

→ as an integral analysis tool related to the scientific research area of industrial metabolism, in order to map the physical flows of an urban area and to understand the urban metabolism of it;

→ and finally, as a guideline to lay down a strategy for the process of making an existing urban area more sustainable.

THE PUZZLE

After an initial study of the C2C philosophy, my interest in the question arose whether C2C really can lead to a sustainable, ecological world. This question came up because C2C is applied mainly at products or in buildings, and to a limited extent to urban level. But what played a vital role in the reason for this ‘puzzle’ is that in practice professionals do not know how to make the philosophy more concrete and measurable. Additionally, there is little scientific research published on C2C.

The objective of this thesis was to make the applicability of the C2C philosophy to sustainable urban development more concrete by analysing and modelling an existing neighbourhood with the use of systems theory, in order to describe what processes are needed to redevelop the case sustainably. The central question of the thesis was: “Is the C2C philosophy applicable to an existing urban area, such as a ‘cauliflower district’ (bloemkoolwijk), in order to redevelop the area sustainably?”.

Time-frame

→ February 2008: start orientation research subject.

→ March 2008: agreement on research proposal.

→ March 25, 2008: start graduate internship at Search Ingenieursbureau B.V. to work on thesis research and to attain practical training and experience on sustainable development.

→ April 15, 2008: begin colloquium: presentation research plan.

→ September 16, 2008: midterm colloquium: presentation conclusions of literature study and first results of case study.

→ - December 2, 2008: final colloquium

Global societal challenges or trends

The problem scope in this thesis is twofold. On the one hand, the environment is under pressure from human impact, but on the other hand humankind wants to continue developing their cities without having to change their lifestyles.

An adverse development for the environment is urbanization. The industrial revolution is seen as a boost for the mass movement from rural to urban areas of people who are looking to attract wealth (Rees & Wackernagel, 1996). The world’s population continues to grow and the human migration to cities is continuing similarly. The prediction is that by 2025 nearly two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in cities, which implies a doubling in 50 years since 1975 (UN, 1995 in Liddle & Movenzadeh, 2002). Cities are required for the economic growth and survival of humankind, but also deplete the natural resources and produce a lot of waste (Girardet, 2004).

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Motivation

Since the last years, the climate debate has flared up again, and it also has triggered a renewed interest and awareness of the nature and the environment. This is partly due to recent environmental gurus like Al Gore, creator of the film An Inconvenient Truth (2006) and Bill Clinton and his Clinton Climate Initiative to fight against climate change. But a more important motivation is that one can notice that the climate is changing and that the causes for climate change can be traced back to humankind.

Because of the climate change and the environmental problems that are caused by urban development, it is necessary that the current trends are going to turn; otherwise it will mean the end of our ecosystem. Therefore it is important that the way we interact with our natural and built environment is going to change.

APPROACH

After formulating the conceptual and technical design of the research, a literature study was conducted to determine the theoretical framework. The following topics were investigated in the literature study: the history of sustainable development, the development of sustainability in Dutch architecture and urban development, the C2C philosophy and the theory of industrial ecology (a science that was used in this research as a scientific translation of C2C).

Subsequently, a single case study was conducted to collect information in an empirical way for further quantitative analysis. Industrial metabolism was used to make a quantitative analysis of an existing neighbourhood, also known as urban metabolism. A model of the physical flows of the analysed neighbourhood was made by applying the method of Material Flow Analysis as a modelling technique. By making the model, it was possible to structure the complex reality of the system of the neighbourhood and to translate it to a simplified overview. Following on the quantitative system analysis, a qualitative SWOT-analysis was made to draw the risks and opportunities of the case.

In order to find possible solutions and sustainable measures for the problems of the analysed neighbourhood, interviews with experts on the area of sustainable urban

redevelopment of residential areas were held. The expert meetings have led to inspiration for formulating a C2C strategy to make the analysed neighbourhood more sustainable. Next, a primary process for carrying out such a strategy C2C was drawn up, and combined with the Triple P model. In which a distinction is made between three types of collective initiators, each with its own approach and possible solutions. Lastly, three brief examples of a process plan per type of initiator concerning the case were given.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

Due to the growing interest in C2C by the Dutch construction industry, partly caused by episodes of the TV documentary Tegenlicht (2006, 2007), my interest in C2C was also aroused. Critics call C2C a hype; however, C2C became increasingly popular and is being incorporated more and more. Therefore, I wondered if C2C can be more than just hype, and whether it really can lead to a sustainable world. In addition, the positive approach of C2C to deal with environmental problems differently appealed to me very much.

I have approached C2C by seeing it as a concept that takes the natural ecosystem as an example of a system in which the cycles are closed by a closed metabolism. A system in which all raw materials used in the product cycle can be broken down in the bio-sphere or reused in techno-sphere and in which respect for diversity is created.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

The choice of where to set the boundaries of a system remains a challenge, especially if the system of study is a complex system composed of smaller entities like a neighbourhood. By laying down the boundaries as I have done in my case study in order to make it manageable, there are many issues disregarded or simplified that actually do occur in reality. For example, in my research the indirect primary energy (the energy required to produce something) of domestic energy consumption was not taken into account.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

By seeing C2C as a philosophy, and not as a science with concrete evidence. In addition, by seeing the essence of the C2C philosophy as equal to that of industrial ecology. Both compare the human techno-system with the natural ecosystem in order to realize a redesign. Industrial ecology is therefore taken as a scientific basis in this thesis. The subdomain industrial metabolism is used in particular in the case study as an analytical tool, since it is an integrated system approach to a systematic analysis of the physical flows of a system and the relationships between the flows. By taking an existing neighbourhood and by analysing it quantitative as well as qualitative, it was possible to make the subject more tangible resulting into a C2C strategy to make the analysed neighbourhood more sustainable.

LESSONS LEARNED

I have gained more knowledge on the subjects of C2C, industrial ecology, urban metabolism, and sustainable (urban) (re)development. Additionally, I have learned how to independently set up a quantitative urban metabolism analysis, and how to use systems theory to analyse a complex object.

Results

In my opinion, my research has led to the following results. For science, a study is done in the field of urban metabolism, perhaps this research may have contributed to the design of a standard measure of urban metabolism studies. In addition, research is done into the C2C philosophy and possible approach to and solutions for sustainable urban redevelopment. All in all, I can conclude that the objective of my

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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research has been achieved: with this study four possibilities are given of how the C2C philosophy can be applied and more insight into the issues surrounding C2C is gained.

Other solutions

Perhaps, if another approach than that of industrial/urban metabolism was used or other experts were interviewed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

One of my recommendations, that also is made in the urban metabolism studies that I have referenced to in my thesis, is that more research needs to be done in the field of urban metabolism. By investigating the effects of urban systems, it is possible to come to new approaches to closing the cycles of such systems.

In addition, a general standard for urban metabolism studies needs to be set. From my thesis research it follows that a general standard for urban metabolism studies is lacking, making it difficult to compare one urban metabolism study to another. This general standard should include at least which themes have to be analysed quantitatively, whether the emphasis needs to be on the natural system in an urban area or particularly on the human system, and how the system should be modelled. The standardization used in life cycle analyses (LCA’s) maybe can be of help for setting up such a standard, as in LCA’s as well as in urban metabolism studies the impacts of human activities on the environment are determined. However, in order to set up such a general standard more similar studies needs to be done.

Also, more research into the possibilities of C2C in different fields of study should be performed, for example from C2C raw materials to C2C production processes. So that more practical applications of C2C can be developed.

Lastly, it is interesting to examine the indices available for energy and water consumption in more detail and to expand the indices to more themes, such as waste production. So that more comparison material will be available for research, and in order to examine and explain the environmental impact of a research object better.

REFERENCES

Fernandez, J. I., Diez Barra, M. R. (1998). Long-term deformation of MDF panels

Hattum, R. van (reg.) (2006). Afval is voedsel. Tegenlicht, afl. 2 okt. 2006, VPRO.

Hattum, R. van (reg.) (2007). Afval is voedsel. Een revolutie in Nederland. Tegenlicht, afl. 26 nov. 2007, VPRO.

Girardet, H. (2004). Cities People Planet. Liveable Cities for a Sustainable World. Chichester: Wiley-Academy.

Liddle, B. & Moavenzadeh, F. (2002). Introduction, Cities: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainability. In: Moavenzadeh F., Hanaki, K. & Baccini, P. (red.). Future Cities: Dynamics and Sustainability (p.1-15). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Rees, W. & Wackernagel, M. (1996). Urban Ecological Footprints: Why Cities Cannot Be Sustainable –And Why They Are a Key to Sustainability. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 16(4), 223-248.

L INK

http://alexandria.tue.nl/extra2/afstversl/bwk/641178a.pdf

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Lam focused in her research on the possibilities the Cradle to Cradle approach offers as a solution for sustainable development of urban areas. She aimed to contribute to the challenge of how to translate the C2C approach in practise, by building on the scientific basis of industrial ecology. She analysed an existing neighbourhood in order to formulate a C2c strategy to make this neighbourhood more sustainable.

Lam’s interest in the C2C approach was triggered by the Tegenlicht Documentary (2006, 2007) and she wondered if it was just a hype, or whether this positive approach to deal with environmental problems could contribute to a more sustainable world.

The challenges she faced was how to asses the environmental impact on the scale of an urban neighbourhood.

Further readings student theses e.g.: van Schaik, 2010; Meeuwsen, 2009; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Girardet & Braungart, 2012; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

DESIGNING THE CIRCULAR METABOLIC BUILDING: THE CASE OF BIOTOPE IN THE SUNRISE CAMPUS

Name: Léa Gejer (2011)

Supervisors: Supervisor: Ingo Leusbrock

Examiner: Huub Rijnaarts

Background info:

Léa Gejer is an Architect and Urban Planner graduated in University of Campinas (2007), Brazil and Msc in Urban Environmental Management and Spatial Planning in Wageningen University (2011), the Netherlands. After her Master graduation, she returned to Brazil, and since then, she has been working on the development of integrative resource management solutions for architecture, urban planning and landscape projects, always aiming to provide healthier spaces for people.

University: Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Environmental Sciences

Department: Environmental Technology Group

Master: Urban Environmental Management

ABSTRACT

This work deals with the role of the built environment in relation to the resources it relies on. It reflects and designs urban systems towards closed cycles of energy and water. Moreover, it takes into account the buildings integration to its local biodiversity. All these issues, when planned for an urban area, will bring up an effective design through a strategic management of resources. To create such effective design, the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ (McDonough et al., 2002) theory is embraced as the theoretical background for the design criteria. The three tenets of the book are used to generate and evaluate scenarios for the study area.

The chosen site is the industrial Sunrise Campus, located in Venlo, the Netherlands, where a building called Biotope is to be built. This building will serve as a meeting place for all workers of the companies. The Biotope is to create an identity in the campus while it stimulates the working environment (Gemeente Venlo, 2010).

As a baseline for the comparison of scenarios for the Biotope and Sunrise Campus, the Business as Usual (BAU) situation is considered, and after that, four other scenarios are developed. They are assessed according to the theoretical framework criteria and compared.

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THE PUZZLE

Most of the time, the technologies in use in the business as usual situations are not planned strategically in relation to the environment, and consequently they need inordinate amounts of chemicals, materials and energy, often with harmful environmental consequences. Therefore, this work aims to connect the existent knowledge gaps, by answering the following questions:

What is a viable model for urban building in relation to all resources upon which urban regions depend, but currently tend to deplete or destroy?

How can a building design recognize that human society is inseparable from and dependent on natural systems? How can it work on the difficulties of design imposed by complexity, variability and uncertainty inherent to natural systems, while it aims at the integration of society and ecosystems in built environments?

Therefore, this thesis works towards the investigation of innovative strategies to building design, spatial planning strategies and resource and technology management.

Time-frame

This work was written in 2010-2011 during seven months, and it was developed in five phases: (1) state of the art and understanding of the study area; (2) inventory of human and technological needs of the Sunrise Campus/ Biotope; (3) baseline assessment of quantities and qualities of inputs/outputs and green areas in the BAU situation; (4) development and evaluation of four different scenarios; (5) conclusions and recommendations.

Global societal challenges or trends

The root cause of human imbalance with the natural ecosystem and biochemical cycles, on which all life depends, is the decision to expand the use of resources without reflecting on its consequences. Many of the current environmental problems derive from the fact that the sinks, on which the human society depends, cannot make use of their wastes. The excess waste then disrupts the functioning of its sinks

(White, 2006).

Hence, it is crucial to discuss the role of the built environment in such analysis, since the cities’ areas are increasing and represent most of the populations’ settlements. Cities concentrate more than 70% of the population in Europe, North and Latin America (UN-HABITAT, 2008), and are forced to concentrate their wastes, producing huge landfills, polluted air and water bodies.

Motivation

Architects and urban planners, when designing built up areas, are led to use - following current paradigms - methods and values that were initiated during the Industrial Revolution and that are imposed until current days.

However, the idea of unlimited economic growth with unlimited use of resources is becoming outdated. This work is therefore motivated by the search for new values and methods for the design and development of constructed areas that are able to make use of renewable resources that will bring up diverse, clean, safe and healthy environments.

Also, this thesis was motivated by the production of design models that can be scalable and replicable to other campuses and urban settlements, and that, at the same time, can make use of local natural wealth and community features.

APPROACH

The ‘Cradle to Cradle’ theory is embraced as the theoretical background for creating an effective design for the Biotope/ Sunrise Campus. The three tenets of the book are used to generate and evaluate scenarios for the study area. The first tenet, ‘waste equals food’, is represented by the search of a circular metabolism of energy and water in the building’s design. The second, ‘celebrate diversity’, is expressed by the biodiversity that can be enhanced depending on each scenario’s design features. Finally, the third tenet, ‘use current solar income’, is interpreted by the effort of using renewable and local energy and water. For the first and third criteria, the Urban Harvest Approach (UHA) (Agudelo et al., 2009) is applied, whereas for the second,

indices of quantity and quality of green areas are assessed.

The scenarios are designed by managing different technologies that are seen as a connection between the human functions of the Biotope and the renewable sources such as the Sun and the rainwater. Different technologies that reduce the water and energy demand, and others that enhance their multisource are implemented. At the same time, green areas are also added to the program with the intention of increasing the biodiversity in the Biotope and in the campus. According to each scenario design and chosen technologies, their demand, self-sufficiency and output of energy and water vary. Furthermore, the amount of green area in each design, as well as the local species that would live there, will differ.

Finally, these scenarios were assessed and evaluated according to the above mentioned criteria. They are analysed and compared in order to achieve the most effective solution for the case study.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

In the search for righting the balance between society and nature, it is fundamental to redesign human support technologies through the application of the knowledge of the functioning of ecosystems (Todd et al., 2003). When applying this concept to the design of built up areas, it means that buildings should produce more energy than it consumes and purify materials such as water and air. Furthermore, these buildings should create a dynamic interdependence among themselves, and support each other in multiple ways.

In this sense, C2C theory was incorporated to this thesis as a guide for the employment of the intelligence of natural systems in such a way that nature, human society and technology could fruitfully coexist. Moreover, the design of an effective built up area should nourish its surrounding, by making more than it is necessary for its own metabolism.

The scenarios proposed were designed and evaluated according to the three tenets of ‘Cradle to Cradle’. The first and third C2C principles – ‘waste equals food’ and ‘use solar income’ – were assessed through the energy and water balance flows according

to three different indices: demand minimization, self-sufficiency and waste output (UHA Approach). The ‘celebrate diversity’ criterion was focused on the biodiversity valuation, which comprises of two different calculations: amount of green area and local species indexes.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Using the above mentioned C2C criteria, the research has become more comprehensive than if only other sustainability approaches were used. If the two methods used (UHA and biodiversity assessment) were to be assessed separately, the results would be different.

Moreover, the choice of the assessment criteria determined the design of the following scenarios:

→ ‘Business as Usual’ (BAU): the basis for comparison with other scenarios;

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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→ ‘Efficient’: the building efficiency is seen as a tool that intends overall positive effects towards a more sustainable design;

→ ‘Bio-diverse’: prioritizes the biodiversity through the implementation of green areas rather than other technologies that make possible the production of clean water and energy;

→ ‘Producer’: prioritizes the production of renewable energy and water rather than biodiversity; and

→ ‘Fusion’: intends to give the same priority level to the production of renewable water and energy, and biodiversity.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

The first challenge while working with C2C was to determine an assessment criterion for the tenet ‘celebrate diversity’, since this is a very comprehensive principle, which deals with many research areas. Therefore, the evaluation of this tenet focused only on the biodiversity assessment, as a way to understand the connection of the building with its surrounding environment. However, would there be a better method to assess this criterion in a broader way?

Another challenge was to work with different stakeholders, and to create a consensus of purposes in relation to the development of the building and campus. The new campus should be innovative by developing a healthy, clean, diverse and safe environment and at the same time its constructions should be profitable, and done in short time (no time for testing technologies). What is the right approach for managing different future visions for different actors of the same place?

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

First of all, the BAU Scenario was developed to understand how buildings are currently designed. Second, the ‘Efficient’ Scenario was designed, and the excess demand of water and energy was reduced. It also and starts to incorporate green areas, although still in a small scale. Third, based on the assessment criteria proposed, there would be two natural directions in which the project could be developed. The first resulted on the ‘Biodiverse’ Scenario, which had the priority of increasing the green areas as well as their quality. The other direction would be the creation of the ‘Producer’ Scenario, which focused on reducing and producing the maximum of renewable energy and water that is possible in the limited area.

Through the analysis of the previous models, the development of the ‘Fusion’ Scenario became possible. The main highlights of the previous scenarios were combined, resulting on the expression of tools that are needed to achieve an efficient design.

Lessons learned

The approach suggested induces different solutions when managing the combination of different technologies that can be applied in such situations. Although the scenarios developed have different characteristics, all of them represent a step towards a more efficient design according to the three criteria stipulated. The four scenarios bring up possible solutions that balance differently the three tenets evaluated. In the scenarios with exchange of flows between functions, there are more possibilities for re-using and recycling.

Finally, by understanding the local resources and their flows, many technologies can be assembled in multiple ways with the objective of managing their connections. The design appears as the medium through which these technologies, human activities and ecosystems interact. By creating a balance between flows and functions, it is possible to generate a diverse, clean and healthy environment.

Results

All the scenarios aim at bringing feasible options for the Biotope, and vary in their

design, spatial orientation, and multisource technologies. On the one hand, according only to the UHA, the best overall results would be of the ‘Producer Scenario’, where the stipulated indexes for energy and water achieve their best situation. On the other hand, if only the biodiversity is assessed, the ‘Bio-diverse Scenario’ would be the best option, with the highest indices of green area and local species.

The ‘Fusion Scenario’ took shape, with a design that intends to mix the main features of the previous scenarios, achieving the center of their balance. It produces great amount of renewable energy and water, at the same time that it brings biodiversity to the Biotope and to the Sunrise Campus. Even though it is not entirely self-sufficient yet, it can become autarkic by implementing other technologies that are out of the selection of technologies of this thesis.

Other solutions

A range of technologies was selected from the ones that have commercial accessibility in the local market, available technical knowledge and that have been already tested. When these technologies were designated, others were excluded. Thus, there are still other technologies, that can always be joined to the current study, and improve the designs of the scenarios.

Moreover, the thesis shows that the design is only a mean to achieve an objective and there would be infinite solutions for designing the Biotope and Sunrise Campus in an effective way. This can be done by using strategically the local resources and available technology.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This work induces different solutions when managing strategically local resources through design. It brings an overall idea for decision making by handling different spatial options for the campus and building. However, although it results on a consistent comparison between the scenarios, their assessments are still in a representative scale.

Once the stakeholders define the most suitable scenario for them, the technical

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REFERENCES

Agudelo-Vera, C., Mels, A. and Rovers, R. (2009). Urban Water Tissue: Analyzing the Urban Harvest Potential. Wageningen: lecture notes: Urban Environmental Management.

Agudelo-Vera, C., Mels, A., Keesman, K., Rijnaarts, H. (2011). Resource Management As a Key Factor For Sustainable Urban Planning. Journal of Environmental Management. 92 (10), pp.2295-2303.

McDonough, W. and Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle. Remaking the Way We Make Things. New York : North Point Press.

McDonough, W., Braungart, M., Anastas, P., Zimmerman, J. (2003). Applying the Principles of Green Engineering to Cradle-to-Cradle Design. Environmental Science and Technology. 37 (23), pp. 434-441. doi: 10.1021/es0326322

UN-HABITAT (2008). State of the World’s Cities 2008/2009 - Harmonious Cities. London: Earthscan.

Todd, J., Brown, E.J.G. and Wells, E. (2003). Ecological Design Applied. Ecological Engeneering. 20 (5), pp. 421-440. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2003.08.004

White, Rodney R. (2006). Building the Ecological City. Cambridge : Woodhead Publishing Ltd.

Gemeente Venlo. 2010. Structuurvisie Sunrise Campus. http://www.venlo.nl/wonen_milieu/structuurvisies/Pages/SunriseCampus.aspx. [Online] January 11, 2010. [Cited: September 10, 2010.] http://www.venlo.nl/wonen_milieu/structuurvisies/Documents/Sunrise%20Campus/kaart%20Structuurvisie%20Sunrise%20Campus.pdf.

L INK:

http://issuu.com/lea_gejer/docs/120502_le__a_gejer_struchiner_impre

possibilities should be checked and tested when necessary, and calculations of the determined scenario should be further detailed in every technology used. After that, it will be possible to design an architecture project consistent with the desired results.

Furthermore, a comprehensive cost analysis of this building model and the technologies used in it is to be further developed to evaluate the profitability of each scenario. The buildings construction costs are extremely significant, as well as its maintenance expenses. The technologies used have high costs of implementation when compared to the BAU situation.

Finally, the energy and water cycle, and biodiversity were chosen to represent the scenarios evaluation. An analysis of the nutrient cycles should also be explored in further studies to create a more complete assessment. Moreover, the materials that will be used for the construction of the buildings play an important role in further evaluation. These materials should be designed in such a way that they can recirculate within the biological and technical cycle after their use, while toxic substances should be avoided. These materials should be produced with renewable energy, and should avoid dioxide carbon emissions.

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Gejer aimed in her research at creating effective urban systems by embracing the Cradle to Cradle design approach (the three design principles: “waste equals food”; “celebrate diversity”; and “use current solar income”) to generate and evaluate an urban area. With her research she aimed to contribute to a paradigm shift in thinking about designing and planning the urban environment, motivated by the rising awareness of resource scarcity and aiming at creating diverse, clean, safe and healthy environments.

A challenge she face was how to determine an assessment criterion for the principle “celebrate diversity” another challenges were: how to deal with different stakeholders; how to deal with the time pressure when new technologies cannot be tested; and how to manage different future visions for the same location.

Further readings student theses e.g.: van Schaik, 2010; Meeuwsen, 2009; Lam, 2008; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; van Dijk, et al. 2014; Mulhall, Braungart, & Hansen, 2013b; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

REVITALISEREN VAN DE GEBOUWDE OMGEVING VAN BEDRIJVENTERREINEN OP BASIS VAN CRADLE TO CRADLE: SUNRISE CAMPUS TE VENLO

Name: ir. M.J.M. (Marjolein) van Schaik (2010)

Supervisors: prof. Ir. J.M. Post

dr. ir. P.A. Erkelens

ir. A.W.C. Timmermans

Background info:

I studied building engineering at Windesheim in Zwolle from 2002-2006. I moved to Eindhoven after graduation. Here I followed the master Building Technology at the department architecture, building and planning of the University of Technology in Eindhoven. I graduated in 2010. After a south east Asia trip for three months I started to work at the building and construction company Heijmans. I followed a management traineeship for three years. And now I work as a project coordinator at the department Services of Heijmans.

University: Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Bouwkunde

Department: Architecture Building and Planning

Master: Building Technology

ABSTRACT

My Thesis is a research over upgrading outdated business parks based on C2C. The research started with an inventory of the social context of outdated business parks and the most important aspects of the building environment. The social context and the building environment are related to the C2C concepts biosphere, techno-sphere and diversity. Biosphere and techno-sphere is about closing cycles by waste is food. This analysis turned into six aspects with indicators to judge business parks. The aspects are: energy, water, material, flora and fauna, land-use structure and infrastructure. The indicators were input for an assessment tool. This tool judges outdated business parks at three levels; macro, meso and micro. The macro level will judges the environment of the business park. The meso level will judges the business parks itself and the micro level will judges the buildings on the business park. The assessment tool is one of the results of this thesis.

The second result of the research is a case study. The business park Sunrise Campus in Venlo is judged with the assessment tool. The case study resulted in:

→ An improvement for user friendliness of the assessment tool.

→ An improvement of the indicators flora and fauna.

→ Recommendations to develop the sunrise campus.

→ Recommendations for further research

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THE PUZZLE

The thesis ‘Revive of outdated business parks based on Cradle to Cradle’ was a research into durability and delightfulness of de building environment of outdated business parks based on C2C. In the context of this research, building environment means the spatial use of the business parks.

There is a lack of research and experience about reviving outdated business parks based on C2C. That’s the reason why there are no indicators to judge business parks and to upgrade the quality of these parks by using C2C. The research question for my thesis was: “To what extent can Cradle to Cradle upgrade the building environment of outdated business parks?”

This research question intended two results. The first intended result was a theoretical assessment tool. At the start of this project there were no tools to judge outdated business parks. The result of this research was a scheme of an assessment tool to judge business parks based on C2C. The second intended result was a case study. The case study was the Sunrise Campus in Venlo. The case study validated the functioning of the assessment tool.

Time-frame

The final project was started in December 2008 and completed in March 2010. During the project there were three important breakthroughs.

→ The moment where I found a subject to combine with C2C. One of the visitors mentioned the problem of outdated business park at the symposium sustainable building 2008

→ Master plans of outdated business parks didn’t emphasized the aspect flora and fauna. This aspect was more related to C2C. Contact with Robbert Snerp about his research, Biodiversity conservation at business sites, confirmed that business sites are a perfect breeding place for nature.

→ Contact with the municipality of Venlo. They enabled the case study.

Global societal challenges or trends

Business parks have a certain life-cycle. At the start there will be an intake of new companies. Phase 1. And the employment will be increase. Phase 2. In the third phase the companies will grow to a certain level where they get other requirements. The business parks cannot always answer their new needs, like expanding options or more logistic requirements. At the end of this phase the ageing process will start. Features of outdated business parks are the problem of unoccupied buildings, the inefficient spatial use or polluted public spaces.

Besides the economic aspects became social and ecological aspects of business parks more important. Existing research by Buck Consultants International (BCI) has concluded that 17% of the Dutch business parks are outdated. The Dutch Policy is always more focused on new business parks (SenterNovem, 2005). Existing business parks will be faster outdated, the consequences are more inefficient spatial use and/or polluted public spaces. The notion of possibilities of C2C on outdated business parks helps public authorities to focus on policy to upgrade business parks and to develop new business parks for the future.

Motivation

The philosophy C2C is new and has to develop herself by research and practical application. During my master track I got acquainted with C2C and after reading the book I decided to use this philosophy for my thesis. In my opinion the C2C concept to close cycles by waste is food, is interesting. By using this philosophy we will mimic nature.

At the start of my final project I looked for the connection with the building industry. A documentary about a highly polluting steel process company was one of my motivations to start to read about business parks. Primarily outdated business parks because there are fewer developments inside upgrading outdated business parks than new ones.

The outdated business parks provide an unhealthy atmosphere and it’s like waste in our environmental planning.

My motivation of this challenge was: If we can close the cycles, based on C2C, of outdated business parks we could upgrade the parks and extend their life cycle.

APPROACH

Four sub questions are formulated to answer the main question: “To what extent can Cradle to Cradle upgrade the building environment of outdated business parks?”

→ Which aspects are important to apply Cradle to Cradle on business parks?

→ Which aspects are important to revive outdated business parks?

→ What are the aspects to assess outdated business parks based on Cradle to Cradle?

→ To what extent can the aspects of C2C apply to assess outdated business parks?

The research started to make a connection between the philosophy Cradle to Cradle and the building environment of outdated business parks. The first two questions are approached with literature research.

Research question one was mentioned to determine to what extent C2C applies at an area. The goal of the second research question was to create a foundation of aspects to judge outdated business parks. The resources which are used are master plans and revived projects.

The third research question was to relate C2C to the building environment of business parks. The goal was to create indicators to measure the value of the business parks at different aspects based on C2C. The approach was based on a matching principle of literature. Resources are reports on outdated business parks and cycles on business parks.

The last research question was testing the results of question three by means of a case study. This question tested the user friendliness of the created assessment tool

and tested the helpfulness of the assessment tool by creating policy for business parks. At the end of the research the case study was a visual result of the assessment tool.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

During my master I read a lot of books and articles about principles of sustainability. The principles of C2C are exclusive at three points:

→ Close cycles by waste is food. C2C divided cycles into biosphere and techno-sphere.

→ Improvement by upgrading products instead of make it less valuable.

→ Develop technical and natural cycles to upcycle instead of re- or downcycle.

In my opinion C2C is exceeding in comparison with other sustainable principles, because of the ambition to close cycles by waste is food and upcycle products.

The reason why I choose to incorporate the ideas of C2C are the lack of practical experience in the existing building environment and because the philosophy is new and has to develop herself.

I used the concept of making cycles by waste is food and to create more valuable instead of less. I worked with most of the concepts, because the assessment tool is dived into six aspect at different levels. Indicators for material like local and removable products contain the concept material management and techno-sphere. Indicators like use of energy or water, sustainable energy, rain or effluent contain the concept of solar power and bio-sphere. Indicators for flora and fauna like air quality, habitat and growth-restricting contain the concept of celebrate diversity.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

I started with C2C as foundation. I had read and discovered the philosophy before I

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started with the problem of outdated business parks.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

The assessment tool, to judge outdated business parks, is validate ones in this research. That is why it is not suitable for universal use. Recommended is to do more research to improve the assessment tool.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

The ‘puzzle’ is solved by making an assessment tool to judge outdated business parks based on C2C. The assessment tool is developed by literature research and one case study. The literature leaded to six aspects to judge business parks on C2C potential. The aspects are energy, water, material, flora and fauna, land-use structure and infrastructure. The first three aspects are mentioned in different investigations to ecological cycles and durability. It is possible to correlate these three flows.

During my investigation I added three more aspects. The first aspect is infrastructure because this aspect has an important role in business parks. Most master plans of outdated business parks emphasized this aspect. The second aspect is land-use structure. This structure has to deal with the visual and dimensional aspects. The third aspect is flora and fauna. Business sites are a perfect breeding place for nature. It has a positive influence and interaction between the building environment and it can be a part of the C2C concept biosphere.

The assessment tool judges outdated business parks at three levels; macro, meso and micro. The macro level will judge the environment of the business park. The meso level will judge the business parks itself and the micro level will judge the buildings on the business park.

LESSONS LEARNED

I learned that each business park is unique. We cannot apply C2C at an individual level on business parks. That is the reason I made an assessment tool to investigate C2C potentials. The results are a starting point to do further research on development options, instead of an advise on how you can upgrade business parks.

A lack of the assessment tool is the fact that aspects can be in conflict with other aspects. That is the reason why the case study cannot be upgraded completely by the philosophy of C2C. At this time you have to make compromises.

On the other hand, you can upgrade the durability, work climate and delightfulness of the building environment of business parks by using the tool.

Results

The results were an assessment tool and a case study. To use the tool you can make an inventory of the C2C potentials. When the tool, by further research, will be developed to a universal instrument, than it is an interesting tool for public authorities, advisors and environmental planners. They can use the tool for developing policy of business parks and creating visions and advises.

The case study was an assessment of the business park Sunrise Campus. The results of the assessment created starting points for a list of request to upgrade the Sunrise

Campus. The conclusion of the case study was a concept to upgrade this business park by using the list of request.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Research on the improvement of the friendliness use of the assessment tool: Friendliness use is important to make the tool universal and workable. Several assessment tools have to be compared to determine the criteria of a friendliness tool. Besides this research are pilot projects important to experiment with the assessment tool and assess the friendliness use of the tool.

Research for better indicators for the macro and micro level: This final project is based on research report which emphasized the business parks itself. De meso level descripted the business park, that’s why the meso level had more detailed indicators in comparison with the macro and micro level. To do more research on indicators at macro and micro level, the assessment tool will be more reliable.

Weighting of the indicators: Weighting of the indicators of the assessment tool are measured proportional. More research to the proportion of the individual indicators will result in more detailed information about the C2C opportunities.

Specify the assess data of the indicators: The assessment tool is divided into different indicators. Each indicator is classified in standard assess data. Some indicators are global like the indicator economic benefits. Other indicators have global assess data like good, sufficient and bad. The assessment will improve when the assess data of some indicators will be specified.

L INK

http://repository.tue.nl/675779

van Schaik aimed to contribute to upgrading outdated business parks using the C2C approach, as they currently cause environmental problems, are unhealthy and wasteful. Therefore she researched the social context and building environment using the C2C concepts of “Waste = Food”, “Bio- and Techno-sphere” and “Celebrate Diversity”. She distilled indicators to asses these business park on the macro, meso and micro level.

A challenge she faced, and wanted to contribute to in her research was the further development of the C2C approach in the practice of the built environment.

Further readings student theses e.g: Jaramillo, 2013; Vandenbroucke, 2011; de Groot, 2009; Lam, 2008; and related publications e.g.: van Dijk, et al. 2014; Mulhall, Braungart, & Hansen, 2013b; Girardet & Braungart, 2012; Hansen, Braungart, & Mulhall, 2012; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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BUILDING INTEGRATED GREENHOUSES

Name: Michiel Kulik (2009)

Supervisors: Rogier Laterveer, Hogeschool Utrecht

Roland Gunnesch, DHV Shanghai

Paul de Ruiter, Architect

Background info:

Rogier (left) is an enthusiastic architect and teacher, currently in pursuit of a PhD. The circular economy and experimenting in the conservative building sector are his biggest professional drives. This, and his two sons, keeps him up all night.

Michiel (right) never understood why designers put asphalt on roofs. His travels have given him a broad view of different cultures and architecture. He has a strong interest in industrial ecology: His recent Master Thesis for the TU Delft architecture faculty aimed to make the Life Cycle Assessment more understandable, for the case of China’s rapid urbanization of 400 million people.

University: University of Applied Science Utrecht

Faculty: Nature & Technique

Department: Built Environment

Master: Architectural Engineering (Bachelor)

Involved institutes: Priva, Wageningen University, Utrecht University, TU Delft, TU München, EPEA.

ABSTRACT

In 2009 the Happy Healthy School project started as the Bachelor Graduation Research of Hogeschool Utrecht (HU) students Brendan Bakker, Joost Barendregt and Michiel

Kulik. One of the supervisors, Paul de Ruiter architects, had been working on the ‘Zuidkas’ concept, integrating a greenhouse and an office building in the Amsterdam Business District, De Zuidas. De Ruiter pointed out there is a big potential for schools to adopt this concept: the indoor air quality (IAQ) of schools is often low, partly due to high concentrations of CO2 exhaled by the occupants. This can lead to a drop in school performance of 20% (Bakó-Biró et al., 2008)

The IAQ can be improved with vegetation, as plants use the human ‘waste’ CO2 as a nutrient, and produce fresh air and biomass from it. Also schools are often located in areas with outside air pollution like NOx and fine dust, especially in cities near busy roads, which can adversely affect the indoor air quality.

The three students travelled to Shanghai, one of the highly polluted cities in the world, to research the potential of the Building Integrated Greenhouse (BIG) to act as the ‘lung’ of the school. At the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai they won the Knowledge Inc. encouragement prize. Since then the project has evolved to a multi-disciplinary cooperation of HU, University Utrecht (UU), Wageningen University (WUR) and TU Delft (TUD), under the guidance of Rogier Laterveer, Michiel Kulik and Eva Souren.

THE PUZZLE

The synergy of the building and greenhouse seems obvious: people breathe in oxygen and breathe out CO2; plants grow from CO2 and produce oxygen. Besides CO2 various plants have the capacity to metabolise other pollutants (Tarran et al. 2007). The main goal of the graduation research was to use nature’s engineering skills and apply them to the building envelope.

The Netherlands has an advanced greenhouse industry. There is a lot of knowledge of climate control, waste and nutrient management, energy household (including storage) and automation. However many buildings still rely on a sole sensor: the thermostat.

The greenhouse is also in essence a big solar collector. Residual heat could be used as additional building heating, especially in spring and autumn.

By bringing nature, or agriculture, into the school the relation between city children and the food industry can also be reinforced.

Time-frame

The project started in 2009, and since the Shanghai Expo in 2010 several groups of students have continued work on the concept. HU students have amongst other things done research on feasibility, installation technique and modular systems. WUR students have done research on the potential of BIG’s to refresh indoor air and recycle nutrients, and UU students have researched several plants on their air refreshing capacity.

Currently the project is in the process of acquiring a subsidy to do extensive physical tests in the Botanical Garden of UU, and accordingly realise a prototype on top of a building of the HU at the Uithof in Utrecht. In addition, the tests and research are being expanded to the TU Munich.

Global societal challenges or trends

Bad air quality in buildings can be improved with natures engineering skills. Bringing nature back in the building envelope (not just on the roof) doesn’t just have an air filtering potential. It also has a positive effect on the well-being of occupants and their performance. Combining the correct systems, plants and technologies, can optimize cycles of food, nutrients, waste and energy. Also the connection to the food supply is often lost, and this form of urban agriculture can act as an excellent educational tool.

Motivation

Intrinsic motivation and a global challenge. Doing something good! Bad air quality in schools, and in cities in general was the main motivation. The link between different available modern greenhouse systems and buildings (not always so modern) HVAC systems had to be made, as it has great potency to improve the air quality. We wanted to combine the knowledge of biologists, ecologists and growers with the knowledge of architects, engineers and other building specialists.

APPROACH

After the brainstorms with Paul de Ruiter architects, the students got into contact with Priva, a mayor Greenhouse Climate specialist in the Netherlands. The students went to Shanghai, where they were welcomed by DHV Shanghai. The 2009 research focussed mainly on optimizing air flows in the concept and creating an experience for the school children. Visits to e.g. the Shanghai Greenport, where many technologically advanced greenhouses are located, and interviews with greenhouse and building climate experts gave the students an idea of the possible applications of the BIG.

Extensive literature research on the indoor school climate also aided the students to

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apply the concept.

The research had led to more questions then answers and had gained some media attention, leading to an invitation to the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The encouragement prize won there led the way to further research. HU students picked up the project to do additional researches; one of the first being the graduation research of Eva Souren on the application of the concept in the Dutch context.

Through the C2C lab at TU Delft and EPEA a group of WUR students was commissioned to do a research focussing on the bio system.

Most recently a group of UU biology students did a literature research on different plants and their air filtering capacities, focussing on more than just CO2.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

Understanding biological cycles and e.g. the notion that in this case the “waste” CO2 was actually food for plants, was an eye opener for the graduation students. Initially the link with C2C wasn’t even made. However the three students did had a strong interest in a better, ‘sustainable’ approach to architecture. It was clear to them that both biological and technological innovations need to be applied in order to reach the goal of better architecture. The somewhat old-fashioned built environment was facing big challenge.

Besides the Waste = Food concept applied through the use of CO2, an important factor is the use of solar power. In order for the plants to reach their air filtering goal, optimization of the solar income turned out to be an important factor (Duijm et al. 2006). Flat roofs caused an additional problem of unwanted heating up of buildings; plants could make better use of this power to grow and thus to filter the air. Although not the main focus of the research, the students designed the building with a demountable laminated bamboo construction. The bamboo could grow in the greenhouse itself, regenerating the entire building in less than 20 years.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

We focused on the one hand more on the holistic approach and on the other hand we took a stronger course to a prototype. Cradle to Cradle boosted the researchers by confirming they were actually doing something good, not less bad!

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Interdisciplinary research and design processes across biology and building technology doesn’t really exist, or is in a very early stage in the Netherlands. In Germany for example, Baubiologie (Building Biology) is a well-known field.

The bonds between builders and biologists are still under development for the BIG, but mutual interest is there and the project motivates both worlds to cooperate.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

The puzzle is far from being solved: The prototype is an essential factor to getting the answers and see how the concept can be optimized for various situations and locations.

LESSONS LEARNED

There is very little knowledge on the topic. The problems learned from ‘biodomes’ in the 70’s have been solved largely already. Integration of green into buildings seems to have started all over again.

There are many pollutants and all plants have their specializations. Inside air and outside air both have different polluting factors. Of course it would be best if those factors simply weren’t there, but it will probably take another while before the issues are addressed from the source.

The ecosystem is a great machine, with incredibly large, or small, delicate but resilient balances. Creating synergy with somewhat less balanced or predictable factors, the humans in this case, is a challenge. But nothing is impossible and at the base of this lies the gathering of knowledge, which will hopefully lead to a broader use and application of the great ways nature has found to solve problems.

Results

So far the literature studies have been promising, but as mentioned many test have to be done in the prototype. One of the results the project hopes to achieve is to expand the Dutch greenhouse knowledge to the building industry. And of course linking biology and with architecture to make great buildings.

Other solutions

There are many solely technical solutions for the current problems. However, they are often too expensive and therefore not always applied. Especially when it comes to schools, which generally have a limited budget.

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Besides that, a hidden HVAC system will not trigger the senses in a way green can.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Join in! The goal of this research is to gather and share information on an open source basis. Primary schools, high schools, universities, companies and everything in between are welcome to actively participate. As are architects and biologists, or anyone that thinks they can add a piece to the puzzle.

If you are just interested, or would like to see the progress; on www.BIGreenhouses.org you will soon be able to find a live video stream of the prototype with real time measuring results.

REFERENCES

Bakó-Biró, Zs., Kochhar, N., Clements-Croome D.J., Awbi H.B., Williams, M. (2008). Ventilation Rates In Schools And Pupil’s Performance Using Computerised Assessment Tests. School of Construction Management and Engineering. The University of Reading

Boer, R. de, Bouallal, I., Dekker, B., Dubbeldam, M., Eussen, P., Thie, N. (2013). PURA: Plants Used to Refresh Air. University of Utrecht, Biology Department.

Duijm, F., (2006). Toetswaarden voor ventilatie in scholen en kindercentra. GGD

Duijn, B. van, Klein Hesselink, J., Kester, M., Janssen, J., Spitters, H. (2011). Plant in de Klas. Telersvereniging Air So Pure.

Kulik, M. (2009). Happy Healthy School (Shanghai); Chapter ‘Kas als Bron’; p 38-54. Bachelor Thesis. University of Applied Science Utrecht.

Simons, J., Steinbuch, L., Schrauwen, A., Okenna, O-N. (2012). Think BIG!: Building Integrated Greenhouses Which Clean Indoor Air And Recycle Nutrients, Inspired by Cradle to Cradle. Wageningen University of Research.

Souren, E. (2011). Happy Healthy School 2.0 (Nederland). Bachelor Thesis. University of Applied Science Utrecht.

Tarran, J., Torpy, F., and Burchett, M. (2007). Use Of Living Pot-plants To Cleanse Indoor Air. University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

L INK

www.BIGreenhouses.org

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The students that worked on this project started with the aim of improving the indoor air quality in schools through the addition of a greenhouse with plants that clean the air. They all focused on a different aspect of the design, related to their research field. With the design a positive contribution to human health was envisaged, combined with a positive effect on the food cycle, nutrient management, eliminating waste, and energy production in urban areas.

In their design they focused on the C2C-intention “enhance air and climate quality” (see e.g. Braungart, Mulhall, 2010). Currently they work on a prototype to optimise the concept in real life. This is seen as one of the challenges for future research.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Smits, 2012; and related publications e.g.: van Dijk, et al. 2014; Mulhall, Braungart, & Hansen, 2013b; Braungart, McDonough, & Bollinger, 2007.

THE BREATHING GREEN PAVIL ION: THE USAGE OF A L IVING WALL AS A NATURAL AIR PURIF ICATION SYSTEM

Name: Lara Smits (2013)

Supervisors: Leo de Ruijsscher

Suzanne Groenewold

Background info:

Since I was young, I’ve had a great fascination and admiration for nature. I find it very interesting how all the different systems of nature work and co-operate. Especially plants amaze me: how beautiful they can be, how they can adjust to different seasons and circumstances, how they communicate with each other and how they take care of a good air quality (humidity, dust, oxygen). In this chapter I will tell you about a project where I used a natural system to design a solution for the problem of air pollution.

University: Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Architecture

Department: Architectural Engineering

Master: Bachelor Architecture

ABSTRACT

Out of my fascination for nature and my worries for the current phenomenon of air pollution, I wanted to design a sustainable pavilion with a natural air purification system to filter the polluted air. This resulted in The Breathing Green Pavilion: a pavilion which contains an air filter system based on a living wall. Plants are used to filter particulate matter, toxic substances, NO, NO2 and ozone out of the air. Besides filtering out these substances, the plants will also automatically ensure that the humidity and oxygen levels of the air inside the pavilion is of a healthy quality. This solution is not only about the quality of air inside the building. When we look at the pavilion in the larger area, we can even say that it will operate as an air purification system for its surroundings.

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THE PUZZLE

For one of the projects during my Bachelor of Architecture at the TU in Delft, I had to design a pavilion in the former harbour and industrial area in Rotterdam. It was an individual assignment. For my design I had to choose a source of inspiration. This could be anything: music, animals, and water, whatever. So it was a very free assignment.

I researched the harbour area. It showed that it is in many ways highly polluted (the air, the soil, the groundwater etc.). In order to transform this district into a residential area (which is the plan for the future), it needs to be less contaminated.

This triggered me to find a solution for the air pollution problem. Being inspired by nature, I wanted first of all to use a natural way to reduce the amount of toxic substances and particulate matter in the air inside my pavilion. Secondarily, on a larger scale, I wanted to use this same solution to filter the air outdoors to contribute to a better air quality in the city.

Worldwide, the air that we breathe gets more and more contaminated every day. Human beings breathe in approximately a thousand litres of air a day. Bad air quality is a serious problem for our health. In certain cities, the air pollution is already so bad that it causes respiratory problems to its inhabitants. Therefore, my third goal was to use my design to create awareness for the serious issue of air pollution.

Time-frame

The Time-frame of this project was eight weeks. The first two weeks were dedicated to define a personal inspiration and research it. I visited the location to capture the atmosphere and being inspired by these surroundings.

After those two weeks of research, the design process started. In six weeks we had to translate our inspiration and research into a pavilion design. This design process contains three phases: the concept, the draft and the final design.

Global societal challenges or trends

The problem that I choose relates to the global societal challenge of environmental pollution, in specific to the problem of air pollution in large cities.

For many different reasons, the problem of air pollution is a difficult problem. People like to ignore problems that they don’t literally see, and air pollutions if of course quite an ‘invisible’ problem. But what makes this problem even more difficult, is that there are so many different countries and parties involved. It is a very wide problem, which needs a wide range of solutions.

Although people in different countries have become aware of this problem, there are not yet very effective solutions. Governments start taking their responsibilities by making rules about the amount of emissions that companies are allowed to cause per year. But so far this is one of the few solution that is applied for this problem.

Motivation

From age 8 till 20 I have been training on multiple Dance Academies to become a professional dancer. During this period I realized how important for me a healthy lifestyle is to feel happy and energetic. When pursue a healthy lifestyle, there are many different elements: healthy food, physical exercise, quality sleep, natural light, fresh air, etc.

When I came to Delft to study Architecture, my interest in the question ‘how to live a healthy live?’ remained, and it started to play an important role in my all designs.

During my dancing lessons, but also when I study at our University Campus, I am aware of the fact that the indoor-air quality has a big influence on how people feel, think and perform. When there is not enough oxygen in the air, you start feeling dizzy and get a head age. When the air is really dry, your eyes start burning, your lunges get irritated and your skin starts to feel itchy. Therefore I wanted to investigate this topic and try to find a good solution for the question: how to gain a healthy air quality?

APPROACH

In many ways we can learn from nature when we try to find solutions for our (design) problems and challenges. This principle of using nature as our example is called Biomimicry.

Because I have always been fascinated by the smart systems of nature, I really like to use Biomimicry when I start my design process. Taking nature as my example, plants and trees are the most important aspects when it comes to a good air quality. In my research I found that not only the leaves but also the roots of plants play an important role in the nature’s air-filtering system. Therefore I wanted to design a system where the polluted air from outside the building passes both the roots and the leaves of plants. In this way, the maximum purification capacity of the plants is used.

When translating my concept of ‘purifying polluted outdoor air with a natural system’ into a pavilion design, I wanted to choose a form for the pavilion that stimulates a good airflow through the building. Therefore I choose the form of a spiral, which in my point of few is a perfect ‘continuous movement’. In that way, a spiral contributes to a smooth airflow inside the pavilion.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

At the start, I wasn’t aware of the fact that I was going to pursue a C2C design paradigm. But looking back to the design process and to the final result, I can say that I did achieve a goal which perfectly fits into to the C2C philosophy.

I was inspired (or better said: worried) by the problem of air pollution. Therefore I wanted to design a building that would contain a solution for this air pollution problem. With nature as my example, I came up with the idea of making a ‘natural air filter’, to create a better indoor (and outdoor) environment.

Looking back to my project, I realize that this really fits into the C2C design paradigm, because the usage of plants instead of industrial fabricated air filters is very sustainable. The circle of life of plants elapse perfectly through the concept ‘waste

= food’. Applying solar panels to obtain the needed energy for this air filter system made it even more sustainable.

I used solar power to generate the energy that the air filter system needs. I also used plants instead of fabricated materials to filter the air. I think this really fits into the ideas of the C2C design paradigm, because when the system needs to be broken down, these plants are no waist: either they can be re-used in another living-wall/air-filter system, or they can be ‘given back to nature’, or they can be processed into fertilizer for other plants.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

The C2C is very close to my values and my lifestyle. I apply many of these C2C-principles intuitively, without trying to fit everything to ‘the rules of the C2C approach’. Inspiration and creativity to find sustainable solutions for many of our fundamental problems is as important as ‘following the C2C design paradigm’. So it did not chance my approach, but it perfectly matches with my criteria for good

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar PowerCelebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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quality design.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

By combining a few existing concepts/systems, I designed a new natural air purification system and applied this system in my Breathing Green Pavilion. The existing concepts/systems that I used are:

-the way plants work in nature

-the design of the vertical gardens (‘living wall’)

-the latest mechanical air systems (pump, heat exchanger, air filter etc.)

-solar panels

All these concepts or systems work well on their own. By combining their strengths and advantages, I intended to design a living wall that is functioning as a state of the art natural air filtering system. So the challenge is not so much the individual components, but more about: how can we make them work well together in order to guaranty first of all a healthy air quality inside the pavilion. And second that the air emission of the building is of a higher quality than its surroundings. In this way the pavilion functions as an air quality improvement unit. Of course, to be sure that we achieve the expected positive impact on the environment, we need to build, test and measure.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

Use ‘the natural way’ to filter and purify air might sounds easy, but the application of plants in an indoor air system is pretty complex. The basic idea is that plants replace artificial air filters that are used in mechanical air conditioning systems that most buildings contain. To make optimum usage of the purifying qualities of plants, it is crucial to bring the outside air in touch with the roots of the plants. That brought me to the idea of using a ‘living wall’ for my filter system.

These living walls, ‘vertical gardens’, are now only used for facade-decoration. Plants grow in a porous material, which is fixed to the facade with anchors. The plants are fed by a system which pumps water with nutrition to the top of the wall. The water will seep downwards through the porous material of the wall, and feeds the plants. At the bottom of the wall, the water is collected, and (after new nutrition is adjusted to the water) will be pumped up again in this circular system.

The polluted ‘air-in’ is pumped into a box. One side of this box is perforated, so that the air will be pushed through the porous material of the living wall, and will be filtered by the roots and the leaves of the plants (see image before). The purified air circulates into the building.

To keep the wall working under all sorts of circumstances, the pressure and temperature of the outdoor air that enters the purifying system must be controlled. The required energy for this system comes from solar panels on the roof of the

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building. After usage, the air leaves the building. A heat exchanger makes sure that the thermal heath can be re-used.

My assumption is that the air that leaves the building will be cleaner than the air that enters the building, so the Breathing Green Pavilion contributes to a better environment.

Lessons learned

Most importantly, I have learned how to translate a very general problem into a tangible solution: a system that can be applied in buildings.

I’ve also learned that applying the basic principles of and lessons from nature in every day solutions and design challenges is so much smarter than most of the orthodox technology thinking.

Results

My design so far has been received well by fellow students and researchers from the TU Delft. I was invited to write a magazine article about my about the Breathing Green Pavilion. And I hope that I will be able to implement the concept in a real-live design soon.

Other solutions

There are many other ways of approaching the problem of air pollution. To find a solution for this problem, as well for the bad air conditions in buildings as for the more general problem of air pollution in the environment. All these different approaches can lead to different solutions for this problem.

But for my approach, where I used nature as my example, the usage of plants is a very logic direction to choose for the design. Also, this usage of plants contains many advantages, because plants are already complex systems on their own.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For further research it would be necessary to test the designed natural air purification system. Multiple experiments have proved that plants are able to purify the air. But to make sure that the designed system works properly, a test model needs to be build and the results need to be measured.

Also it would be interesting to do some more research around the plants, to try to find out which plants are the most effective to apply in this system.

Smits started her project motivated by a personal experience and her fascination for nature. She aimed to design a pavilion that contributed to the purification of polluted air and, therewith, positively affect human health and productivity, within the building and for the surroundings. During the design process she realized that this aim fits the C2C design approach. Smits focused on a building element (the wall) and the C2C-intention “enhance air and climate quality” (see e.g. Braungart, Mulhall, 2010).

She referred to the concept of Biomimicry, as she learned from natural systems (roots and leaves of plants) when designing her pavilion. She solved her puzzle combining different techniques that could contribute to her design aim. The challenge for further research would be test this design in real life.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Souren, 2011, Kulik, 2009 and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al. 2014; van Dijk, et al. 2014; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

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CLOSING THE MATERIALS CYCLES; IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES

Name: Ir. Ifigeneia Riga (2012)

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Ir. A.A.J.F. vd Dobbelsteen

Ir. J.F. Engels

Ir. S.C. Groenewold-Stengs

Ir. S. van Dijk

Background info:

Having earned my Diploma as an Architect Engineer, I continued to my Master of Science studies in Delft University of Technology in 2010, in order to gain further insight into the essential aspect of architectural “how”, studied by the specialization of Architectural Engineering. My research interests under this scope lied in studies related to environmental issues; existing and arising challenges of the interdependent natural and built environments, which can be partially explored and “answered” by building technologies as a way towards the realization of an environmentally conscious architectural approach.

University: Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Architecture

Department: Architectural Engineering and Technology

Master: Architectural Engineering

ABSTRACT

This thesis concerns an alternative design approach in relation to architecture’s inherent nature of materialisation. Opposed to the current prevailing context of a linear building process, design and construction methods are studied through a technical research and a research by design in order to understand the framework and set the related strategies of a Closed Material Cycles architectural design.

A Closed Material Cycles design approach - where materials remain in productive use after their service lifespan as technical and/or biological nutrients- is the technical topic, which gives specific directions and outputs for the conduction of a hotel building design proposal in Scheveningen harbour in the city of Den Haag.

Design frameworks aiming to setting Closed Material Cycles strategies and methodologies are examined as a first stepping stone towards an architecture which effectively addresses environmental issues caused by the misuse of materials through the design practice.

Accordingly, three basic aspects are set as design objectives: the utilisation of design strategies which allow for the recollection of materials, the selection of materials and processes which have positive effects on humans and environmental health, and the selection of materials and processes which allow for their perpetual reutilisation as technical or biological nutrients.

THE PUZZLE

Currently, when trying to approach a sustainable building design, not all related design aspects such as materials safety, wastes involved and recyclability possibilities are taken into consideration. Thus, a holistic design effectively addressing environmental issues by closing the materials cycle is not approached, therefore causing the building industry to inadvertently retain overall linearity of the materials life cycle.

The puzzle to be solved deals with three main challenges related to an architectural design:

→ The complexity of a building’s systems, its various components, their materials and the design strategies used to integrate them into a whole, are not viewed in a way that allows for a thorough plan of Closed Materials Cycle to be approached.

→ During the life cycle of the building, from extraction of materials phase until the end-of-life phase, hazardous and toxic products, by-products and processes are often being used and released, having a negative impact on human and environmental health.

→ Materials and processes currently used for the realisation of a building, rarely allow for continuous reuse, recycle, and wastes treatment into the technical and biological cycles.

Time-frame

Starting in November 2011 when the proposed research topic of Closing the Materials Cycles was defined, by January 2012 the preliminary research had formed the “puzzle”; its related questions to be answered as well as the objectives that would further guide an architectural proposal as starting points. In April 2012 the theoretical findings of the research were identified, and through evaluative loops with a “bottom-up” design process the criteria for the final building proposal were set. By May 2012, the technical research was completed, and the architectural design had found the way towards its final form, which through an evaluative process resulted to the final answer (thesis report and design proposal) in July 2012.

Global societal challenges or trends

Industrial environmental management has developed through various views during the last decades. In the last years attention has been drawn to the aspect of misuse of materials and resources whose demand continues to grow but availability is becoming scarcer. Hence, greater attention must be given to more effective use of these resources relative to the materials cycle. The building industry most commonly operates in an open cycle system in which resources are extracted from the earth to be used and finally exit as waste. A linear design approach in architecture can lead to design solutions of systems which seldom comply with possibilities for perpetual reusability and recyclability, not effectively addressing the scarcity problem. At the same time products and processes are often not adequately viewed under the scope of human and environmental health during their Life Cycle.

Motivation

The motivation for facing this challenge derives from understanding the possibilities which a closed material cycles design could offer to a more effectively sustainable architectural practice. Materials misuse in the context of highly consumerist developed societies is related to the construction industry, since the larger amount of extracted materials is used for emerging constructions, in an open product design system. In the current architectural practice building sub-systems and their components are frequently designed under the scope of energy efficiency as the main priority for a sustainable design. However, dynamic approaches which would also include waste management, toxicity avoidance, recyclability and reutilisation issues, are rarely addressed. The concept of closed life cycle material flows in architecture can provide a more holistic approach to the materials scarcity and related environmental occurring issues. By applying such strategies, one can talk about a “viable” architecture, expanding the meaning of sustainability.

APPROACH

Through desk research frameworks dealing with a Closed Material Cycles (CMC) design have been examined and accordingly the basic research and design objectives were set: the appropriate systematisation of the building utilising CMC design

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strategies, the identification of materials and processes which can comply with the previous design strategies while being safe for humans and the environment, and the identification of materials and processes which allow for the perpetual re-utilisation of materials as technical or biological nutrients.

The first part of systematisation of the building aimed to the identification of design criteria and tools which can allow for the design of the building systems through CMC. This part was based in literature review in order to identify the theoretical conditions involved, and a case studies analysis to define the practical conditions of CMC design strategies implementation.

Continuing, in the part of materials’ and processes’ health for humans and the environment, selection criteria related to the materials’ life cycle impacts and health hazards were defined through relevant theoretical studies and collected data based on literature review and existing enquiries.

The final aspect of materials’ recovery is directly connected to the possibilities of recollected materials to be perpetually reutilised through natural or industrial processes. The distinction between the biological and technical cycles has been made based on theoretical research, and the criteria which need to be met for the perpetual recovery of materials have been identified.

These technical and theoretical findings were further analysed and examined through research by design, which concerned the conduction of a design proposal for the refurbishment and extension of an existing structure as a hotel building in Scheveningen harbour, in The Hague.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

The aim of this research was to examine, review and utilise strategies which consider the materialisation of a building as a closed cycle, rather than an open loop which results in waste. In this context, the C2C design paradigm provided a solid and coherent research material basis, having as one of its basic key points towards a closed loop design process the importance of the “end of life” phase of industrialised products. Rather than waste, C2C considers materials as “food” for the natural and

industrial environments, and this concept was crucial for the conduction of this thesis.

The basic C2C concept which was utilised was “Waste=Food”, as the most important precondition for a closed loop design. At the same time “Design for Disassembly” is a design criteria which needs to be met in order for the materials to remain in productive use for the natural and/or industrial environments. This “productive use” does not only refer to recycling, but as C2C analyses, to “upcycling” the recovered building materials as nutrients for the “Bio-sphere” or the “Techno-sphere”; continuing their life cycle either as consumption or service products respectively.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Throughout the research process, from the theoretical to the design phase, aspects of the C2C paradigm were utilised, either as research answers or as design criteria. These highly affected the outcomes of the technical research part adding the aspects of “materials health” and “perpetual recovery” which other frameworks dealing with

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

a CMC design approach do not analyse since they focus mainly on the aspect of design for disassembly strategies. Similarly, for the research by design part of the thesis, these three conditions altogether acted as architectural criteria, exceeding standardised design strategies which aim mainly to the recyclability or reuse of building components.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Design aspects based on the directions of design for disassembly cannot be generalised as a design tool for architects, since the different nature of every project sets a variety of priorities, freedoms and limitations. As far as the aspects of materials’ health and perpetual recovery are concerned, more challenges arise, since a deep knowledge of other disciplines such as chemistry and industrial ecology is required for the maximum understanding of materials nature and flows in the natural and built environment. At the same time, utilising the C2C paradigm highlighted the limitations which exist in the current building products market, both in the information provided for designers as well as in the variety of products which can easily comply with a CMC design goal.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

Starting from the technical research results, the choices for materials and construction strategies vary. Although specific materials such as composites and potentially toxic ones are excluded, as well as construction methods such as chemical ones and welded components, still the final selection for a CMC architectural proposal remains to be found within a wide range of options. The answer can be found only by asking the right question in relation to the system to be designed, as different CMC configurations can occur. Since design for disassembly is a precondition for the further recovery, the material selection can be narrowed down by defining and planning the continuation of its life cycles. Instead of asking “what the system is” the question to be answered is “what it will become”.

Based on the design context a research on a variety of materials used by the dominant fishing industry of Scheveningen identifies the wooden transportation pallet as one of the most commonly used. Thus, pallet elements are used to form

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building components, which are at their end-of-life recollected and recovered-remanufactured as pallet systems. Design for Disassembly techniques allow the recollection of elements and the effective use of materials. This enclosing system is further evolved into different types of components to serve a hotel’s various functions appropriately. Their materialisation complies with the pallet’s timber species requirements, while ensuring that the material does not impose any hazards for human and environmental health during its lifecycle and at the same time meets the building regulations for hotels.

Lessons learned

In order to successfully approach a Closed Materials Cycles architectural design, there are various aspects which need to be addressed and prioritised. These concern the application of specific design techniques through a bottom-up design strategy which deals with all building systems (skin, structure, services, interior, etc.) reaching a flexible planning to the pure material level of each. At the same time, to achieve a CMC design, a coherent market research needs to be done in order to identify and select materials which after their service lifespan in the building can be further recovered either as biological or technical nutrients without imposing hazards for the environmental or human health during their lifecycles.

Results

The thesis results are based on a scientific research focused on a current environmental challenge which can be addressed -amongst other fields- through architecture. The three basic theoretical answers were translated to the formation of a concept and its further materialisation into a building enclosing component. The latter, by its turn, becomes a sub-system of an overall hotel building design based on techniques which allow for the recollection of materials, and by selecting materials which can be safely recovered through industrial or natural processes. At the same time building performance requirements are met and local climate conditions are addressed through materials selection and design strategies, resulting to the final architectural proposal.

Other solutions

As far as the theoretical part of the research is concerned, currently the three C2C inspired objectives which were set as design criteria in order to approach a Closed Material Cycles architectural approach seem to provide a holistic view of the “puzzle”. Without all three conditions of 1) the systematisation of the building sub-systems in such a way that allows for their successful disassembly, 2) being healthy for humans and the environment, and 3) being able to be recovered as technical or biological nutrients being met, a CMC design cannot be overall achieved.

However, concerning the design part of the thesis one solution out of many was given as a creative answer to the theoretical objectives which were set, based on the current design context. Starting from the enclosing components of the building and utilising a combination of design strategies and materials’ selection which can comply with a CMC building design resulted to the final architectural proposal. Overall, many CMC design proposals could occur, suggesting infinite opportunities for a truly environmentally conscious architecture.

L INK

http://repository.tudelft.nl/view/ir/uuid%3Aa72e4489-7924-460e-95e9-7be3614f53c0/

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Riga aimed to design a hotel, inspired by the C2C approach to effectively address environmental issues in the building sector. She focused on design strategies for recollecting materials as bio- and techno-nutrients and selecting materials and processes that have a positive effect on human and environmental health. In the theoretical part of her research she elaborated how the C2C concepts “Waste=Food”, “Bio- and Techno-sphere” and “Design for Disassembly” could contribute to the concept of Closed Material Cycles.

A challenge she faced was how to integrate the knowledge from other research fields such as chemistry and industrial ecology and the limited information on how to use the C2C approach in her field as well as the limited availability of C2C materials.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Vandenbroucke, 2011; de Groot, 2009 and related publications e.g.: van Dijk, et al. 2014; Mulhall, Braungart, & Hansen, 2013b; Hansen, Braungart, & Mulhall, 2012; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

CRADLE TO CRADLE IN REGIONAL DESIGN

Name: Ir. arch. Mieke Vandenbroucke (2011)

Supervisors: Dr. ir. arch. Niels De Temmerman

Dr. ir. arch. Wim Debacker

Background info:

Graduated in 2012 as Master of Science in Architectural Engineering, option: Architectural design (elective courses: Design of concrete structures, Building physics 2, Structural renovation techniques, Internship and Day lighting in Buildings). Interested in a balance between nature and mankind.

University: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Faculty: Engineering

Department: Department of Architectural Engineering

Master: Architectural Engineering

Involved institutes: VITO, Flemisch Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium

ABSTRACT

This thesis provides an insight in the advantages and the challenges of applying the Cradle to Cradle approach within the construction sector.

Existing projects, based on the Cradle to Cradle approach, were compared with sustainable projects using a multi-criteria analysis. During the drafting of the analysis it became clear that the concept is not inconsistent with sustainable interventions and that the added value of Cradle to Cradle is its materialization. Yet, this is hardly noticeable for the examined projects. The Cradle to Cradle projects do score high in terms of biodiversity, self-sufficiency of water and energy.

A list of possible building materials and techniques was established by a literature study. The list of materials is relatively long and contains mainly biological materials. But during the application of those materials on a case study in the design part of this master thesis the disassembly of the components appeared to be a big challenge in order to close the cycle on material level.

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Many natural resources can be used for services, but they provide less comfort than the mechanical solutions. That is why an elaborated case is provided with a combination of the two.

THE PUZZLE

I wanted to solve several ‘puzzles’, I wanted to know the answer on several questions:

→ Are the concepts ‘Cradle to Cradle’ and ‘sustainability’ that different, like Braungart and McDonough, founders of C2C, claim?

→ Do existing projects, based on the Cradle to Cradle approach, score higher than ‘sustainable projects in terms of material use, renewable energy generation, etc.?

→ Are there sufficient C2C-materials to make a whole building out of C2C-materials? Can we use other materials than C2C-labelled materials?

→ Can we make a building/ a site that is self-sufficient and that complies with the waste equals food principle?

→ Can we implement the existing knowledge on a case study?

Time-frame

I started in July 2010 with a literature study and with defining a possible case study. A Multi-Criteria-Analysis was made in autumn 2010 and this analysis was used to evaluate several projects. At the same time a Masterplan for the case was designed. Subsequently, one of the buildings of the Masterplan was developed in detail by using a list of materials and techniques established in the theoretical part. I finished this master thesis in June 2011.

Global societal challenges or trends

Despite the fact the construction industry is responsible for 30% of the total waste

production and 50% of the extracted raw materials (Eurostat 2008), Belgium remains building in the same (static) way. The main part of construction and demolition waste is in fact recycled, but the recycling process occurs often with a quality descent by mixing different materials (OVAM 2011). For instance concrete rubble is almost exclusive reused as foundation material for roads and only 5% of the concrete rubble is used again in high-qualitative concrete applications (Vrijders & Desmyter 2008).

The need for new buildings materials and the production of waste can be minimized by implementing the time dimension in the design phase. Therefore, buildings can more easily anticipate functional, technical or social changes during their life cycle. Namely by using compatible components and reversible connections, building components can be added and removed to fulfil new requirements.

Motivation

The latest decades, the awareness of the polluting and negative environmental effects of conventional production processes has grown significantly. Also, the awareness has increased that the limited resources stocks are shrinking fast and waste production is growing.

The answer to this problem is often limited to legislative measures to encourage an efficient production process, consequently emissions are being restricted and waste recycled. This waste treatment is often accompanied by a loss of quality, so the founders of the C2C-concept call the regaining process “downcycling”. Downcycling is only a postponement of an irreversible Cradle to Grave process.

The C2C-concept is created during the search for a less destructive industry. Braungart and McDonough hope to solve the concerns with their concept without compromising with modern consumption behaviour and with increased comfort requirements.

APPROACH

This master thesis is divided in two parts: a research and a design part. In the research part, the concept is firstly critically discussed by a literature study. Secondly, a multi-

criteria-analysis is established in order to compare sustainable projects with projects based on the Cradle to Cradle approach. Throughout the development of this analysis, it becomes clear what the added value is of the concept and if the concept is inconsistent with a sustainable development or not. By evaluating C2C-projects, it appears in which degree the concept is already been applied in the construction sector and what the challenges still are. In the last section of the research part, the feasibility of the Cradle to Cradle-concept in the construction industry is estimated by a literature study, in terms of building materials and techniques, with as a result a list of possible usable materials and techniques.

The concept is applied in a second part of this thesis on the design of the site of Tour & Taxis in Brussels. In a first phase, a master plan for the site is designed in collaboration with Glen Buts, Sanne Claeys and Evy Verwimp. In a second phase, one of the buildings of the master plan is further elaborated according to the Cradle to Cradle-approach. The list of techniques, elaborated in the research part, is used to do so. A first step to detail and materialize the project is done too. Through the implementation of the established knowledge of the research part an insight is provided in the feasibility of the concept. By connection this conclusion with the conclusions of the research part a final conclusion is obtained of the feasibility of the concept.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

The concept ‘Cradle to Cradle’ has become a worldwide hype after the publication of ‘Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things’ (2002). In times in which people remain persistent in Cradle to Grave-products - despite the growing awareness of the boundaries of the use of resources -, Braungart and McDonough announce a positive and healthy world in order to end pollution and the depletion of valuable resources. Since the nutrients of Cradle to Grave - products are lost after use by combustion or deposit.

The concept was described some years ago and ever since the quest is started to transform theory to practice. The book inspired managers, designers and producers to handle the production process differently. Though, the construction industry follows slowly. There are already some C2C-buildings constructed, but the use of the

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concept remains limited; this because of the complexity of a building and a lack of scientific research.

By designing a building and its surroundings all above-mentioned concepts come together. All concepts are therefore used in the design part and researched in the theoretical part to a greater or lesser extent. For example, in the design part, the site Tour&Taxis was made self-sufficient in terms of energy, fresh air, water, food and thermal comfort by the use of renewable sources. Furthermore the materials were selected carefully so they fulfil the principle ‘waste equals food’.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

In my opinion, Cradle to Cradle doesn’t change the way of doing research that much, but rather the way of designing. You have to take the three principles (respect diversity, waste equals food and use current solar income) into account already from the start of the design process. For example, the surface needed to clean waste water is too big to integrate it just at the end of the design process. The way

projects are materialised changes too. You start with a limited list of possible building materials, whereby you try to make an architectural design. The starting point of a more conventional design is an architectural image you want to obtain and then you try to find the appropriate materials to create this image. It is the other way around.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

In order to upcycle the materials after use, the building elements should be assembled demountable. In collaboration with Kevin Bartholome, Bert Belmans, Glen Buts and Sien Walravens, a system was developed to make this possible. This system consists of a small number of standardized components that can be slid in each other. By combining different components, closets, walls and floors can be made; and by providing small holes in the components, walls can be coated or doors can be placed and so on. The large openings between the components can be filled with insulating material, so the system can also be an exterior wall, or can be used as a floor.

The intention was to use this system as the construction of the building. However, it was still insufficiently developed to convert current plans into detailed plans.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

To examine the added value of the Cradle to Cradle-concept some projects were analysed. Two projects are based on the concept and two on a sustainable development.

To compare those projects, an instrument was established in order to make it possible to give a value judgment of the revised projects. There has been chosen for a multicriteria-analysis (MCA), more specific a multi-criteria-decision analysis (MCDA), to guarantee the transparency during the evaluation process. A MCDA gives an overview of different options, from the most desired to the less desired option. A MCDA consists of a limited list of options and criteria. The options are in this case the revised projects. The criteria get for every option an absolute score and a relative weight (Department for Communities and Local Governments, 2009). An averaged weighting results from multiplying those values. These results are subsequently summoned for all criteria to outcome an end score. Additionally, the end score can

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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be compared for every option.

LESSONS LEARNED

The novelty of the Cradle to Cradle-concept is that it combines already known ideas in an overall approach and in a comprehensible language. Besides, the approach is different from former concepts: the ecological footprint doesn’t have to be reduced, but should become a positive footprint.

However, sustainable measures seem not to be contradictory with Cradle to Cradle. Many C2C-criteria are already presented in a sustainable development. The preparation of the multi-criteria-analysis showed that the added value of the concept relative to a sustainable development relates mainly to the materialisation of buildings and sites.

Moreover, it seems theoretically already possible to implement the C2C-concept on buildings in terms of materials. The drawn list of materials is relatively long and contains mainly biological materials. These materials are not yet applied in the examined projects. Additionally, the materials cannot be regained easily due to the non-demountable construction. This appears to be in the design part the most difficult step too.

Results

In order to meet the C2C-concept in terms of technical installations, the building should be self-sufficient in terms of electricity, water, ventilation and thermal and visual comfort. In the examined C2C-projects these high ambitions are already largely fulfilled.

By the use of natural resources a large extent of the demanded comfort can be achieved, without any form of waste: rainwater can be used for several functions, daylight can be drawn deeply in the building,… The disadvantages of those natural systems are the required surface and the controllability. In addition, extra installations, of which the recyclability is doubtable, are needed if the comfort level has to be further optimized.

Other solutions

A C2C-label with a “platinum” level fulfils nearly the basic principles of the C2C-philosophy. Although there is still no building product on the market present that has a platinum-label, we can assume that there do already building materials exist with a high C2C-potential, like loam, timber and straw.

For other building materials on the market, which do not fit in a closed cycle of materials, the life /usage expectancy can be prolonged by building demountable. As a result, these materials can be reused easily.

The implementation of the principle “waste equals food” is only possible if the construction materials are not contaminated and can be regained easily. For example, a glued floor-covering is problematic. A demountable connection offers again a possible solution.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There is criticism on the encouraged consumption, both in terms of materials, as in terms of energy. For example, the large amounts of biodegradable nutrients could cause infrastructural problems. The supply of renewable resources raises objections, the supply of rare metals needed for generating these forms of energy too. It is therefore strongly recommended to combine eco-effectiveness with eco-efficiency.

Further research is needed in order to apply the list of proposed building materials and techniques. For example it should be examined if the suggestions meet other requirements asked by society and government, such as fire-resistance, costs,… as well.

Moreover, the established list of materials is relatively short and should be further finalized, so a building can consist only out of upcyclable materials.

In order to regain all materials after use, further research is necessary in terms of

disassembly of building elements. The building system, developed in the design part, has potential, but should be elaborated more in detail.

The list with techniques can be developed more in detail too. The mechanical solutions should be redesigned in such way that the materials of the installations can be recycled or the components reused.

REFERENCES

Braungart, M., & McDonough, W. (2002). Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things. New York, USA: North Point Press.

Department for Communities and Local Governments (2009). Multi-criteria analysis: a manual. United Kingdom, London: Department for Communities and Local Governments.

Eurostat (2008). Eurostat. Waste Statistics - Long-term Trends. http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/.

OVAM (2011). OVAM. Bouw- En Sloopafval: De Helft van Ons Afval. http://www.ovam.be.

Vrijders, J., & Desmyter, J. (2008). Een Hoogwaardig Gebruik van Puingranulaten Stimuleren, Mechelen, België: OVAM.

Vandenbroucke aimed to find out whether C2C and sustainability are different concepts when applied in building design. Hereby she choose to focus on the materials used and renewable energy. Her thesis can be divided into a theoretical part and a design part. She attempted to design a C2C inspired building by using a materials list instead of an architectural image.

Her research revealed the challenges of material selection in a design process. These include: 1) are C2C certified materials always the only and best choice?; 2) How can materials of a building go back into the bio-sphere or techno-sphere?; 3) Which metabolism is most appropriate?; 4) How to adapt the technical details to allow design for disassembly?; 5) How can a designer include a use period in a design?.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Riga, 2012 and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; van Dijk, et al. 2014; Hansen, Braungart, & Mulhall, 2012; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

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MATERIALIZ ING WITH CRADLE TO CRADLE

Name: Ir. Sanne de Groot (2009)

Supervisors: dr. ir. F. Veer

ir. P. van Swieten

prof. dr. ir. A. van den Dobbelsteen

Background info:

Motivated to work on a more sustainable built environment. Cradle to Cradle materials, energy efficiency, and innovative solutions are means. When studying Building Technology at TU Delft, skills are gained for developing and comparing alternatives. Knowledge of integrated systems can help with this. Current research in the field of Industrial Ecology concerns environmental impacts of organizations. Scoping, accounting, LCA databases and units of comparison brings existing practical tools together.

University: Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Architecture

Department: Department of Building Technology

Master: Materials Research and Design

Involved institutes: NIBE, Meerlanden

ABSTRACT

The draft design used for this graduation project was made by NIBE. It is a pavilion for the waste processing company Meerlanden.

Technical or bio materials are integrated in techno-sphere and biosphere designs. A 100% closed cycle design still leaves different options. LCA calculations helped to make a choice between these options. Some prototypes have been made and are tested on strength and deformation. Conclusion is a structure of extruded kenaf core fibre elements. Kenaf is a fast and harsh growing crop that can be manufactured in a constructive material.

THE PUZZLE

The main challenge is to design a building with a 100% closed cycle. A criteria in the design that will be tested is that it is totally biodegradable. This means that no synthetic glue or steel will be used, only natural materials and glass where needed. The design given has a span of nine meters with a limited height. The roof is a major challenge. So first priority is selecting, designing and testing the roof.

Energy use of the building is not the main challenge. Low temperature floor heating could be solved with waste heat from a nearby composting facility. Ventilation can be natural with windows that open and grills.

Time-frame

After writing a learning plan there were six months to come with a design solution. Different variants where explored and compared in a structured way. Eventually these had to come together in a single design.

Building variants and testing them was done together with students as part of their course. This saved a lot of time because three teams could each work on one variant. Straw plates used in structural tests are obtained from BCA-Boards

Global societal challenges or trends

Natural resources such as oil, metals and wood are becoming scarcer. Fast growing fibre crops could replace them in some applications to save valuable resources.

Earthship (Reynolds, 2000) elements are proposed in the draft design. Materials from the waste flows handled by Meerlanden are available within several kilometres. Dumpsters and greenhouses are being phased out and the material can be reused. Cradle to Cradle would fit the ambition of Meerlanden to transform from a waste processer into a material supplier. A pavilion that could be made from waste streams would be the perfect scenario. Reusable, recyclable or biodegradable buildings are beneficial in the future.

Motivation

Being fascinated of eco materials I chose to investigate how far the Cradle to Cradle principles could be integrated in a building. The assignment that I found was at small scale but with some challenging aspects like a long construction spans and recycled materials.

APPROACH

The process is being structured with a scheme for decision-based design approach (van Loon, Binnekamp, & Burger, 2008). Design functions are being determined, followed by generating design solutions, choosing a possible design, elaborating functions and finalising details.

Existing C2C methodologies are not very specific materialisations of buildings. That is why an own methodology is developed to materialize a Cradle to Cradle building. The following steps have been proposed and applied:

→ step 1: select existing building system and determine technical or biological cycle

→ step 2: investigate possibility of reuse for longer life span

→ step 3: select sustainable, healthy and efficient materials for target life span

→ step 4: dimension construction and enclosure to fit the criteria

→ step 5: detail for disassembling and reuse or recycle

→ step 6: compare design alternatives on environmental impact with Life Cycle Assessment.

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CRADLE TO CRADLE

It can be questioned whether the implementation of environmental movements really would result in a sustainable society. Also Cradle to Cradle still isn’t perfect yet. If a product is 99% Cradle to Cradle there are still unsustainable effects. It is only less bad! In the future only a society with no waste will be sustainable. If that future without waste is really possible than it makes sense to make a start and make it as best as possible although it will not be perfect yet. This report investigates how far one could go with Cradle to Cradle until the detail level.

Following from the assignment this research will focus on the research of a material. This also includes material selection and design of the testing prototype.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Designing with Cradle to Cradle principles is interesting. They can result in an unusual design with interesting architecture. Ambitions of compostable or reusable buildings communicate a distinctiveness. A trap is to remain dogmatic in being 100% good.

Complexity of for example window connections are not solved in the first time. But questioning existing solutions results in coming with new ideas and alternatives. So it enhances innovation incentives.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Using materials like before the first industrial revolution involves advanced crafts and scarce use of unsustainable materials. This is not always possible today. And today’s designs require forms that cannot be made from only natural materials. The only way to materialise this design is to use technical materials like recyclable watertight foil.

Does this mean that it is a failure if 100% Cradle to Cradle is not achieved? In my opinion not because it shows that innovation can reach the destination at the end. This may be done in little steps but is must happen if we want to give our children the same opportunities that we have.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

A common FJI-beam has a glue connection between web and flanges. For the Kerto flanges, OSB web and connections is normally formaldehyde glue used. The research shows other options to make a long I- shaped beam. In this design the entire building would exist of elements similar to hollow core slabs. These elements could be extruded from compressed kenaf core fibres under conditions where a natural binder comes free.

The connection of the wall to roof also has demountable connections. The walls are load bearing. Wood side beams connect different tube elements. The roof tube elements are placed on the wood side beam with dowels.

LESSONS LEARNED

Kenaf is a plant originated from south Asia. It belongs to the family of bast plants just like hemp, ramie and jute. The seeds provide an oil that is used for food, cosmetics and bio fuels. The sterns consist of long outer bast fibres and fine inner core fibres. Under high pressure, heating to 200 °C and steam, the kenaf core fibres release a

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

natural binder that makes the internal bonding as strong as MDF (Xu et al., 2006).

To control humidity in the kenaf elements, a coating is needed. Food industries use bee wax coatings to improve the freshness duration. A problem with an outside wax layer is that it will trap moisture on the inside with condensation as result. A solution is to apply a wax layer on the inside as well to lower the vapour pressure.

Results

From the life cycle assessment follows that the wood joints option has the least hidden environmental costs. This is with a life span of 70 years but also with 35 years it would still be the best environmental option. However, the wood joints option is not fitting the functional design criteria so it is not chosen as final design.

Kenaf core elements are concluded to be the best overall option with further researched needed on long term behaviour. Its simplicity makes larger scale application possible such as replacing hollow core slabs in roof applications.

Other solutions

Three other design solutions are considered before choosing the extruded kenaf core elements.

→ Steel I-beams (Planjja)

Steel can be combined with other technical materials to an economical construction. If the building loses its function the roof can be reassembled or melted for new materials.

→ Steel-wood hybrid (FlexFrame)

Steel is often used in combination with wood for construction and joints. The elements from FlexFrame have a steel main construction with a total height of 360 mm and are covered with wood board.

→ Wood joints

Building practice was sustainable until the industrial revolution. Scarcity of materials and cheap labour made complex details possible. Traditional systems are a source inspiration for sustainable construction.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Using natural fibre boards are a suitable option for interior applications. Extrusion of kenaf core boards for structural purposes has some uncertainties that need further research. Effects of moisture and long term effects can be compared with MDF that shows a comparable creep behaviour. Conclusions from Fernandez (1998) are that the stress should remain below 20% of MOR to avoid rupture. Also a high relative humidity should be avoided.

Market study determines if extrusion of natural fibre boards is feasible. Applying it on a larger scale has advantages to get a return of investment on the extrusion machines.

REFERENCES

Fernandez, J. I., Diez Barra, M. R. (1998). Long-term deformation of MDF panels under altering humidity. conditions, Wood schience and Technology. Spain: Springer-Verlag.

Reynolds, M. (2000). Comfort in any climate. Taos, United States: Solar Survival Press.

van Loon, P. P., Binnekamp, R., & Burger, J. (2008). A decision-based design approach. In W. Poelman & D. Keyson (Eds.), Design processes. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: IOS Press BV.

Xu, J., Widyorini, R., Yamauchi, H., & Kawai, S. (2006). Development of binderless fiberboard from kenaf core. Journal of Wood Science, 52(3), 236-243.

L INK

http://repository.tudelft.nl/assets/uuid:317e7027-f1ec-4216-b5c7-a9253c1fb2a7/sannedegroot_report090622.pdf

De Groot investigated how far a designer can go with the C2C approach on the level of an architectural detail. He aimed to design in a closed loop cycle, while using biodegradable materials which could return to the bio-sphere, for which he developed a methodology to materialize a C2C inspired building. As a final step he compared his solution whit two alternatives using Life Cycle Assessment.

The challenges of this research include selecting the bio-sphere or the techno-sphere and the (dis)advantages this entails for a specific design solution. While the C2C-goal in the techno-sphere would be upcycling, in the bio-sphere the C2C goal would be to focus on the added value and the positive impact the materials of the design could have in the next phase of the cascade model.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Riga, 2012; Bjørn, 2012; Wiersma, 2009; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; van Dijk, et al. 2014; Mulhall, et al., 2013a; Bjørn, et al. 2013; Bor, et al., 2011; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

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“… for me [C2C] was a new way of creating beautiful products that do not harm

nature (including humans).” (van Balgooi, 2009)

3. ARTS

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ECO-EFFECTIVE FASHION DESIGN - A DIFFERENT MINDSET

Name: Ms. Fioen van Balgooi (2009)

Supervisors: Hein Eberson

Annette Heinen

Jessica Gysel

Henk Slager

Background info:

I did my Bachelor in Fashion Design. During my degree I spend half a year at Ghent (Belgium) to master the ancient techniques of weaving, knitting and design sketching. After my degree I followed the C2C design training of the EPEA in 2009. In my work I also use design visions like biomimicry, emotionally durable design, kaizen and design for human needs, together these contribute to a circular economy.

University: Utrecht School of the Arts, The Netherlands

Faculty: Visual art and Design

Department: Fashion Design

Master: Master of Arts in the programme Design (fashion)

ABSTRACT

I went to the art academy to make the world more beautiful with my products. In the meantime I heard about the bad working circumstances, the toxic chemicals used in the textile production process and the waste that is produced. I developed a guilt feeling and didn’t want to contribute to this industry. That is why I did research on eco-effective fashion designing.

After doing theoretical research I invited four different designers to set up a case study with me. Each designer thought of the concept of fashion in his or her design and I looked at how this could be designed according to my idea of eco-effective designing.

During the case studies I acted as the eco-effective mirror for the designer and during the design process I asked us “what is the effect (consequence) of this design choice on the ecological, economic and social/cultural environment?” At the end we found the right questions to ask during the design process, which now makes it possible for me to help other designers as well. I also made a list of objectives that have to be fulfilled to make the mind shift of the designer possible.

THE PUZZLE

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. This is not only related to the production of clothing but the whole system of fashion contributes to destroying nature, including humans. Take for example the way fast fashion is currently working: an user buys a garment that is not designed for recycling and which will be sold in the store for only 2 weeks, he wears it ones or twice and throws it in his bin, where it goes to landfill.

While being educated to become a fashion designer during my Bachelor I wanted to find ways to design without harming nature. But I didn’t know how and with me a lot of other designers didn’t know either. That is why I wanted to answer the question: How can a fashion designer create a different mind-set in order to design eco-effective?

In order to answer this question I needed to know what fashion is, why fashion exists, how fashion designers implement environmental issues in their concepts, and what the obstacles are for a fashion designer when they do want to design without harming nature.

Time-frame

The research started in September 2008 with collecting information for the theoretical part of the research. From December 2008 I started the collaboration with four different designers to get practical results. The collaborations finished In July 2009. I spend the month august for combining the theoretical and practical gained knowledge into the essay. The essay was finished in September 2009.

Global societal challenges or trends

One of the challenges is converting our material-centred society towards a needs-centred society. At this moment we face raw material scarcity because we live in a material-centred society. This means our economy runs on earning money with selling raw materials in the form of products (clothes, washing machines, cars).

Another challenge is the elimination of the concept of waste, because now we throw

away a lot of valuable materials because products are not designed for recycling in the first place.

The third challenge is to look at nature and find new ways of producing materials instead of harvesting materials that take much longer to recover then to harvest (for example crude oil or minerals).

The fourth challenge is eliminating chemicals out of the production process that are harmful for their intended use.

Motivation

I went to the art academy to make the world more beautiful with my products. In the meantime I heard about the bad working circumstances, the toxic chemicals used in the textile production process and the waste that is produced during production but also by overproduction. I developed a guilt feeling and didn’t want to contribute to this industry. I read the book Design for the real world written by Victor Papanek, which made me realize I wanted to use my design skills to add something valuable to the world. On the 25th of June 2007 I saw the documentary “Afval is voedsel” (waste = food), which explained the C2C concept and that was a real eye-opener for me. That was the moment I realized “I can make beautiful products without a guilt feeling!”.

APPROACH

To understand the following information you must understand:

→ Fashion: a style, way of behaving, etc., that is popular in a particular time and place.

→ Clothes: the items that are worn by people.

→ Design: to plan and make (something) for a specific use or purpose.

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The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Yes, there are a lot of challenges. A designer can start designing eco-effective, but the consumers must understand why it is different before they start buying it. Another challenge is getting out of your comfort zone and make time to reinvent.

Currently designers are stuck in the fashion schedule of creating a collection each half-year or even more. They do not have time to do research and think further then creating a new collection because it is expected from the society that they come up with a new collection each half-year.

And a third challenge is smallness. The industry of today is not ready for smallness. We have to find solutions to enable small amounts of materials for designers so that these designers who are willing to step out of their tight schedule CAN create new fashion.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

During my case studies I acted as the eco-effective mirror for the designer and during the design process I asked us “what is the effect (consequence) of this design choice on the ecological, economic and social/cultural environment?” And sometimes it meant we had to use a different material or a different technique because the used technique made it impossible to deconstruct the item. Or the shape/purpose of a garment had to change because it had to fulfil a user’s need. At the end we found the right questions to ask during the design process, which now makes it possible for me to help other designers as well. I also made a list of objectives that have to be fulfilled to make the mind shift of the designer possible.

LESSONS LEARNED

→ Start with the question “Which need of your user do you want to fulfil?” and maybe this is not a product.

→ During every step in the design process we have to think “What is the effect of a design choice on the environment?” (Here environment is:

I started with collecting a lot of theoretical information about the meaning of fashion, the history of sustainable fashion, the purpose of fashion, materials, techniques and the Cradle to Cradle design principles.

Then I held a survey for individual fashion designers and designers in companies about the implementation of Cradle to Cradle design in their design process and which problems they think that might occur.

I compared the information and start to write down a set of questions that designers could ask themselves during the design process.

I invited four different designers who were willing to set up a case study with me. Each designer thought of the concept of fashion in his or her design and I looked at how this could be designed according my idea of eco-effective designing asking them the questions during the design process.

After these case studies I combined the results with the gained theoretical knowledge and the information from the survey to finish my essay.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

I choose to incorporate the idea of the C2C design paradigm in my research because for me this was a new way of creating beautiful products that do not harm nature (including humans). The C2C design paradigm goes beyond choosing non-toxic materials. In the book Cradle to Cradle, remaking the way we make things Michael Braungart says on page 179 that we have to reformulate the assignment: “don’t just reinvent the recipe, rethink the menu”. C2C asks for a designers mind shift. As fashion is way more than the production of clothes I wanted to look at how to change the designers mind-set in order that they can create C2C fashion. (Read: a style, way of behaving, etc. that is popular in a particular time and place) and come up with new ideas on fashion instead of ‘another clothing collection’.

All items are made for disassembly, which makes the materials easy to separate. The materials can be reused and/or be biodegraded. Some of the materials were not suitable for recycling or biodegradation, but still they can be deconstructed from the

other materials. All items are unique which contributes to celebrating diversity. The Fragment textiles item is a really good example because it is made in such a way the user can change it him/herself.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

In this question I see research approach the same as a design approach. And this definitely changed. Normally a designer starts with a concept, creating shapes and combining colours and materials with this concept. Now we had to look at how a designer can design eco-effective next to creating a great concept. This way of working asked a lot from the designer. He had to think about the consequences of the choices he made for a lot more aspects. Not only for the aspects: does it look nice? Does it feel nice? Is it wearable? Can it be washed/ironed? But also: Are the materials used non-toxic? Which techniques can we use to make the item deconstructable? Are the materials recyclable or biodegradable? How long does the item has to last, so which materials/techniques can be used then? And many more...

ecological, economic and social/cultural)

→ A designer already needs to be convinced about the need of designing eco-effective before he will give it a chance to implement in his own process.

→ If the designer alone is convinced nothing will happen, the user, the factory, the company, each party needs to be convinced about the need for designing eco-effective.

→ C2C is a very idealistic approach, which is good, but there also need to be solutions for the ones who cannot pay c2c certification.

→ I cannot do this alone. (This was more a confirmation)

Results

My conclusion is that it is possible for every fashion designer to design eco-effective. However this is not easy, as it demands a mind shift. This shift could take place if the right information is brought to the designer and if the designer can step out of his tight schedule. The designer:

→ Needs to know what user need he wants to fulfil.

→ Needs to be able to find the right materials and techniques.

→ Needs to find the right partners to create a service model.

→ Needs to invest time and/or money in this new way of working.

From the results of my essay I created a design step approach, which I now use to guide designers with eco-effective designing in fashion. I help them in their search for the right materials and techniques and I give tips &tools to design eco-effective.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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Other solutions

At this moment I do not know if there are other solutions but if the perception of fashion drastically change other solutions will become possible. Fashion is a large part of our identity and in this time, place and culture we are living in clothing is a way of showing our identity. But what if we find other ways to show our identity, what if other items become “in fashion” then clothing might not be the medium to reach our goal (showing our identity) anymore. Then the job “fashion designer” becomes totally different and solutions we didn’t thought of become possible. Let’s say everybody starts to wear the same white outfit but the taste and colour of the vegetables you grow in your own garden becomes important, then fashion designers might suddenly start designing gardens, because they are “in fashion”.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Problems of an eco-effective designer:

This is a research question which goes a step further then my research, because during my research I worked with fashion designers who heard for the first time about eco-effective designing and started to implement it in their normal design process. What if a designer is used to designing eco-effective? Which problem does he face and which solutions to these problems can be found?

How can we make the industry ready for smallness?

I am currently already looking for solutions so it will become possible for individual designers to use innovative and good materials on a small scale. One of the solutions I am looking into is collectively buying of fabrics and other materials based on actual demand instead of estimated demand.

C2C certification for small companies:

How can C2C be applied in the right way by designers/small companies that do not have the money to do all the required research for c2c certification? Which tools can be developed to support these designers/small companies?

Reinvent:

What is needed for a fashion designer to step out of his current schedule and make time to do research on new business models based on circular economy (e.g. C2C)?.

Van Balgooi aimed to change the bad working circumstances, the toxic chemicals used in the textile production process and the waste that is produced by researching eco-effective fashion design possibilities. She invited designers to work according to the C2C principles and asked the question: “what is the effect (consequence) of this design choice on the ecological, economic and social/cultural environment?”.

The challenges she faced in her research include the changing roles of consumers and designers that the paradigm shift in thinking about fashion design requires.

Another challenge she highlights is how to develop tools to support small companies which do not have the resources for C2C certification.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Gejer, 2011; Babre, 2013; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2013; 2014; Braungart, et al. 2007.

REFERENCES

Arden, P. (2008) It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be, Italy, Phaidon

Chapman, J. (2005) Emotionally Durable Design, UK and USA, Earthscan

Ekins, P. Max-Neef, M. (1992) Real Life Economics, USA and Canada, Routledge

Fletcher, K. (2008) Sustainable fashion & textiles design journeys, UK and USA, Earthscan

McDonough, W. Braungart, M. (2002) Cradle to Cradle, remaking the way we make things, Canada, Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.

PRé consultants bv(2007) Ecodesign guidelines [website] Retrieved from http://www.pre-sustainability.com/ecodesign

Sacks, D. (2008) Green guru gone worng william mcDonough, Fast fashion company, issue 120. Acquired from http://www.fastcompany.com/1042475/green-guru-gone-wrong-william-mcdonough

Thackara, J., Doors of Perception (2009) Tweeting from North America [weblog] Retrieved from http://www.doorsofperception.com/notopic/tweeting-from-north-america/

Theunissen, J. (2006) De macht van mode, In Lauwaert, D. Kleding I II III IV (pp. 172-192) Nederland, Terra Lannoo BV

Contributed Designers: Cuppen, Mieke; Neves, Maria van Eco Couture; Soepboer, Berber; Symor, Gary.

L INK

http://www.mahku.nl/download/FioenvanBalgooi_researchessay_DEC09.pdf

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“I picked up on a growing interest in the ideas of C2C, especially in the policy-

making world, which is an area that has my interest.” (Wiersma, 2009)

“I became inspired by C2C after having read the 2002 book. I immediately

thought the concept was useful, but that it could use a “reality check” from LCA.”

(Bjørn, 2013)

“… after the literature study it was clear to everyone that if we wanted to change

something on the waste problem in the aviation industry, the Cradle to Cradle

philosophy was a very good guideline to do so.” (Bailleul, et al., 2013)

4. ENGINEERING

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C2C IN SUSTAINABLE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT IN GREENPORT VENLO: A CASE STUDY

Name: L.S. (Sophie) Jongeneel, MSc. (2009)

Supervisors: Prof. dr. H.C. Moll (IVEM)

Dr. S. Nonhebel (IVEM)

Dr. L. Meuleman (RMNO)

Drs. C. Gribling (RMNO)

Background info:

Sophie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Sciences. During internships and at the start of her career she worked for the national government on policy issues in the field of sustainable (spatial) development. Currently she is employed by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) working in the field of energy and sustainability.

University: University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands

Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Department: Department of Energy and Environmental Sciences (IVEM)

Master: Energy and Environmental Sciences

Involved institutes: Council for Research into Spatial Development, the Environment and Nature (RMNO), The Hague, The Netherlands (abolished per 31 December 2009)

ABSTRACT

The first time the C2C concept was ever used on a regional scale was in Limburg. It was used to give substance to the desired sustainable spatial development and thereby served as regional branding. This research (d.d. 2009) aimed to examine what contribution C2C could have in encouraging sustainable spatial development, taking into account four evaluation dimensions: People, Planet, Profit and Process. The main research question was: How does the C2C concept fit into sustainable spatial development? A theoretical desk study was performed to investigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of C2C in this perspective, followed by a field study which included interviews and a workshop to gather practical experiences with C2C in Greenport Venlo.

This study concluded that the C2C way of thinking can contribute to improvements on process issues (like stakeholder enthusiasm) related to sustainable spatial

development during the planning phase, because of its attractive combination of infinite economic growth with a healthy environment. It also stimulated stakeholders to take an integral long term perspective. However, the realization of the plans was not evaluated in this study and this conclusion is based on only one case, implying that the validity is limited. It was recommended to focus future research efforts on the overcoming of institutional and social barriers to ensure a smooth transition towards a more circular economy; as well as research on technical aspects of C2C solutions for the benefit of spatial and environmental quality.

THE PUZZLE

The research aim was to examine what contribution C2C thinking and acting could have in encouraging sustainable spatial development, taking into account not only People, Planet and Profit but also Process. The Process-dimension is added to the 3Ps commonly used in sustainable development “trilemmas” for the purposes of this research.

As McDonough and Braungart (2002) testify in their book, the C2C principles can be applied successfully on the scale of a product or building. Now for the first time ever, the C2C principles were to be applied on a regional scale: in the Greenport Venlo area. This area is located in the southeast of the Netherlands and is considered to be a leading bio/techno hub-region with a large distribution area (approximately 30 million people) (Limburg Chamber of Commerce (KVK-L), 2007; Van Geenhuizen, personal communication, June 2009). A major event in 2012, the Floriade (a world exhibition for horticulture) ensured extra attention for the region, thereby catalysing the development of the C2C framework (KVK-L, 2007).

Time-frame

The research for my master’s thesis was carried out between September 2008 and August 2009. The workshop with local stakeholders “C2C in sustainable spatial development in the Venlo region” (June 2009) was essential to get insight into the local perspective.

My research was part of an internship at the RMNO. The RMNO was requested by

the Ministries of Agriculture (LNV) and of the Environment (VROM) to determine the possible role of C2C in sustainable spatial development (RMNO, 2009).

Global societal challenges or trends

C2C strives to combine infinite economic growth with a healthy environment. Taking this idea of combined ambitions one step further, it would also imply that extensive environmental regulation (restraining the economy) is no longer necessary. This sounds attractive to captains of industry (for example Sijbesma, 2008) and Dutch politicians (for example Prime-minister Balkenende, 2008).

The research had an explorative nature, centred on the case study Greenport Venlo. Stakeholder aspects, sustainability aspects, governance aspects and the broader societal and policy context were essential to this research.

Motivation

During my (interdisciplinary, but natural sciences-oriented) master, I became very interested in policy issues and the interaction with sustainable development. The internship at the RMNO provided me with the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with sustainable spatial development by means of a case study.

Moreover, the scientific underpinning of C2C was largely lacking at the time and the way the concept was applied in this case was completely new. This made it a great opportunity to make a real contribution to a still developing field of research.

APPROACH

The main research question was: How does the C2C concept fit into sustainable spatial development? To answer this research question, sub-questions for the case study Greenport Venlo were formulated, related to C2C in broader societal context, transition theory and decision-making for complex societal problems, and the process implications for Greenport Venlo.

In this research, both the possibilities and the risks of using a C2C approach were

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examined in order to come to a nuanced perspective. However, the validity of the conclusions was limited: only one case was studied; the project was only studied during the planning phase, in a qualitative way; and the results are to be seen in the light of the broader societal and spatial context of the Netherlands.

Methods used include a desk study, consisting of policy analysis, literature analysis, argumentation and discourse analyses and knowledge analysis; and a field study, consisting of interviews and a workshop.

A case study approach was chosen because the concept of C2C as a strategy to stimulate sustainable spatial development was new. There were neither large datasets available, nor much practical experience: the southeast Netherlands was to be the first place in the world to apply the C2C concept on a regional scale. An extra motivation for using a case study approach was that the C2C concept itself takes local sustainable development as a starting point (McDonough & Braungart, 2002). An elaborate assessment of the global sustainable development and life cycle effects of C2C-based sustainable spatial development in Greenport Venlo was beyond the scope of this research.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

The decision to implement the C2C concept in sustainable spatial development in Greenport Venlo was already taken and backed with (public and private) financing (for example Council of Ministers, 2008), so the choice to become a C2C region was no longer being debated. However, it was important to get better insight into the potential risk factors and benefits of using the C2C approach, its added value, and to make the comparison to other sustainable spatial development concepts, such as the “carbon neutral cities” approach.

All or none of the above. Focus of the research was on the added value of C2C as an integral concept to accelerate and improve the process of sustainable spatial development, looking beyond specific technologies. Greenport Venlo used C2C in sustainable spatial development as a way to manage long-term processes to explore creative solutions (Process) and to kick-start the local economy (Profit). Environmental quality (Planet) was embedded from the design onwards. People

should co-benefit from the better economy and improved planning process.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Beforehand, I expected the research to contain at least some technical influences, such as an “eco-efficiency”-like evaluation of C2C technical measures. But it turned out that the focus of this study became much more process and governance oriented. It concerned subjects like the interaction between C2C principles and sustainability policy; stakeholder management processes and the importance of “sustainable decision making” for complex societal issues (De Bruijn & Ten Heuvelhof, 2001); reflections on the discourse between science and politics (RMNO, 2003); transition management (Rotmans, 2003); translation from planning to practice and the role of knowledge; the development of new financing constructions; and the multiple roles of government, for example.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

First, the amount of policy documents produced by each level of government from the EU downwards on the subject of sustainable spatial development was overwhelming. Most of the legislation was supportive of C2C but does not focus on it specifically (except for some local policy in the region). This was confirmed by the field study where not only the nature of the legislation, but also the amount of legislation, was mentioned as an obstacle for sustainable innovation (entrepreneur, interview).

Second, the development of substantial knowledge and a more integral approach for sustainable spatial development, including new forms of governance and alternative financial constructions, still seems desirable. Based on the findings of my research, I would say that the application of the C2C concept was not (yet) able to overcome this.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

In my research, at the time I concluded that the C2C way of thinking could contribute to engagement of more groups in the implementation of ambitious goals for sustainable spatial development in the planning phase because of its positive and creative nature. It challenged stakeholders to amplify the (economic) strong points of the area and to take an integral and long term perspective from strategic ambitions onwards. How to keep the positive energy with the stakeholders going while the project moved toward realization was therefore identified as an important concern (GOB, 2009).

Lessons learned

As a student with a background in natural sciences, it was an eye-opener to realize that a successful sustainable (spatial) development project is not just about the best possible technical solution to a problem (or, in some cases, even whether or not a specific solution is physically possible) and its economic feasibility, but also about the social compatibility of (and support for) a proposed solution: solutions need to

be robust all-round. This concerned (among others) different views on the multiple roles of government (from top-down prescribing norms to facilitating developments from bottom-up); the interaction between science and politics; and the importance as well as the challenges of new business models for sustainable development. It has proven very valuable to learn this lesson early on, as this has been a recurring theme throughout my career so far.

Results

The desk study revealed several opportunities and pitfalls for this case, and lead to the finding that the main objective for the chosen approach is “growth”. Translating this objective to the 4P’s it appeared that growth in Profit was a main objective, along with improvements in the planning Process (positive energy with stakeholders). This was confirmed by the observations in the field study, which, for example, zoomed in on business models for sustainable development.

Potential pitfalls included loss of motivation with stakeholders, the economic situation, and a lack of monitoring of developments. The findings of the desk study and the field study contradicted each other on the role of legislation: from the desk study it appeared to be an important governance condition but most participants in the interviews and the workshop experienced it as suffocating for sustainable innovation.

Other solutions

Because the research is not focussed on materials or design there would probably Part of the desk study was a comparison between C2C-based sustainable spatial development in Greenport Venlo and the carbon neutral cities approach (Van der Sleen, 2008). It became apparent that the carbon neutral cities approach differed completely from the C2C in sustainable spatial development approach, and therefore you could say that it was not a real alternative suitable to the ambitions of Greenport Venlo.

While carbon neutral cities claimed to be motivated mostly by global (environmental) concerns, the stakeholders in the Greenport Venlo project chose to apply the C2C

concept to promote the region and to benefit the regional economy. Carbon neutral cities followed an adapted transition approach, focusing on energy measures. In Greenport Venlo, the process was much more oriented towards facilitating the developments, and the plans were broadly supported by local entrepreneurs (Tegenlicht, 2007). The measures implemented in Greenport Venlo do not only concern energy and CO2, but also other environmental topics (for example water management).

RECOMMENDATIONS

At the time, substantial (scientific) knowledge development about C2C was urgently needed: research to overcome institutional and social barriers to ensure a smooth transition towards a more circular economy; as well as research on technical aspects of C2C solutions for the benefit of spatial and environmental quality.

Furthermore, a follow up study to this case could be performed (ex post) to see how the experiment of C2C in sustainable spatial development has worked out: did the project encounter any challenges that could be expected from my research in 2009, or other challenges, how were these dealt with, et cetera.

Next to this, it would be interesting to expand the research on different approaches for sustainable spatial development. The comparison between C2C and carbon neutral cities could be performed more elaborately: for example, a cost-benefit analysis or an analysis of the environmental and spatial consequences.

Moreover, the transition from restrictive norms-based legislation (i.e. “x ppm water pollution allowed”) to creative quality-based legislation (i.e. “clean water”) as desired by C2C enthusiasts could be investigated by means of creating scenarios based on policy analysis and interviews or surveys. Perhaps, parallels with the financial crisis leading to the economic recession of 2008/2009 can be drawn. This will help to determine how many “degrees of freedom” is optimal for an integral approach in sustainable (spatial) development.

Finally, C2C-based sustainable spatial development was considered to be a “learning by doing” approach, which required a facilitating attitude from policy, while keeping

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Practice. IVEM research report, University of Groningen, Groningen.

L INK

http://www.rug.nl/research/portal/publications/c2c-in-sustainable-spatial-development-in-greenport-venlo%283f514123-1259-4ace-8283-b98f4fd06f80%29.html

the end goal in mind. A more integral policy approach for sustainable (spatial) development was desirable, but it needed to be accompanied by a good monitoring system.

I think that many of these recommendations still hold true today. Jongeneel aimed to examine what contribution C2C thinking and acting could have in encouraging sustainable spatial development, taking into account not only People, Planet and Profit but also Process. She focus on the added value of C2C as an integral concept to accelerate and improve the process of sustainable spatial development, looking beyond specific technologies.

One of the challenges Jongeneel faces included the lack of substantial (scientific) knowledge on how to overcome institutional and social barriers when applying the C2C approach in the field of spatial planning. Suggestions for further research include: 1) comparison between C2C and carbon neutral cities; 2) the transition from restrictive norms-based legislation (i.e. “x ppm water pollution allowed”) to creative quality-based legislation (i.e. “clean water”).

Further readings student theses e.g.: Vane, 2009; Meeuwsen, 2009; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Girardet & Braungart, 2012; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

REFERENCES

Balkenende, J.P. (2008). In: Speech tijdens werkbezoek in Limburg. 03/09/2008.

De Bruijn, H. & Ten Heuvelhof, E. (2001). Procesmanagement. In: Abma, T. & In ’t Veld, R. (2001). Handboek Beleidswetenschap. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Boom.

GOB (2009). Cradle to Cradle als inspiratiebron voor duurzame gebiedsontwikkeling.

Jongeneel, L.S. (2009). C2C in sustainable spatial development in Greenport Venlo: a case study. IVEM research report, University of Groningen, Groningen.

Kamer van Koophandel Limburg (2007). Persbericht: Regio Venlo wordt Cradle to Cradle. 01/06/2007.

McDonough, W. & Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. New York, USA: North Point Press.

Ministerraad (2008). Nota Ruimte.

RMNO (2003a). Werk op de grens tussen wetenschap en beleid: paradoxen en dilemma’s.

RMNO (2009). Cradle to Cradle en duurzame gebiedsontwikkeling: naar een concrete realisering.

Rotmans, J. (2003). Transitiemanagement: sleutel voor een duurzame samenleving. Assen, Netherlands: Koninklijke Van Gorcum BV.

Sijbesma, F.; Van Vliet, P.; Amelung, B.; Van Dieren, W. & Dutilh, C. (2008). In: Cradle to Cradle is een prachtconcept, nu nog even uitvinden hoe het werkt. De Volkskrant, 26/04/2008.

Tegenlicht (2007). “Afval = voedsel: een revolutie in Nederland” (documentary). VPRO, 26/11/2007.

Van der Sleen, M. (2008). Towards a climate neutral city: Motivation, Approach and

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EVALUATION OF CRADLE TO CRADLE DESIGN

A QUANTITATIVE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TRADIT IONAL BOOK AND THE CRADLE TO CRADLE BOOK: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND SOCIAL FEASIB IL ITY

Name: Mr. Bouke Wiersma (2009)

Supervisors: Prof. dr. H.C. Moll

Background info:

Bouke Wiersma is an environmental social scientist currently studying for a PhD in Environment, Energy & Resilience in the department of Geography at the University of Exeter (UK).

University: University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands

Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Department: Department of Energy and Environmental Sciences (IVEM)

Master: Energy and Environmental Sciences

Involved institutes: Council for Research into Spatial Development, the Environment and Nature (RMNO), The Hague, The Netherlands (abolished per 31 December 2009)

ABSTRACT

Reusing materials indefinitely in biological and technical cycles is a key tenet of Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design. A well-known example of this is the 2005 book ‘Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things’, which is composed of plastic instead of paper pages and therefore easier to recycle. However, this and many other examples of C2C design can be critiqued by the lack of robust quantitative analysis evaluating their supposed environmental benefits. This research used the software SimaPro v.6.0.2 to conduct a lifecycle analysis comparing the plastic C2C book with a traditional paper-based book of the same dimensions. This showed that the environmental impact of the C2C book was substantially larger, mostly due to the high impact of producing the plastic pages, and that even several rounds of recycling and reuse of materials would not ‘earn back’ these higher initial environmental costs. Moreover, it is highlighted that, with the social functions performed by books and the common practice of storing rather than recycling books, the social assumptions underlying the C2C book design are questionable. This research illustrates the importance of critically assessing the quantitative environmental impacts and the social aspects of C2C design alternatives in critically evaluating its merits.

THE PUZZLE

The research originated from the observation that, though appearing to have a reduced environmental impact, design solutions following the Cradle to Cradle principles have rarely been subjected to critical quantitative evaluation of their environmental merits. Moreover, it aimed to address an issue that is somewhat brushed under the carpet by the Cradle to Cradle approach by presuming an infinite and unproblematic availability: energy. Finally, the research also aimed to include considerations of the social dimensions of Cradle to Cradle design, which is also an issue that is not always touched upon, at least in the original Cradle to Cradle book. In short, this research aimed to critically assess the quantifiable merits, or lack thereof, of Cradle to Cradle design, in light of these issues that have to date received relatively little attention.

Time-frame

The research was carried out in the academic year 2008/2009 as fulfilment of criteria for the MSc Energy & Environmental Sciences. It was completed over the course of the academic year.

Global societal challenges or trends

The research linked to two important challenges around climate change, and the necessary move to a low-carbon energy system. Firstly, attempts to shift towards more low-carbon energy have proved complex and progress have been slow – in other words it has become clear that the abundance of ‘free’ energy presumed to exist by the Cradle to Cradle approach is not evident. Secondly, individual consumption patterns have been argued to need changing to reduce things like resource use and energy demand. However, recycling and reuse of products and materials are complex behavioural issues that cannot be taken for granted. This research explores how these issues relate to the Cradle to Cradle approach.

Motivation

My interest in environmental issues and solutions and the novelty of the Cradle to Cradle approach and the enthusiasm surrounding it motivated me to take my MSc

thesis research in this direction.

APPROACH

A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was carried out for both the traditional, paper-based book, and the plastic Cradle to Cradle book. This c2c book not only contains the ideas behind the concept, but also is itself an example of c2c design, as it is intended to be easier to recycle than paper-based books. The LCA was carried out using LCA software SimaPro (version 6.0.2), which contains data on the environmental impact of a wide range of materials and processes.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

In short, because I picked up on a growing interest in the ideas of C2C, especially in the policy-making world, which is an area that has my interest. I also felt that the application of C2C in government circles would benefit from a quantitative perspective, which had largely been lacking.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

My research approach centred on the life cycle analysis, which explicitly looks at all stages in a product’s ‘life’ – from production through to disposal or recycling. Given that this links very well with ideas from C2C, which also emphasise the importance of designing products with their ‘waste’-phase in mind meant that working with C2C did not substantially alter my research approach.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

One of my challenges was the availability of data on the exact processes of production, transport and disposal of the plastic C2C book. The key problem was that, though the C2C book claims to be more recyclable than the traditional paper book, the book itself does not suggest anywhere to its reader how or where they would be able to recycle the book. I am not aware of a solution to this, which is very relevant. It might suggest that the practical difficulties of actually setting up, in practice, the ‘technical

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cycles’ proposed by C2C may be too impractical, costly or simply undesirable. This would of course be a major challenge to overcome.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

‘Solving my puzzle’, i.e. answering my research question, was fairly straightforward process as I used a piece of software which contained the data I needed on environmental impacts of the various stages of the life of a book.

Lessons learned

The main thing I learned is that it remains very important to quantify the (lack of) environmental benefits offered by any, intuitively beneficial, C2C design alternative. The second key aspect is that, in my opinion, the C2C approach would benefit from a greater incorporation of social science ideas around the ways in which products are viewed, used and represented. The example of a book is a very good one for

illustrating that product have characteristics that go beyond their physical attributes: i.e. they are products that have social meanings and therefore the envisaged straightforward buy-read-recycle rationale proposed by the approach may not be entirely accurate.

Results

The results highlighted that the environmental impact of, in particular, producing the plastic which makes up the bulk of the C2C book is much higher than the impact of producing a paper-based book. The environmental impact of the C2C book is also higher due to its only place of production being in the US, which necessitates transport to customers at other locations in the world. Furthermore, the analysis showed that the benefits of having a book which is, potentially, more straightforward to recycle, are too small to compensate for the relatively large environmental impact of production. Another caveat, as noted above, is that the assumption that books will actually be recycled is questionable, both because of their social functions and the current lack of a recycling system through which the book would find its way back to its publisher.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This study has highlighted that, though intuitively appealing, C2C design alternatives do not always offer lower environmental impacts than the ‘problem’ they are supposed to solve. I feel if we are to move forward in capitalising on the potential offered by the C2C approach – which I feel is mainly in reconciling economic and ecological interests – there is a need to remain critical and apply quantitative methods to evaluate ‘the numbers’.

Secondly, I feel the development of C2C alternatives would benefit hugely from greater involvement with the social sciences, rather than remaining in the domain of the natural sciences. I feel greater interdisciplinary is a necessary step in mainstreaming and optimising the use and outcomes of C2C.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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CRADLE TO CRADLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABIL ITY; A CRIT ICAL APPRAISAL

Name: Anders Bjørn (2013)

Supervisors: Prof. M.Z. Hauschild

Background info:

I have studied environmental engineering at bachelors and masters level at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Towards the end of my studies I specialized in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and solid waste management. I am currently employed as a PhD student at DTU, working with integrating planetary boundaries into LCA.

University: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Faculty: Management Engineering

Department: Quantitative Sustainability Assessment (QSA)

Master: Environmental Engineering

Involved institutes: Management Engineering

REFERENCES

McDonough, W. & Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things. New York: North Point Press.

Wiersma, B. (2009). Enthousiasme rond Cradle to Cradle verdient nuancering. Milieu 15(7), 21-23.

L INK

https://www.rug.nl/research/portal/publications/pub%286128413e-23c8-442d-b74d-0a3bcd000a0c%29.html

Wiersma focused in his research on the C2C principle “Waste equals Food”, and how the 2005 book of C2C could be re-used in the techno-sphere. He noticed that C2C design can be critiqued by the lack of robust quantitative analysis evaluating their supposed environmental benefits. Therefore he conducted a Life Cycle Analysis comparing the plastic C2C book with a traditional paper-based book of the same dimensions.Challenges he faced were the availability of qualitative data on the exact processes of production, transport and disposal of the plastic C2C book, as well as the need for a greater involvement with the social sciences, as a next step in main-streaming and optimising the use and outcomes of C2C e.g. consumer involvement.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Bjørn, 2012; de Groot, 2009; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Mulhall, et al., 2013a; Bjørn, et al., 2013; Bor, et al., 2011.

ABSTRACT

The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) concept has emerged as an alternative to the more established eco-efficiency concept, which is operationalized with life cycle assessment (LCA). C2C and eco-efficiency differ fundamentally in that eco-efficiency aims to reduce the negative environmental footprint of human activities while C2C attempts to increase the positive footprint. This master thesis aims at critically appraising the sustainability of the C2C concept from an eco-efficient point of view. Three LCA case studies on C2C inspired products were performed and the concept was evaluated theoretically via a literature review. The case studies showed that the C2C concept’s disregard of energy efficiency means that many current C2C products are likely not to perform well in an LCA. Also when a product is designed for recycling and recycling does not take place the product may perform worse than a reference product not designed for recycling. While these issues are related to current imperfect conditions, the results of the theoretical evaluation showed that C2C also has a number of inherent drawbacks, most importantly: The perception that human interactions with nature can benefit all parts of all ecosystems and the hinted compatibility with continued economic growt.

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Case Study Book Inspired by Cradle to Cradle®

THE PUZZLE

I wanted to understand why LCA and C2C sometimes provide conflicting advice to product development in the pursuit of green(er) products.

Global societal challenges or trends

My problem relates to the global degradation of the environment and the fact that current initiatives in green product development does not seem to be solving the problem.

Motivation

A personal interest in figuring out how humans can organize themselves, while not eroding their natural resource base.

APPROACH

I worked in parallel with LCA case studies of C2C inspired products and the theoretical assessment based on literature studies. This way of working created a useful balance between the concrete (LCA case studies) and the abstract (theoretical assessment).

CRADLE TO CRADLE

I became inspired by C2C after having read the 2002 book. I immediately thought the concept was useful, but that it could use a “reality check” from LCA. I considered all aspects in my evaluation of C2C.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

I realized that tools and concepts always have basic assumptions about the world and that these can often explain why outcomes are sometimes counter intuitive.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

I did not have time to look into the pros and cons of applying LCA/ecodesign and C2C individually or in combination in a design process. This is important to look into for further research, since it is my perception that designers often lack intuitive and concrete tools in their work. I know that Ingrid de Pauw (Delft University of Technology) is looking into this issue.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

As mentioned by a combination of LCA case studies of C2C inspired products and a literature review on theoretical evaluations of C2C.

Lessons learned

That neither C2C nor eco-efficiency /LCA provides true answers in all cases and that they may complement each other.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity

(bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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Results

See abstract and read my published paper on the topic:

“Our analysis has shown a number of shortcomings in the eco-efficiency and C2C concepts. Eco-efficiency does not contain any long-term vision or strategy, the link between resource consumption and waste emissions are not well related to the state required for sustainability, and increases in eco-efficiency may well be associated with increases in consumption levels, leading to reduced sustainability. All of these shortcomings are related to the fact that eco-efficiency is somewhat focused on short-term and incremental environmental gains that may cause long-term adverse effects. C2C, on the other hand, defines a clear and universal vision of a desirable sustainable future. C2C’s drawbacks are partly related to its disregard of current waste and energy infrastructure. Thus C2C-conceived products are by no means guaranteed to perform well with respect to the characteristics measured by LCA, and the ambition of continuous loop recycling of technical nutrients creates significant trade-offs in energy consumption. C2C also has a number of inherent shortcomings that will persist even in an ideal C2C future with perfect continuous loop recycling and an unlimited capacity to harvest current solar income. These are the restrictions on material development needed to realize continuous loop recycling, the perception that human interactions with nature can benefit all parts of all ecosystems, and the hinted compatibility with continued economic growth.” (Bjørn, et al., 2013, p. 329-330)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Several issues are worth looking into:

→ A concrete guide (generic or targeted specific types of products/functionalities) to how LCA/Eco design and C2C can be used in combination during the design process

→ A spatial mapping identifying natural/manipulated ecosystems that in need of specific nutrients. This would help designers define truly healthy biological nutrients and plan for nutrient cascades

→ More case studies on partnerships between industries selling/buying each other’s outputs (waste = food). What are good practices?

Anders researched the difference between the C2C approach (attempts to increase the positive footprint) and eco-efficiency (reduce the negative environmental footprint of human activities). He aims at critically appraising the sustainability of the C2C concept from an eco-efficient point of view. Therefore three LCA case studies on C2C inspired products were performed and the concept was evaluated theoretically via a literature review.

Challenges for further research followed from Anders research are looking at the pros and cons of applying LCA/ecodesign and C2C individually or in combination in a design process to develop concrete tools for designers.Further readings student theses e.g.: de Groot, 2009; Wiersma, 2009; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Mulhall, et al., 2013a; Bor, et al., 2011).

REFERENCES

Bjørn, Anders; Hauschild, Michael, Zwicky. (2013). Absolute versus Relative Environmental Sustainability: What can the Cradle to Cradle and Eco-efficiency Concepts Learn from Each Other?. In: Journal of Industrial Ecology, Vol. 17, No. 2, p. 321-332.

L INK

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1530-9290.2012.00520.x/abstract;jsessionid=28C40ED1D80DA7F95C167BEFEDD4AD33

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AIRCRAFT DESIGN USING CRADLE TO CRADLE: REALITY OR UTOPIA?

Name: W.P. Bailleul (2013) G.A. Cool T. Eyselbergs S.R. Ijfs M. Ijtsma M.F.J. Jansen K.T.H. van den Kieboom G.Plaisier C.P.A. Severijns

Supervisors: R.N.H.W. van Gent

M. Ruess

I. Fernandex Villegas

Background info:

At the time the project started we were a group of nine students in the last phase of our BSc Aerospace Engineering at the Delft University of Technology. We hence had all the same background, but our personal interest’s still provided a diversity (economics, structures and materials, sustainable energy, etc).

University: Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Aerospace Engineering

Master: BSc Aerospace Engineering

ABSTRACT

Today’s general aviation manufacturers take no effort into implementing proper end-of- life (EOL) plans in their business plan. Instead, they focus on creating long lasting, reliable aircraft without considering their ecological impact. The reason for this is the lack of profitability of EOL operations on today’s aircraft. They are often made from a large amount of different materials which cannot be recycled properly due to impractical design. Our vision is to inspire others to create and use self-sustaining aircraft, based on the Cradle to Cradle® philosophy. The ultimate goal is an aviation industry in which aircraft are manufactured and will operate without any negative impact on future generations. With the InfiniCraft, our vision has been achieved, and aircraft design using Cradle to Cradle® has become reality.

THE PUZZLE

Our challenge was to see if the C2C philosophy can be used in general aviation. Can a small two-seater aircraft be designed using these principles? Is it possible to make a truly sustainable and responsible aircraft and still enjoy flying?

Our assignment was to design an aircraft using as much material and design solutions as possible to make a Cradle to Cradle design and to compare the design to a similar design using current industry standard materials and design methods. The designed aircraft should have a maximum carbon emission of 50 kg/h, a noise level of less than 62dB and an as high as possible recycling rate (at least 90%). Furthermore, the aircraft should have its first flight in 2025 and 500 units must be produced at a maximum cost of $ 150 000 per aircraft. Two person should be able to fly 1000 km with a speed of 200 km/h.

Time-frame

We started in the beginning of May 2013. At the end of June, our report on the design was finished. The main breakthroughs were the selection of an automotive aluminium alloy and bio-ethanol as propellant somewhere in the middle of the project. In the last phase of the project, we worked out these principles.

Global societal challenges or trends

A major trend involved in this research is that the population in the more rural areas iThe Limits to Growth study in 1972 addressed the question of how humanity would adapt to the physical limitations of planet Earth. The exponential growth of the population has a large impact on the availability of resources. A sustainable approach towards the environment is an important element in society to guarantee sufficient resources and acceptable living conditions for each individual. However, what we currently see is a lot of waste production. For a long time, recycling has been a neglected topic in the aviation industry. Due to the booming of civil aviation in the 1970s and an approximated life span of 30 years of aircraft, EOL plans started to be investigated in the 2000s. Still, a lot of aircraft cannot be processed due to their complexity or because it is not economically feasible. These aircraft are stockpiled in aircraft graveyards.

Motivation

The choice for this project topic was different for each of the team members. Some people were fascinated by the Cradle to Cradle philosophy and were already aware of the principles and impact. Others saw an opportunity to obtain knowledge in the field of structures, materials, propulsion techniques etc. After the initial literature study, it became clear that everyone was very motivated to find a solution for the global waste problem and that the C2C philosophy seems perfect to solve it. Especially the various pictures of the aircraft graveyards kept us motivated to design an aircraft that would certainly never end up there.

We also felt like pioneers to apply this philosophy to the design of an aircraft, which was never done before..

APPROACH

We used the systems engineering approach. After the initial set up of the group and the distribution of group functions, we began with a literature study. The outcome of this study was a good overview of the implications of the C2C philosophy on our design and we also came up with additional requirements like the provision of an EOL disposal plan.

We started the conceptual design phase by looking into all the different aspects of a truly Cradle to Cradle aircraft. These were the general layout of the aircraft, but also the material and propellant type. The outcome of brainstorming in the group was a huge number of possible designs where a large reduction was needed. As a first step, the ‘unfeasible’ and ‘not yet developed’ concepts were removed in the first trade-off.

In the second trade-off, a decision was made on the type of fuel. Both hydrogen and bio-ethanol were assessed on multiple topics and after applying the weighing factors, it was clear that bio-ethanol was the best fuel for our design. In the third and final trade-off, it was decided to use a conventional high wing lay-out made from aluminium. Instead of the Al-7075 and Al-2024 (widely used in aviation), we

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Case Study Book Inspired by Cradle to Cradle®

selected the automotive Al-6022. This alloy provides a larger recycling market in the EOL phase of the InfiniCraft. To lower the amount of materials, rivets from the same Al-6022 are used.

During the last weeks of the project we also looked into the business case and developed a lease structure. This gives pilots more freedom at lower financial risk, while it gives the manufacturer more control over the end of life phase of the InfiniCraft as it returns after the contract expired.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

First of all we applied the ideas because it was the project requirement to do so. However, after the literature study it was clear to everyone that if we wanted to change something on the waste problem in the aviation industry, the Cradle to Cradle philosophy was a very good guideline to do so.

At the EOL phase, the aircraft is disassembled and the obtained materials flow through the bio- and techno cycle. To be able to do so, design for disassembly and a good material management are needed. As the customer can choose his/her own C2C certified interior, each InfiniCraft is unique and is built with local materials. Current solar power and waste are used for the production of bio-ethanol, either with crops/algae or municipal waste processing.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

The systems engineering approach is a method that can be used on any product design. We incorporated Cradle to Cradle in our design by doing a literature study at the beginning which resulted in additional requirements for the aircraft. By doing so, Cradle to Cradle was integrated from the beginning and few difficulties raised.

Our approach differs from a ‘standard’ aircraft design process due to the requirements for another, sustainable, fuel and due to the less amount of materials. These materials were also not typical aerospace materials and therefore we needed to make sure it was possible to use for example the automotive aluminium in an aircraft design.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Yes. First of all the Al-6022 alloy needs to be certified for use in aviation as it is unknown to the industry nowadays. Specific to the C2C aspect of the InifiniCraft, more research is required on the:

→ Development of C2C coatings

→ Optimisation of the recycling of fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites, electronic circuits and rubber

→ Development of a C2C engine

→ Sustainable production of bio-ethanol.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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SOLVING THE PUZZLE

The designed InifiniCraft meets all the requirements stated in the beginning. It is a competitive, reliable, two-seater aircraft. It is made from al-6022 and has an engine that runs on bio-ethanol (E100). Depending on the source, the effective CO2 emissions can be reduced to 0 kg/h.

By using a semi-monocoque structure with rivets from the same Al-6022 alloy and secondary structures made from thermoplastic composites, a recycling rate of 93.4% is achieved. 88.7% of the InfiniCraft can be upcycled with today’s techniques.

Instead of selling the aircraft, a lease construction is set up. An operator culture is established where pilots do not own the aircraft, but operate it for a specified amount of time, after which the manufacturer is responsible for its further operations. An end of life plan was made to ensure the aircraft never ends up on a graveyard, but can be recycled into existing InifiCraft through maintenance parts, into new InfiniCraft through recycled aluminium, or into various other products made from the different materials used in our design.

Lessons learned

Implementing C2C in a design is not about making a futuristic, innovative design but about making small changes on existing design methods. Improving the material type is an example of this. The less different materials that are used, the easier the recycling process will be. Special attention is needed for the fuel type and its production and also the business plan needs to be reconsidered to get the product back at the EOL.

Results

Concluding it appeared that the core of the problem is the lack of knowledge of In the first place this design and the accompanying report were important to finish our BSc Aerospace Engineering (with a good grade). During the project, we learnt also something for ourselves: Cradle to Cradle is a valuable design method and can be used to prevent future waste build-up. The philosophy will certainly have an impact on all the future designs we make since we all are convinced that it is important to

reduce our impact on the earth.

Other solutions

Yes, during the process we eliminated a lot of other possible designs, to make sure the aircraft could be produced in 2025. Other solutions are for example hydrogen instead of bio-ethanol for the propulsion. On the material aspect, another aluminium alloy could have been selected. The InfiniCraft has a high wing, but off course other configurations are possible.

At the moment the rivets are made from the same Al-6022 alloy, which provides an easy disassembly since the rivets do not have to be drilled out. Another possibility would have been to use magnetic separation of various metallic alloys.

Maybe in the future, composites will be better recyclable and then such materials could be used in the design to obtain a lighter aircraft.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Before the InifiniCraft really can fly, a lot more designing is needed. A step that

certainly needs to be taken is the certification of Al-6022 to be used in the aviation industry. Next, coatings that fit more into the Cradle to Cradle philosophy should be developed. Studies are required on the recycling of thermoplastic composites since this can nowadays be challenging due to the chopping of fibres. 3D-printing using this material should also be investigated since this provides quick and local replacements during maintenance.

To reduce the amount of heavy and difficult to recycle avionics, we introduced mobile tablet-like devices that can be used for navigation of extra information. These need also to be certified by the aviation authorities.

A Cradle to Cradle engine needs to developed which tackles the current problems with coatings and difficult to disassemble designs. Next to that, bio-ethanol should become widely available with a sustainable production method and to do so, a lot of additional research is needed.

Finally, a logistics scheme needs to be set up. The realisation of business-cooperation’s is an important key factor since manufacturers, maintenance centres and recycling companies need to work together.

When the first InfiniCraft is build and the concept is proven, research could be done to use the same design approach on large, commercial aircraft. This is a whole other challenge since more regulations exist for these aircraft and they are a lot more complex than a general aviation two-seater.

REFERENCES

Meadows, D.H., Meadows D.L., Randers, J., Behrens III, W.W. (1972). The Limits to Growth. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.

Bailleul, W.P., Cool, G.A., Eyselbergs, T., Ijfs, S.R., Ijtsma, M., Jansen, M.F.J., van den Kieboom, K.T.H., Plaisier, G., Severijns, C.P.A. (2013). Aircraft Design Using Cradle to Cradle®: Reality or Utopia. Ongepubliceerde bachelorscriptie, Technische Universiteit Delft, Delft, Nederland.

Bailleul et al. researched if a small two-seater aircraft could be designed using the C2C principles. Driven by the lack of proper end-of-life (EOL) plans in the business plans of aviation manufacturers.

Their ultimate goal was to contribute to an aviation industry in which aircraft are manufactured and will operate without any negative impact on future generations.

Challenges they faced include: 1) coatings that fit into the Cradle to Cradle philosophy; 2) studies on the recycling of thermoplastic composites; 3) 3D-printing with this material; 4) design of a C2C engine; 5) sustainable production methods for bio-ethanol; and 6) a logistics scheme.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Babre; 2014; Iosif-Lazar, 2012; de Groot 2009; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2013; McDonough & Braungart, 2013; McDonough & Braungart, 2002a.

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“… we find that the C2C design paradigm is best suited regarding additional

topics like toxicity and biosphere cycle, besides the obvious ambition for a

sustainable product.” (Mesch, et al., 2013)

“It offers clear guidelines as to how consumption can happen while being of

benefit to the environment.” (van Putten, 2009)

“Instead of only reducing a negative environmental impact, C2C is leading to

positive effects. Looking at the big picture, it contributes directing the efforts

toward a sustainable development.” (Jaramillo, 2013)

5. INDUSTRIALDESIGN

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APPLICATION OF C2C DESIGN IN A CANTEEN ENVIRONMENT

Name: Florain Mesch (2013) Hung Ho Jorn DIjkstra Matthew Doe Rebecca Hall Vanessa di Francesco

Supervisors: Dr. Ir. C. Bakker

Msc. I. de Pauw

Background info:

A project team bound by a shared interest in sustainable design, but with different backgrounds in education, ranging from Industrial Design Engineering to Mechanical Engineering. And geography from Australia to the Netherlands. Went together on a cyclical path of discovery to understanding and applying Cradle to Cradle for their Applied Sustainable Science Engineering and Technology minor course at the Delft University of Technology.

University: Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

Faculty: Industrial Design Engineering

Department: Design for Sustainability

Master: Applied Sustainable Science Engineering and Technology minor course

ABSTRACT

With a university canteen being stocked with organic food and drink to contribute to a more sustainable world, the experience and the message gets scarred when the cutlery is throw away plastic and trays and plates aren’t recyclable. So as part of a course on sustainable design strategies, the assignment became to make canteen truly sustainable using the C2C design paradigm for the most challenging environment: a student canteen.

After careful analysis of the current situation. A vision was born of a canteen, inspired by C2C that was more than just a place to eat your sustainable lunch. It would be a place to recharge yourself with nutrients while feeding the world with nutrients in a pleasurable relaxing atmosphere with indoor plants, roof-top gardens, and local circular cycles of nutrition. But dreams and vision are one thing, making them reality another.

After creating several concepts and working principles, a selection was made and fused to generate a solution that would be beneficial to the planet, the consumers, and the cantering company, whilst being vandal prove and inspirational. With a roadmap for its implementation, a path was presented for the canteen to become a nutrient rich area rather than a place of waste.

Although being an educational exercise, much was learned from it by the project team, and hopefully led on to greater things.

THE PUZZLE

With ethically, organic and sustainably sourced food and drinks becoming increasingly popular, many catering companies are following specialist retailers and supermarkets by offering ethical and organic food in at least part of their range. However when we were asked to look at the tender of the resident catering company at faculty of Industrial Design, we were asked to look beyond the food on the plate and at the plate itself. How sustainable is the service that the catering company provide, and how sustainable and safe are the knives, forks, spoons, plates, cups, trays, and others components of this service?

But we recognised that not only the sustainability of the cutlery and plates was a major challenge, the environment they were used in was just as big a challenge. Providing a catering service at university faculty adds additional constrains and challenges, as it commonly known that some of the plates and cutlery students have at home wasn’t originally theirs. But also the actual environment of canteen, in the middle of the open-plan faculty, provided challenges. As due to its open-plan design would be noisy and the air quality suffered in absences of good ventilation and filtering. So we set out to solve all these challenges by a comprehensive review and redesign of the canteen and its cutlery and plates.

Time-frame

Since the assignment was part of a 10 week course for learning about and applying different sustainable design strategies giving by Ingrid de Paauw (PhD), we had approximately 10 weeks to analyse, develop and package our solution to the problem statement. Although, as discussed later, to implement the solution we have set out a roadmap with several key targets and events.

Global societal challenges or trends

Through several levels of economic scale, the general public has be further removed from the original source of their food and drinks. In general one’s dinner arrives packed in plastic foil and pre-cut and processed. Although the public is generally becoming more aware of the source of their food and organic food is becoming more popular, the packaging combined with the cutlery and plates do still lead to a growing waste stream.

A waste stream that is unrecyclable, depleting vital resources, and eventually polluting the environment in which the food is grown and thus entering the food chain. So in effect, by using un-biodegradable or unrecyclable products for our meals, we will eventually poison ourselves by eaten our own waste. So our challenge is to provide an alternative that at least won’t impact the environment, while still being affordable for the general public, so that everyone can eat safely.

Motivation

The assignment was part of a course which in itself was part of a minor programme focused on sustainability and sustainable design, and although the members of the assignment group might have had different reasons to do the minor programme (in some cases travelling across the world to do so). There was general awareness and agreement that something had to change before we could pass on planet Earth as a gift to the next generation. And in the sight of this daunting task, every opportunity to make even the smallest step towards a better future is taken on with great motivation. Although it helps that one gets European study credits for it as well, still

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it was an exciting project with the opportunity to present to the managers of the catering company.

APPROACH

The problem was approached using a mixture of design methods of IDE (Industrial Design Engineering) and C2C design paradigm as presented in Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Thing. An analysis was performed of the current situation focusing on the life cycle of the current products and their material safety. The products that are being used at the moment are; fiberglass trays, a stoneware plate, PS cutlery and paper cups. Outcomes of this analysis are used as input for the design vision and roadmap.

A design vision was made to represent the dream canteen and indicate what factors should be present in the final design. This vision is based on the Purpose of the redesign (the Why), the Environment, Benefits, Product type, Life cycle (Techno or Bio), Concerns, Challenges and Vision statement. Some conceptual sketches accompany the vision for visual guidance.

Several concepts based on several working principles and different cycles (Techno-, Bio- cycle) were developed, selected and then were merged into the final design. The choices of materials and working principles are based on the C2C X-list and the C2C book, as well as their practical application in the canteen environment.

Since not all the team members were not completely familiar with the Cradle to Cradle guidelines, a special document was made on the ‘stepping stones of C2C’.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

As previously mentioned this project was the result of an assignment to introduce and apply the Cradle to Cradle design paradigm, although which particular concepts of the C2C design paradigm and how was of course free for us to choose for this assignment. And in the context of the assignment, we find that the C2C design paradigm is best suited regarding additional topics like toxicity and biosphere cycle,

besides the obvious ambition for a sustainable product. So in retrospect we think as a group that if we had the liberty and experience, we would still choose to use the C2C design paradigm for the challenging assignment.

Since we were dealing with a challenge regarding material use in a catering environment, much of the focus laid on closing the material cycles either through the biosphere or techno sphere. Carefully analysing and managing the materials used. But of course the motto Waste = Food was the most appealing and applicable to our assignment, with the cutlery and cups being composted to return the nutrients back to the biosphere for food or materials.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Although the assignment wasn’t strictly a research project, but more an educational exercise, it has led with most of our group continuing with the things we learned during the assignment. Some have done their Bachelor end thesis or other projects

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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about or using Cradle to Cradle design paradigm, and others have continued to follow the development of design methodology and its innovations.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Although the project was also our first introduction with the Cradle to Cradle design methodology, our instinct and experience quickly led us to make a Life Cycle Analysis form the eco-efficiency design methodology to analyse the current situation. This was tempting has it gave a hard numerical answer what the best solution is, however this is a error in the respective of Cradle to Cradle design. As you aren’t looking for a solution that is the most optimal, but optimal itself with no flaws or drawn backs. Still a stronger and more numerical analysis and approach would nice to present a stronger case for Cradle to Cradle design.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

The Puzzle actually consist of two parts, making the product fit in a circular material stream and making sure students would respect this approach. It is assumed that all future food packaging is biodegradable so all the cutlery and cups should also be biodegradable. Cutlery that would be reused over and over would be stolen from the faculty but using decomposable throw away cutlery places a big impact on the environment. If more natural material is needed to make the cutlery than nature provides the ‘circle’ is inconsistent in time. The cutlery is therefore made from a material (pulp) that is pressed with a natural bound agency (shellac) that can be used for a short period of time and washed. After this, the cutlery can safely be decomposed. This prevents steeling of the cutlery but makes sure the whole content of the waste bin is biodegradable. The plate is part of the techno cycle and physically doesn’t fit in the bin.

Lessons learned

Reflecting back on the whole experience as a group, a lot was learned in the process on completing the assignment. The demands and restraints of the assignment and its environment forced us to think, create and work hard to reach a solution that answered the call for a better future and a better canteen and faculty.

Particularly finding the right materials for the intended products was forcing us to continue coming up with creative solutions and push the boundaries of innovation, all to get the end products that would close the cycle, be non-toxic, and would function in a student canteen. This particular point made the deepest impression on our experience, that through Cradle to Cradle, you push yourself further and more creatively to come up with solutions that really are solutions.

Results

Looking back at the assignment a good two years later. Not only did we as a project group learn a lot about the Cradle to Cradle design paradigm and how to apply it, thanks to MSc. I. De Paauw and Dr. Ir. C Bakker. But as well, taking the feedback and positive comments on board, we seem to have found a creative solution to the challenge of the faculty canteen in the Industrial Design Engineering faculty at the Delft University of Technology. A challenging environment where Sodexo was interested to look into providing more than just organic food, but provide an area of complete refreshment for both students, staff, and Mother Nature by closing material cycles and using renewable energy in a pleasant atmosphere free of guilt.

Other solutions

As previously mentioned the assignment was part of a course in which multiple project groups developed their solutions using different design strategies, so in that sense, there are many alternative solutions or variations to the assignment challenge. But also within our project group there were multiple solutions discussed and developed as well as a few alternatives presented to provide economic diversity. Particularly a range of different materials had been discussed and although in our opinion the best solution for this specific case have presented, under different circumstances and insights alternatives might perform better.

RECOMMENDATIONS

When it comes to taking on such a specific project assignment or looking from a different standpoint to apply the C2C design paradigm in a practical environment, there were a few points we think that could be improved on to ease and streamline the C2C design process.

The first stumbling block was perhaps more our own fault, being more used to the eco-efficiency design approach, was that we wanted to make a life-cycle analysis to assess the current situation of the canteen and its components. While actually we had to start assessing the material flows through the canteen and their toxicity, we were looking for something tangible and concrete to benchmark the current situation as a jumping off point.

Another stumbling block was that in the team there wasn’t a fully qualified and experienced toxicity and chemicals expert to hand, so judging the safety and sustainability of the materials had to be done through secondary (and often sketchy) sources. This undermined our confidence that the end results was really for filing the assignment demands, so we hope the material database will expand further and be available for the intended use. Or otherwise a set of (Cradle to Cradle) guidelines to avoid major shortcomings in the materials properties.

All in all this recommendations aren’t probably new or shocking, but we believe that removing these blocks would greatly improve the C2C design process, allowing for further improvement and more creative solutions of the design itself

REFERENCES

McDonough, W. & Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. New York, USA: North Point Press.

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DESIGN OF A BIO-BASED CONSUMER PRODUCT FROM SUSTAINABLE RENEWABLE BIOMASS SOURCES AND IDENTIF ICATION OF THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Name: ir. Bob van Putten (2009)

Supervisors: Prof. mr. dr. ir. S.C. Santema

Ir. R. Wever

Ing. B. Vastbinder - DCE

Background info:

As an industrial design student I was growing tired of hearing people talk about sustainability and set out to prove that the existing companies were wrong by demonstrating that truly sustainable products can be profitable. There was always a downside in using one material or the other so I developed a material that could be produced in large quantities without the negative effects on the environment in an endless biological cycle.

University: Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Faculty: Industrial Design Engineering

Department: Design for Sustainability

Master: Integral Product Design

Involved institutes: DCMAT, Delft Centre for Entrepreneurship

Mesch et al. aimed to make canteen truly sustainable using the C2C design paradigm for a student canteen. They developed a C2C inspired vision for a canteen as place to recharge yourself with nutrients while feeding the world with nutrients in a pleasurable relaxing atmosphere.

Their challenge was how to translate and materialize this vision into an industrial design. They used a mixture of design methods (IDE and C2C design paradigm). The focus was on closing the material cycles either through the bio-sphere or techno-sphere, through materials management and the C2C principle of Waste = Food.

A challenge they faced was that the LCA methodology, although able to translate the design in hard numerical best solution, was not able to value the Cradle to Cradle aspects of their design.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Bjørn, 2012; de Groot, 2009; Wiersma, 2009 and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Mulhall, et al., 2013a; Bjørn, et al., 2013; Bor, et al., 2011.

ABSTRACT

The research report describes the process towards the main result: the AlgaPak, an innovative mail packaging product primarily for Dutch web shops. Since no suitable material was available that would be truly sustainable in large quantities, an innovation in biodegradable material was needed. This insight lead to a new compostable material made from algae. Algae grow fast, have structural strength, are highly compostable and can be grown without competing for acres with known food crops, such as corn starch needed for ‘sustainable’ plastics.

The report contains a deductive analysis of the world of materials in the views of the C2C philosophy. Which base material is most suited for biological cycles? The goal was to create a product with a perfect Nutrient Reutilization Score (NRS) of 100. Then the project sets out to develop a material that meets the design criteria that were chosen. This was done because no proper material was available at the time. Using this material a product was designed to fit an existing market need. The product had to be used in a biological cycle, meaning opportunities for composting had to be present. This lead to a packaging design for e-commerce parcels, which can be discarded in soil.

This research effort was also awarded with a Young Wild Idea award from the Delft Centre for Materials. After this finding, the AlgaPak concept was devised as a pilot product for the material. The report also contains a business plan that deals with the implementation process and how to attain the business goals that were set to speed up the adoption of this new material.

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THE PUZZLE

Products that are made with C2C certified resources have to be met with appropriate waste management circuits, but if that criterion is met it is an optimal form of consumption. This is the only type of consumption that stands a chance of withstanding the stress that a global population of 9+ billion in 2030 will put on the planet’s capacity to provide resources.

The ‘puzzle’ was to find a material that could be produced in these large quantities with a compatible waste management circuit. Understanding how the world uses resources on the largest scale and what the consequences truly were was the biggest challenge. Finding a suitable alternative after that was relatively straightforward.

Time-frame

The project was started in May 2009 as part of a graduation project at the Delft University of Technology. Solving the problem for finding the material took approximately three months. Development of the material and design of the product took an additional four months.

Global societal challenges or trends

On the one hand the research aimed at finding answers to global consumption and the challenges for product design. On the other hand the goal was to find exciting and new possibilities in the field of sustainable, compostable materials. The reason for this was that the majority of compostable materials were not truly compostable. Compostability was measured in an industrial composter unit over a period of 90 days, rather than an average garden for instance. This meant that even plastics that could be considered harmful in the biosphere would be labelled compostable because a percentage of compostable material was added.

Motivation

I just found it frustrating to hear about sustainable design and materials that (in my views) failed to meet the real challenges. As a designer of products and product service systems I felt that it was a compromise to design with suboptimal materials

and waste circuits. Inspired by the C2C approach I wanted to find real honesty in products and materials leading me on this research ‘journey’.

APPROACH

I set out to evaluate all biological materials that could fit in the biological cycle. I used structural qualities as selection criteria. Other criteria were compostability and growth speed. This led me to the plant and eukaryote kingdoms. Land-based plants quickly were eliminated as they would ultimately compete with food crops as they compete for agricultural land.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

It offers clear guidelines as to how consumption can happen while being of benefit to the environment. It is also aimed at the broader role that the product designer can and should play in this challenging day and age. Bio-sphere, material management,

waste = food were most prominently used.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

It was the reason this research project was set up as I was the one who wrote the graduation assignment. To me, it showed one of the biggest flaws in modern product design thinking. Along with Victor Papanek’s Design for the Real World I would say it was the biggest influence on me as a designer.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

First of all the Al-6022 alloy needs to be certified for use in aviation as it is The material I designed using fibrous algae has unresolved problems in harvesting the algae in great numbers. This also being one of the challenges of the algae-to-biofuel industry I feel this may be resolved by other engineers in the future.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

At one point I was confident that algae combined growth speed with structural strength, which were the qualities I was looking for as a suitable source material for the product. Not being a biologist I then made appointments with the leading algae experts in the Netherlands. They helped me find different strains of algae that had strong fibres.

Next part was finding a way to turn the plant matter into a material with which it was possible to make products. Turning it into a type of sheet material seemed most likely.

The algae I found made a sugary slime in their natural form to fend of infections and other organisms. In the end, a similar substance was used to bind the algae strands together to form the base of the material; a rigid sheet. You could say nature already found the solutions to my problem.

Lessons learned

I found that it takes an enormous breadth of knowledge to achieve C2C cycles in this day. You need a multidisciplinary team to make progress in combination with an ability to find the right knowledge at the right time.

Results

In short:

→ An analysis of known source materials in terms of C2C’s biological cycles

→ Development of a new algae material suitable for packaging

→ Product design for packaging in a biological cycle

→ Business plan for development of said packaging in a start-up

→ Research grant was awarded during the graduation project (Young Wild Idea by DCMAT)

→ Spin off research at TU Delft by professors and student groups.

Other solutions

Yes, I am sure nature has countless alternative material sources that grow equally fast and also provide structural qualities as well. Specifically in the area of cyanobacteria, closely related to microalgae. There are so many species with varying qualities.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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DEVELOPMENT OF A DECIS ION SUPPORT MODEL FOR BUILDING DESIGN: BASED ON THE CRADLE TO CRADLE PRINCIPLES AND THE BUILDING VILLA FLORA Name: Ing. Andrea Herrera Jaramillo (2013)

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Elma Durmisevic

Dr. Tanja Scheelhaase

Ing. G.M.B Holla

Background info:

Andrea is a Product Design Engineer from Medellin, Colombia. Her specialization in Sustainable Design motived her to continue her path at the University of Twente. In The Netherlands she followed two master tracks: Cradle to Cradle and Architectural Building Components Design Engineering. Her master thesis became an excellent opportunity to combine her two favorite topics of the master education. She was member of the Latin American Student Association and Ariëns Katholieke Studenten.

University: University of Twente, The Netherlands

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering Technology (CTW)

Department: Industrial Design Engineering

Master: Industrial Design Engineering

Involved institutes: Volantis B.V., Venlo, The Netherlands

RECOMMENDATIONS

To further develop this material it is needed to research on:

→ Moisture absorption: right now moisture triggers the decomposition process in algae which makes the material so compostable. In practical situations the material would have to sustain some moistening without disintegrating. Possibilities include plasma treatment of the product surface.

→ Producability: growing and harvesting algae at a large scale is a challenge formed by the distribution of nutrients, cost effectiveness and separating the water from the algae after harvesting.

→ Drying: in order for the material to be produced algae have to be dried quite quickly, otherwise they will start to decompose. Finding a way to do this without using a lot of energy is part of this challenge.

Van der Putten was frustrated about sustainable design and materials that failed to meet the real challenges because of the compromises and suboptimal materials and waste circuits designers have to work with. Therefore he choose to work with the C2C approach as it offers clear guidelines as to how consumption can happen while being of benefit to the environment.

His thesis contains a deductive analysis of the world of materials in the views of the C2C philosophy. He focused on the bio-sphere, material management, waste = food to find which base material is most suited for biological cycles.

He found that you need a multidisciplinary team to make progress in combination with an ability to find the right knowledge at the right time.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Babre, 2013; Ünal, 2013; Iosif-Lazar, 2012; Zwaans, 2009; and related publications e.g.: Lovins, et al., 2014; Braungart, et al. 2007; Newcorn, 2003.

ABSTRACT

The industry started recognizing the negative environmental impact of their activities in the early 1970’s. In the building sector, the professionals have paid more attention on how buildings are designed, built and operated. Several methods are used to measure the environmental performance of buildings. These methods are based on an eco-efficiency approach which seeks to minimize the damage decreasing simultaneously a negative footprint.

Cradle to Cradle® represents an approach based on eco-effectiveness, where systems stop being designed ‘less bad’ and become ‘good’. Nevertheless the implementation of Cradle to Cradle® in buildings is limited to the use of some guidelines. Therefore the aim of this thesis was the development of a decision support model that could guide both the design and the evaluation process of buildings according to the Cradle to Cradle® principles.

The decision support model guides the transition of buildings from having a negative impact to a reference line described as a ‘green area’. The model measures the environmental performance of buildings according to its own Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). The C2C-Inspired building Villa Flora was used to evaluate and complement the project. The model gives objective information of its performance

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within two categories Renewable Energy and Materials.

THE PUZZLE

The different industrial sectors, among them the building sector, are large contributors of the environmental damage. When it comes to the implementation of sustainability, the building professionals are more likely to work with models and methods that give directions toward a ‘sustainable’ goal. A large number of environmental assessment methods such as BREEAM and GPR, are in practice to guide the design and evaluation process of sustainable buildings. The overall purpose of these methods is to reduce the negative environmental impact. Even though they are not originally intended to serve as design guidelines (Crawley, 1999), they are used in practice as such to guide the process towards a ‘sustainable’ result. These methods have an eco-efficiency approach.

Cradle to Cradle® presents an approach based on eco-effectiveness, where products and systems stop being designed ‘less bad’ and become ‘good’. Nevertheless the implementation of Cradle to Cradle® in buildings is limited to the use of some guidelines. There is not an integrated C2C model or method in practice, as GPR and BREEAM, which gives better directions to architects and planners in the design of a ‘C2C building’.

Time-frame

The development of this master thesis started in January 2013. It was a project in cooperation with the University of Twente and the company Volantis. B.V. The time-frame of the project was eight months. The methodology and its activities were completely executed within the time-frame except for a second evaluation of the decision support model. It was intended to evaluate the model with a C2C-inspired building different than Villa Flora.

Global societal challenges or trends

The built environment has been focused on reducing the negative impact of buildings since 1970’s. During these years, the sector has experienced a transition

between recognizing its environmental damage and trying to minimize its impact. Braungart and McDonough suggest setting the goal higher to enhance and maximize a positive impact rather than reducing a negative one. This could be called as a second transition, where the building sector moves from providing a negative impact to positive effects. The second transition would probably take some decades, but at least it has already started.

During the first transition, still in practice, several environmental assessment methods have been employed. These methods help both, recognizing the negative impact of buildings and designing ‘less bad’ options. Cradle to Cradle® could lead to the second transition where the building professionals design solutions with positive effects.

Motivation

As a designer I feel responsible for the effects that products have on the environment. My love for sustainable design was born at Eafit University. This highly motivated to continue my path at the University of Twente. Cradle to Cradle has helped me opening my view about designing products with positive effects and as it says doing the right things instead of doing the things right. So thanks to C2C I am aware that the traditional focus of sustainability is only delaying the damage. C2C suggests designing products and buildings with positive effects. Architects, designers, and engineers need models and measurement systems in order to make objective choices during the design and operation phase of buildings. The lack of a comparable model in C2C was my biggest motivation to work on this project.

APPROACH

The methodology used during this master thesis, aimed to find the answer of the research question: How can the Cradle to Cradle® principles be integrated into a model to guide the design and evaluation process of buildings?

Three phases led the research: Literature study, Development of the decision support model framework, and Evaluation of the model.

A literature study was performed at the beginning of the project. It was focused on the C2C literature related to building design and different environmental assessment methods used in The Netherlands such as EPBD, NEN 7120, BREEAM, GPR and Eco-quantum. This analysis and the comparison between the environmental assessment methods helped to develop the framework of the decision support model.

The development of the framework itself was the second phase of the methodology. Additionally to the literature analysis, the C2C inspired building Villa Flora, located in Venlo, was analysed in order to identify the performance of the building according to the proposed aspects of the decision support model. The analysis of Villa Flora illustrated the design process of a building. This phase involved interviews, observations of the systems, review of documents among other sources that presented related information.

In the third phase, the framework of the decision support model was evaluated by a panel of experts in the Cradle to Cradle® field. Recommendations were given based on their evaluation. Due to time limitations it was not possible to evaluate the model with another C2C inspired building.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

Climate change, loss of genetic plant and animal diversity, oil crisis, and scarcity of materials; are few examples of the environmental damage due to the industrial activities of our society. Additionally some social problems have arisen such as the conflicts between nations for controlling the territories with abundant resources. Buildings are large contributors to this negative environmental damage.

It is required changing the goals that are set nowadays by the building professionals. Instead of only reducing a negative environmental impact, C2C is leading to positive effects. Looking at the big picture, it contributes directing the efforts toward a sustainable development.

The previous concepts were explicitly or implicitly involved in this research. These concepts were necessary to identify and create the categories of the model. They are associated to one or more of the eight categories. Due to subcategories and KPI´s

were developed only for the categories Renewable Energy and Materials, some of the concepts such as Celebrate diversity and Design for disassembly have not been yet fully implemented.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Different opinions where found relate to the measurement of the C2C features in buildings through the categories and KPI´s of the model. On one hand, building professionals need measurement systems in order to make objective choices during the several phases of buildings.

On the other hand, it was pointed out by the C2C experts that the focus should be only on the design process avoiding the assessment of buildings. This difference slightly changes the direction of the research. Recommendations were given in order to continue with this research and link the gap between the opinion of the C2C Experts and the need of a model to design, evaluate and compare C2C-inspired buildings as objectively as possible. At the end all the parties involved are unanimously working

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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towards the same goal: designing, constructing and using buildings with positive footprints.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

The model was linked as close as possible to the C2C literature. Nevertheless the latest publication How to plan a big beneficial footprint and the C2C Expert panel evaluation, suggests implicitly a new direction to the research. New ideas arose and research questions appeared. Some of these new challenges are related to the used of the model as a design tool rather than an assessment method. Categories and weighting factors could be recommended as relative aspects of buildings that differ according to each development and its context.

Furthermore the approach of the model is to design and evaluate buildings using KPI’s in each of the categories. Here, different elements of the building contribute to the performance or results within a specific category. However the C2C experts suggest focusing only on five elements instead of a building as a whole.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

A decision support model is proposed as a comparable method to guide the first step in designing and evaluating buildings with positive effects. The focus of the model is to bring buildings to a reference line where they do not have a negative impact. This means for instance buildings that do not generate waste and produce their own demand of energy from renewable sources. The model measures the progress of buildings towards the reference line or ‘green area’. The performance of building starts growing into this area while reducing the negative impact. Above the reference line is when buildings really start providing a positive impact. The measurement of the ‘positiveness’ of buildings is considered as a second step and is not covered in this proposal. The model only gives qualitative recognition of those building elements that have a positive impact.

Lessons learned

Through this master thesis, it was learnt about the Cradle to Cradle® concepts related to building design. The biggest challenge was about the comparison and assessment of buildings. Although the decision support model proposes a comparison and evaluation of developments, in the C2C field it is not possible to compare different buildings. The following is an example given by the senior researcher Douglas Mulhall that explains some aspects of two buildings that are not comparable between them: A music school has different benefits than a greenhouse. The greenhouse generates renewable energy, cleans water and air, recycles nutrients, is designed for disassembly and has safe materials. The music school is in a favela and saves lives by keeping kids out of gangs but has no benefits for renewable energy, materials, climate, nutrients, water, or disassembly.

Results

A decision support model is proposed to guide the transition from a negative impact to the reference line. The model assesses the performance of buildings through eight categories: Renewable Energy, Materials, In/outdoor climate, Water, Stakeholders value, Biological nutrients, Diversity (biodiversity, cultural diversity, conceptual diversity), and Design for disassembly. These categories are the result of an analysis on the C2C guidelines for the built environment and some environmental assessment methods used in the Netherlands. Only two of them (Renewable Energy and Materials) were developed in detail.

The categories of the model are divided by sub-categories which contain Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). The results of the KPI’s are translated into a ‘green score’ firstly per subcategory, secondly per category. This score indicates the extent until which the C2C principles have been implemented in the building. The results were identified for Villa Flora.

Other solutions

Building professionals need tools and measurement systems in order to make objective choices. Choices based on calculations and prediction of effects. For instance the engineering and consultant company Volantis B.V. is one of those

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REFERENCES

Bor, A., Hansen, K., Goedkoop, M., Riviére, A., Alvarado, C., Wittenboer, W. (2011). Position paper: Usability of Life cycle Assessment for Cradle to Cradle purposes. NL Agency

Crawley, D., Aho, I. (1999). Building environmental assessment methods: applications and development trends. Building Research and Information 27:4-5, pp. 300-308.

Mulhall, D., Braungart, M., Hansen, K. (2013). How to plan a big beneficial footprint. Guide to innovation tools for Cradle to Cradle®-inspired value in building developments. For Architects, Developers, Investors & Planners familiar with Cradle to Cradle®. Consultative Beta V 3.14.

Usa Today. (2013). Home page Usa Today [web site], http://www.usatoday.com. Accessed May 2013.

facing the challenges of implementing C2C in building design using the available C2C tools. Architects, planners, engineers and building owners are enthusiastic about implementing C2C in their developments. They are only asking for a model they could be familiar with and work with. The decision support model is only a proposal to supply this need. Other solutions or modifications to the model can be always implemented. The most important is supplying a model or method according to the Cradle to Cradle® principles that leads to positive impacts. .

RECOMMENDATIONS

Providing quantitative results and comparing different buildings was the biggest criticism by the C2C experts. Although the model is not measuring the C2C-ness of buildings it could lead to a misinterpretation of this by the users. Buildings have their own features that could not be comparable among them. This argument had led to the recommendation of using the model as a design model merely, avoiding any kind of evaluation. Even though the design process of a building implies an assessment or evaluation of different solutions in order to select one, it is necessary to analyse what is the best way of presenting this kind of comparison.

The experts suggest focusing on five elements instead of a building as a whole. In the future not only five but most of the elements of a building could be C2C-Inspired. A suggestion is to split the building in many different elements and measure the overall score of the ‘parts’ of the building that are C2C inspired.

The model suggests the evaluation and guidance of buildings through eight categories. Nevertheless a building and its features highly depend on the context and intentions of stakeholders. The model could suggest some categories and offer the possibility to add or subtract them according to the requirements of a particular development. In the same way, it could not be assumed that every development gives the same importance or weighting factors to the categories of the model. However if Categories and Weighting factors are relative aspects of buildings, the ‘green scores’ and the comparison process of buildings are not valid. So it is necessary to analyse and re-think the scoring approach of the model.

Herrera Jaramillo aimed to develop a decision support model that could guide both the design and the evaluation process of buildings according to the C2C principles. She noticed that compared to other building evaluation methods (GPR and BREEAM) there is not an integrated C2C model or method in practice which gives directions to architects and planners in the design of a ‘C2C building’.

A challenge she faced was the difference between the need of the practitioners and the recommendations of the C2C experts relating the measurement of the C2C features in a building. As assessment and evaluation is based on proven technologies and innovation is necessary to design buildings that leave positive footprints, the model was suggested to be used as a design model instead of an assessment model.

Further readings student theses e.g.: van Schaik, 2010; Koster, 2010; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

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Stead, J. G., & Stead, W. E. (2013). Sustainable strategic management ME Sharpe.

Verfaillie, H. A., Bidwell, R., & Cowe, R. (2000). Measuring eco-efficiency: A guide to reporting company performance (June ed.) World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Young, W., & Tilley, F. (2006). Can businesses move beyond efficiency? the shift toward effectiveness and equity in the corporate sustainability debate. Business Strategy and the Environment, 15(6), 402-415.

“Economic growth was bad, because soon we reach our limits to growth, until

Cradle to Cradle came up.” (Koster, 2010)

“C2C is the only environmental concept with a clear focus on the profit

maximisation, because it is not ‘against’ consumption.” (Zwaans, 2009)

“I believe it is necessary to add Cradle to Cradle principles to the pool of business

academic research, increase awareness of the concept as well as of the emerging

consumer group with its own needs and values.” (Babre, 2013)

“…it was interesting to understand the implications of the ways in which it

would affect and change business practices and internal routines in order to

contribute to the C2C development.” (Iosif-Lazar, 2012)

6. MANAGEMENT

STUDIES

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CRADLE TO CRADLE, A GAIN FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES?

Name: Ing. Guido Koster Msc (2010)

Supervisors: Prof. dr. ir. A.J.D.M. van Hal Dr. R.J. Blomme MLD CMC MSIM MSc BSc EurIng Ir. M. Collignon

Background info:

I’m founder of Interligo, an innovative detachment office for people with a distance to the labor market. My dream is to create a better world where everyone’s talents come to fruition, so that everyone can rise above himself or herself with the deep believe that people can inspire, encourage and motivate each other. In 5 year time I will help 50.000 people (WAJONG, WIA and 55+) to the labor market. To fulfill my dream I’m looking for companies that want to work with self supported teams and want cost-reduction on the re-integration of personnel.

University: Business Universiteit Nyenrode, Breukelen The Netherlands

Faculty: Centre for Sustainability

Master: Master of Science in Management

Involved institutes:

Sustainable Change, Utrecht The Netherlands

ABSTRACT

In the building sector there are a lot of puzzles to solve. How we make the existing buildings more sustainable? What are we going to do with the empty office buildings in The Netherlands? How we are going to deal with risks in the building sector? What forms a blockage to be really innovative? What are we going to do when the prices for building materials rise because of a too low supply and a too high demand? Can Cradle to Cradle solve all these puzzles? Probably not. It helps us to rethink the way we do things and it can be part of the solution.

Here I describe the way how Cradle to Cradle can give construction companies competitive advantages and work this out in a Cradle to Cradle construction ball. Why? Construction workers like to kick a ball and I invite you to play with it.

THE PUZZLE

Celebrate sustainability! Looking with new élan at the way we make things. This is what stays close to me after reading Braungart’s and McDonough’s book. For my puzzle I started at the innovation research of Robert Cooper. His insight about innovation - acquired at thousands of companies - translated to a Stage-Gate New Product process and 10 factors of success to make the conduct of business more innovative and profitable - was a trigger for me. I use these factors to investigate the influence of Cradle to Cradle on them and see if construction companies can increase their competitiveness and profitability still. Why construction companies? The building sector causes the biggest waste stream in Europe with an enormous emission of carbon dioxide. In The Netherlands makes the sector a lot of progress in sustainability. There is loads of work to do still mainly at existing buildings. In fact, here is a major challenge.

My research purpose was:

Learn to understand the way how Cradle to Cradle influences Cooper’s success factors of innovation at construction companies, so that they can develop competitive advantages.

My research questions were:

1. On which success factors has Cradle to Cradle an added value at construction firms?

2. On which success factors has Cradle to Cradle a loss of value at construction firms?

3. In which way helps Cradle to Cradle together with Cooper’s innovation theory to increase the competitiveness of construction companies?

(You can find the conceptual model at the previous page.)

Time-frame

I worked for 5 months on my puzzle in 2009 and 2010 besides my regular job at the government. That Cradle to Cradle is an inspiring method to rethink the business-model of construction companies, but they are so structural risk averse that they are blocked to come to real innovative development, was a important insight for me.

Global societal challenges or trends

We have a commodity crisis warns Louise Vet of NIOO us at her TEDX-talks and I agree with her. Our spillage is enormous and in only some decades from now there are no raw materials left. The commodity prices will rise. What are you going to do as traditional construction company if you can’t purchase building materials at regular prices and you loose at every call for tenders against innovative construction companies? Why not act now and come with a new business model. Cradle to Cradle can inspire you!

Wessel Bruining project manager at www.duurzaamwonen.nl sees possibilities to bring the product ‘live’, ‘work’ or ‘storage’ to the market. The construction company is the owner of the house, office or warehouse and the building materials also. They facilitate the persons who use the building. When the building isn’t in use anymore the materials return to the company. This concept needs a rethink about how we build buildings.

Motivation

Where the Dutch government walked in front at the development of environmental policy in de years ‘80 and ‘90 of the last century walks she now behind. The major task is at the companies to find innovative business models to deal with the commodity crisis and put social entrepreneurship into practise. At business-school I recognize my entrepreneurial skills and in this context I love to work with Cradle to Cradle and see how it can bring construction companies a step further in their sustainable development.

After business-school I made a career shift to start my own company Interligo. Macro-economically we spend billions of euros into the re-integration market at the last 10

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Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

Second, we have to find a method to certify Cradle to Cradle buildings in the same kind of way as BREEAM of the Green Building Council does. BREEAM-certification is used by real estate developers to attach value to the measure of sustainability at a building. So, the sustainable investments of the real estate developers can be factored in the rent of the building. With Cradle to Cradle investments this is not possible and is there no incentive for Cradle to Cradle investments by real estate developers.

Third, it’s very difficult to certify a building to the Cradle to Cradle norms, because of the diver’s kind and amount of materials that is needed. Better is to certify the construction companies who work with a Cradle to Cradle procedure and build so Cradle to Cradle as possible. So, a construction company can distinguish from his competitors and the company can incorporate Cradle to Cradle fully with less risk.

years, but almost the same amount of people (840.000) stands beside the labour market still. The results of the re-integration businesses are very poor. Interligo is a cooperation and it’s a new innovative concept for an detachment office with lower re-integration costs and take care of a permanent job for the people involved.

APPROACH

First, I wanted to work with Anke van Hal professor Sustainable Building and Development at Nyenrode. Her inaugural speech ‘fusie van belangen’ at Nyenrode inspired me, especially the call for collaboration between the parties in the construction sector, to face the major challenge in sustainable building. Second, I wanted to work with Marcel Collignon of Sustainable Change. He has a very sharp view about how to focus on sustainability. He often pressed - so I call it - at a ‘imaginary button’ that really helped me to go one step further in my research.

My literature investigation exists of reading the book: “Cradle to Cradle, remaking the way we make things”, read about criticasters of Cradle to Cradle and the historical perspective of the sustainable development and which breakthroughs there where and which problems we have to face still. Very important in my research was the work of Robert Cooper about innovation. His work forms the base of my conceptual model for research.

I did qualitative research with 10 in-depth interviews at 5 construction companies, 3 architectural firms, 1 project leader of the Cradle to Cradle renovation of the VROM-building in The Hague and a real estate developer. With these interviews I got a broad view about Cradle to Cradle in the building sector and insights at my research questions.

During writing I contacted the building companies after 3 à 4 years again. Mr. Pasmans of MP-pm is working as advisor at a project of 9 Cradle to Cradle houses in Maastricht. Mr. Notenboom of BAM Utiliteitsbouw uses certified Cradle to Cradle building materials, like carpet, chairs and partition walls and works together with Thomas Rau of TurnToo. Mr. Van Zanten of Heembouw focuses on to build more effective and efficient. Mr. Hoekstra of VDM-woningen goes for sustainable pre-fab 3D building blocks for an easy (dis)assembly of houses on the building site. Mr. Wessels of www.

duurzaamwonen.nl embraces the circular economy. All persons work innovative with Cradle to Cradle and the companies are all leaders in sustainability or leaders in innovation by the categorization of construction companies from Van Hal.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

Environmentalists pointed the finger at people who go in the economic flow. It was bad to drive a car or to go on a flight holiday, for example. When you want to be good for the environment you had to do less. Economic growth was bad, because soon we reach our limits to growth, until Cradle to Cradle came up. “Strive for good growth” was the new way of thinking. You can do all kind of things, but act like nature does and celebrate it. I embrace this positive approach. When we redesign our products on a eco-effective way there goes a whole new world open for us with new possibilities for trade. A lot of companies proofed that right already.

My report is pressed on FSC paper and with so non-toxic ink as possible, with the help of Océ. Furthermore I don’t use plastic and toxic glue to bind my paper, but I use the binding system of Paperlock.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

At the beginning of my research I prepared a quantitative research approach with an questionnaire at about 250 construction companies. Because it was more important to understand the process of Cradle to Cradle implementation at construction companies it was better to change to a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

There are several kind challenges that are related with the main question “How can we speed up the implementation of Cradle to Cradle in de building sector?”.

First, all knowledge about Cradle to Cradle must come in the open. When construction companies and architects can use this knowledge freely it will give an impulse of Cradle to Cradle in the building sector.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

I tried to find as many as possible construction companies for my in-depth interviews. The network of my conductors Anke van Hal en Marcel Collignon were very useful. We find a couple of companies at discussion fora on LinkedIn also. Besides construction companies I interviewed other market players too, like architects and a real estate developer. This gave a broad view about the development of Cradle to Cradle in de building sector.

I translated the essence of the interviews into short highlights and point them to the success factors of Robert Cooper. He has 10 factors, but I condensed them to 7 factors. I work at this point together with two other people to exclude tunnel vision from my side. Then I prioritize the success factors per research question to analyse which factors are named the most by the interviewees. With this priority I was able to assess the influence of Cradle to Cradle at the success factors of Robert Cooper.

Lessons learned

As earlier mentioned I had to change my research approach. That was not so easy, because I was attached to my research proposal. I wanted real results and not some vague answers and at my opinion that was only possible with quantitative research. My most important learning moment was to let go this fixed mind-set.

Construction companies need to let go their fixed mind-sets as well. They are thinking and working very traditional and risk averse. Customers demand comes first and when they don’t want a sustainable building the construction company don’t interfere. When construction companies takes a more central position in the building process and work with innovative building materials and new building concepts then Cradle to Cradle have the chance to get a more structural base in the construction market.

Results

The 7 success factors I worked with are: (1) a clear vision and strategy; (2) innovation driven leadership; (3) proper culture and teamwork; (4) perfect project management;

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(5) agreement on financial and human resources; (6) effective and flexible process to generate ideas; (7) interaction with consumers, customers and supply chain partners. The interviews lead to one extra factor and that is (8) awareness of third parties about sustainability. It goes too far for this book to explain these factors in relationship with Cradle to Cradle. My report can be downloaded from www.sustainablechange.nl for a comprehensive explanation (in Dutch).

The results are in short:

1. ‘Innovation driven leadership’ and ‘proper culture and teamwork’ are the best factors to implement Cradle to Cradle at construction companies. This is remarkable, because Cradle to Cradle has more a technically substantive focus with the biological and technical circles, the lists of substances and the redesign of products, but not who and how it has to be done. The interviewees say it start with compassion and embracement of Cradle to Cradle by the people who are work with it.

2. Cradle to Cradle has an added value on ‘clear vision and strategy’ and ‘perfect project management’. Construction companies can weigh the whole lifetime of buildings in the design- and construction plans which have an effect on the business model and internal business processes. Construction companies get for example more maintenance and operation tasks for buildings. Furthermore they can have an environmentally and socially conscious positioning on the market which leads to enormous exposure, be in the lead on the market and image improvement. At last they can see an increase of personal loyalty, the speed-up of work processes and a more efficient building style.

3. Cradle to Cradle has no loss of value on Coopers succes factors. Some restraints should be taken into account. There is confusion on the market because many companies proclaim that they produce Cradle to Cradle, but at the end it’s ‘window dressing’ only. Besides Cradle to Cradle has a non-negligible impact on business operations.

4. Cradle to Cradle has competitive advantages, namely: Cradle to Cradle can...

a. Give an impulse at the marketing orientation of a construction company,

like prefer supplier for the government lead to free publicity;

b. Initiate commercial Cradle to Cradle advice to customers and supply chain partners

c. Increase the network of construction companies because it’s important to share knowledge between supply chain partners which can lead to more building contracts;

d. Increase the loyalty of personnel whereby they work longer for the construction company which lead to lower education and induction costs;

e. Decrease of the sick leave, because personnel don’t work with poisonous materials anymore;

f. Make the building process more effective and efficient by the use of prefab materials and the simplification of it;

g. Stimulate to think about the way how construction companies can provide in the required building materials at the next decade.

Recommendations

This research was an inventorying qualitative research. For further research I suggest to follow a several construction companies who are implementing Cradle to Cradle in their business operations for a couple of years. With in-depth interviews of the direction board, project managers and co-workers on yearly basis in combination of the realized company results, like turn over, profit and modifications in workforce it’s possible to get a clear view about the added value of Cradle to Cradle for the construction company.

I don’t recommend a quantitative research, because Cradle to Cradle is just at the beginning in the construction market. Some say the Cradle to Cradle hype has blown over. It’s for sure that there aren’t enough market data available to do a sound quantitative research.

The market for Cradle to Cradle is developing still. During my research many

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companies lift on the popularity of Cradle to Cradle. They all say that they produce Cradle to Cradle products, but at the end they are not sound in the faith. This leads to indistinctness about Cradle to Cradle on the market. This works to the disadvantage of Cradle to Cradle. Important is to conduct the discussion about Cradle to Cradle purely and inform the market. I suggest that all knowledge about Cradle to Cradle needs to be shared publicly. That really helps companies to implement Cradle to Cradle in their business operations. Here is a main task for universities, knowledge institutions and industry associations.

The crisis in the construction market did cool down the hype of Cradle to Cradle. The Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Institute issues 105 certificates for building materials in 2012 and 80 in 2011 worldwide. The amount did increase but the growth decreases comparing with previous years. It’s now to all who have Cradle to Cradle near to their heart to prove Cradle to Cradle in not a hype and it can really remake the way we make things.

REFERENCES

Braungart, M, McDonough, W; Cradle to Cradle, Remaking the way we make things; Vintage Books, London, 2009.

L INK

http://www.sustainable-change.nl/downloads_en_links

Koster aimed to solve his puzzle in the building sector using the C2C approach. He aimed to make the existing buildings more sustainable, focussing on the problem of empty office buildings, the risks and blockages to be really innovative, and the increasing prices of building materials. He illustrates how C2C can give construction companies competitive advantages by the use of Cooper’s success factors of innovation. A challenge he faced was the difficulty of certifying a building to the C2C norms. He recommended to certify the construction companies who work with a C2C procedure and build as C2C as possible. So, a construction company can distinguish from his competitors and the company can incorporate C2C fully with less risk.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Jaramillo, 2013; van Schaik, 2010; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Mulhall, Braungart, & Hansen, 2013b; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

HOW DOES THE CRADLE TO CRADLE METHODOLOGY CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMPANY’S FOR-PROFIT GOALS?

Name: David Zwaans Msc (2009)

Supervisors: Dr. Mr. H.J. Bremmers

Prof. Dr. S.W.F. Omta

Background info:

This thesis is conducted as part of my study MME, Master of Management, Economics and Consumer studies, specialization management. In my BSc I had a lot of courses concerning CSR, although this was merely focused on ethics, HRM and the social consequences of business. When I started my MSc. in Wageningen, I was confronted with the impact of business on the environment. While I followed a course about environmental management, I heard about Cradle to Cradle. I read the book of McDonough and Braungart, watched the ‘Tegenlicht’-documentary about Cradle to Cradle and realized the potential of a concept that combined environmental and financial goals.

University: Wageningen University and Research centre

Faculty: Management, economics and consumer studies

Master: Management Studies

ABSTRACT

This thesis aims to gain insight in the relationship between the Cradle to Cradle concept, financial performance and firm characteristics such as business strategy, organizational structure and stakeholders. This is done by an extensive literature research and interviews with companies that have experience with Cradle to Cradle. The interviews serve as explorative research, they provide additional information to the literature study.

Cradle to Cradle is a relatively new concept, aiming at the elimination of waste, by designing products and production processes in such a way that all materials used in production can be recycled, without loss of quality, in either a biological or technological life-cycle. The Cradle to Cradle concept claims to focus on environmental, financial and social goals. The theory of Miles and Snow is used to classify the strategy of the organization; Mintzberg is used for the structure of the organization. The main distinction that is made is between firms with a ‘defender’-type strategy, often found in machine bureaucracies, who will focus on cost-savings, and firms with a ‘prospector’-type of strategy and organic structure, which will focus on differentiation and revenues through an improved image.

The interviews give an impression of the way in which Cradle to Cradle is adopted in companies in the Netherlands. There is no data available about the financial consequences of Cradle to Cradle yet, but with use of the literature study and prior research on the relation between existing environmental care systems and financial performance it is concluded that Cradle to Cradle can have a positive influence on the firm’s financial performance, both via cost-savings and increased revenues because of the firm’s image. Cradle to Cradle can assist in both cost-savings and differentiation, although the success of implementation is dependent on multiple aspects, such as organizational structure and strategy. A firm with a prospector-strategy, an organic structure and an dynamic, innovative and flexible characterization will be more likely to adopt the Cradle to Cradle concept, and will be more likely to benefit from early-adopter advantages.

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Motivation

At the Wageningen UR many students are quite aware of the environmental problems we have to face. However, as a student in business studies, I felt quite a distance between their ideas about how to change the world and the real corporate world as I knew it. My motivation was found in combining the convictions of environmental awareness with the commercial oriented knowledge of my study.

APPROACH

I tried to combine qualitative and quantitative research. Because of the fact that there was very little known about the effect of C2C on the company’s performance in the long term, it was quite hard to gather quantitative data. Therefore the main accent was on literature study, in which I focused on prior research on the effect of other environmental concepts on the profit, and compared it with aspects of C2C.

Besides the extensive literature study I conducted interviews with companies that already had (some) experience with C2C.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

Environmentalists pointed the finger at people who go in the economic flow. It was In my opinion, C2C is the only environmental concept with a clear focus on the profit maximisation, because it is not ‘against’ consumption. Especially the triple top line, as mentioned in the book of McDonough and Braungart, were very interesting.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

During my research I found that C2C effect so many areas of the organisation, that I changed the scope of my thesis several times.

THE PUZZLE

This thesis aims to gain insight in the relationship between the Cradle to Cradle concept, financial performance and firm characteristics such as business strategy, organizational structure and stakeholders. The puzzle is how C2C can contribute to the financial performance of companies.

Time-frame

It took more time than expected, due to the lack of data, changes in the research topic (what aspects of the organisation would be included) and personal circumstances.

Global societal challenges or trends

How to convince companies, with commercial for-profit goals, to consider a sustainable concept as C2C.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Because C2C was quite new, there was no data or experience available about the effects on profit and/or the company on the long term.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

I combined prior research on the effect of environmental concepts on the company’s profit with studies on C2C.

Lessons learned

I learned that it is very likely that C2C has a positive effect on the (mid)long term profit because of cost savings. On the short term a positive effect on the profit is possible when the marketing is focussed on the frontrunner position of the company

in C2C.

Results

Combining the results from the literature study, it shows that there are two types of firms in which C2C could fit. The first type has a prospector strategy, an organic organizational structure, flexible and innovative processes and an aim on financial performance through increased image. In figure 2a this type of firm is represented. Characteristics of these types of firms are innovativeness, decentralization and flexibility. Many of the companies that participated in the interviews fit in these characteristics.

Literature study and interviews showed that C2C can contribute to the firm’s financial performance via increased revenues because of an increased image of the firm and via cost-savings because of the more effective use of materials, recycling, energy and water, and because of the lower costs for waste treatment.

In both cases it is necessary that the firm knows how to use these possibilities. The firm needs to know how to make use of their increased image. This requires a strong marketing department and a flexible organization. Cost-savings can be obtained when the firm has an innovative culture and the technological abilities to redesign their production process. Therefore, a strong R&D department and technocratic and supporting staff are needed. In order to receive cost-savings through recycling, a strong collaboration within the chain is necessary.

L INK

http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/groenekennis/1907991

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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Zwaans aimed to gain insights in the relationship between the C2C concept, financial performance and firm characteristics such as business strategy, organizational structure and stakeholders. He conducted an extensive literature review and interviews with companies that had experience with C2C to find how C2C can contribute to the financial performance of companies.

A challenge he faced while working with the C2C concept was that C2C effected so many areas of the organisation, that he changed the scope of his thesis several times, combined with the novelty of the concept which limited the available data.

He, he found that C2C can contribute to the firm’s financial performance via increased revenues because of an increased image of the firm and via cost-savings.Further readings student theses e.g.: Babre, 2014; Ünal, 2013; Iosif-Lazar, 2012; and related publications e.g.: Lovins, et al., 2014; Ellen MacArthur Foundation & McKinsey & Company, 2014; Hupperts, et al., 2011.

POTENTIAL CONSUMERS OF CRADLE TO CRADLE PRODUCTS – PERCEIVED CONSUMER VALUE ASPECTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION TO THE PURCHASE INTENTION

Name: Julija Babre (2013)

Supervisors: Dr. Y. M.van Everdingen

D. M. P. E. den Held

Background info:

I am an ambitious recent master degree graduate with academic background in international business and management. I aspire to participate in the shaping of a more sustainable future through valuable innovation. Therefore, I have found innovation, creativity and environmental sustainability being the most interesting and inspiring topics for me personally as well as for the choice of my professional career.

University: Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, The Netherlands

Faculty: Business Administration

Department: Department of Marketing Management

Master: International Management/CEMS

ABSTRACT

This study introduces the Cradle to Cradle concept into the business academic community. The current sustainability challenges are mainly addressed with the eco-efficiency solutions. Cradle to Cradle shows an alternative point of view. The concept is increasing in its importance and more companies are embracing it, more Cradle to Cradle products are entering the market, implying that a new consumer group is emerging. The purpose of this research was to explore how the perceived functional, social, hedonic, altruistic value and price of the Cradle to Cradle product are associated with the purchase intention.

The research follows a mixed research design combining qualitative, quantitative methods and an experiment. The data is collected amongst the Dutch students by the means of a self-administered questionnaire. The results show that currently the awareness of Cradle to Cradle is low but has the potential to increase its importance in the future. The perceived functional hedonic and altruistic values are positively associated with the purchase intention. There is not sufficient evidence to claim that perceived social value and price are associated with the purchase intention. The research also provides academic and managerial implications. Suggestions for further research are presented.

Keywords: Eco-efficiency, Eco-effectiveness, Cradle to Cradle, Consumer perceived value, Functional value, Social value, Hedonic value, Altruistic value, Price, Purchase intention

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THE PUZZLE

A decade ago a new concept, the Cradle to Cradle Design or eco-effectiveness (McDonough & Braungart, 2002a&b, 2013) emerged. According to this framework, it is possible to address the current and avoid the future environmental and societal challenges by doing good and leaving a positive impact on the environment. Thus, Cradle to Cradle is an alternative point of view challenging the eco-efficiency principles (Schmidheiny, 1992). Several multinational as well as smaller companies have embraced the Cradle to Cradle principles in their actions already (MBDC, 2013). Thus, a new way of doing business and a new consumer groups is emerging, whose values and needs should be understood. To my best knowledge Cradle to Cradle and its potential consumer related academic research has not been carried out in the context of business or marketing. Therefore, this study aims to fill the literature gap.

The research question of the study is:

How is perceived functional, social, hedonic, altruistic value and price of the Cradle to Cradle product associated with the purchase intention?

Time-frame

The research was started in September 2013 and was finalized in March 2014. It was started with a general interest in the topic and its emerging importance. By December 2013 all the necessary data was collected and the conclusions could be drafted. This can be perceived as the most important breakthrough of the research process.

Global societal challenges or trends

The problem and the identified literature gap are related to several trends. Firstly, in the context of business, companies are increasingly paying attention to corporate social responsibility issues and are taking into consideration their potential role in resolving current social and environmental challenges. The ways in which companies fulfil these roles are also changing. The researcher perceives this trend to be closely related to the change in consumer’s values and needs. Thus, it is crucial for the business research community to start understanding the current consumers and their values.

Moreover, the author perceives the current discuss on sustainability being too focused on eco-efficiency principles. Thus, it is of high importance to challenge these principles by adding eco-effectiveness to the discussion table as well as business academic research.

Motivation

The main motivation to pursue this challenge is rooted in my personal interested in innovation, creativity, environmental sustainability and my willingness to challenge current ways of thinking. I believe it is necessary to add Cradle to Cradle principles to the pool of business academic research, increase awareness of the concept as well as of the emerging consumer group with its own needs and values. Lastly, I believe

Cradle to Cradle to be a very interesting and inspirational topics researched by a group of very motivated people in Rotterdam School of Management, which inspired me to take upon the challenge of pursuing it as my master thesis topic.

APPROACH

The topics of eco-efficiency, eco-effectiveness, consumer perceived value and purchase intention were examined in order to successfully fulfil the purpose of this study. Firstly, an extensive literature study was conducted and a theoretical model was created. Secondly, during the data collection and data analysis phase, this research followed a mixed research design combining qualitative, quantitative methods and an experiment to test the hypothesis. A total of 103 Dutch students participated in this study by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Thirdly, statistical analysis (multiple regression) were performed in SPSS Software programme to test the hypothesis.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

Since Cradle to Cradle is the focal concept of this research, all the above mentioned concepts were incorporated into the research in one way or another. They were, firstly, used in explaining to the participants and the audience what Cradle to Cradle implies. Secondly, I believe that perceived consumer value aspects and their association to the purchase intention are closely interlinked with the nature of all Cradle to Cradle aspects. However, this is only my assumption, since this specific question is out of scope of the conducted research.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

As to the methodology of the research, Cradle to Cradle did not change the research approach.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

During the research process the most pressing challenges were the low awareness level amongst consumers and the lack of business academic research on the topic. However, I hope that the conducted research has helped increasing awareness as well as has made a push towards more fruitful academic discussion on the topic in the context of business and marketing.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

Lessons learned

I have learned that Cradle to Cradle is a highly important, interesting and inspirational topic. The awareness about Cradle to Cradle and their products is currently low, however, the concept has high potential to grow and make a true impact on the way

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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we live, produce and consume. It has the power to change the world for the best, most likely when in combination with other sustainability principles.

Moreover, I had it confirmed that it is very important to challenge oneself with regards to the general way of thinking about sustainability, dive into innovative and creative concepts, such as Cradle to Cradle.

Results

The results show that currently the awareness of Cradle to Cradle is low but it has the potential to increase in its importance in the future. Three hypothesis were confirmed, namely, the perceived functional, hedonic and altruistic values are positively associated with the purchase intention. There is not sufficient evidence to claim that perceived social value and price are associated with the purchase intention.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Given the specific convenience sample used in this research, it is advised for further research to explore the generalizability of the findings across different samples, industries, business sectors and products.

Moreover, it is advised to regard this research as the starting point in the development of consumer perceived value scales for Cradle to Cradle products. Thus, further development of consumer perceived value scales for Cradle to Cradle products is necessary.

Given the newness of the concept, it is advised to conduct a broader purely qualitative study amongst (potential) Cradle to Cradle consumers to obtain a deeper understanding of what shaped their behaviour and (de)motivates their purchase intention. This can be done by means on interviews with (potential) consumers, producers and vendors of Cradle to Cradle products. Focus groups can also be suggested as a method to collect valuable in-depth data to further understand what shapes purchase intention and behaviour of potential Cradle-to- Cradle consumers.

Furthermore, this research explores five of the dimensions and barriers related to the consumer value and their association to the purchase intention. The purchase intention of Cradle to Cradle products might have other possible influencing dimensions and barriers, which remain to be explored by further research.

Given the nature of the Cradle to Cradle concept, further research should explore the effect of personal traits or values in the context of consumer perceived value and/or purchase intention of Cradle to Cradle products.

The scope of this research had a focus on the pre-purchase consumer perceived value and purchase intention. It is advised to explore the perceived value of various Cradle to Cradle products in the post-purchase phase.

Lastly, the considerations regarding the importance of Cradle to Cradle certification were out of the scope of this research and can be an inspiration for other researchers

REFERENCES

MBDC (2013). Certification Overview. McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry. Retrieved December 14, 2013, from http://www.mbdc.com/Cradle to Cradle/Cradle to Cradle-certified-program/certification-overview/

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002a). Cradle to Cradle: remaking the way we make things. New York: North Point Press.

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002b). Design for the Triple Top Line: New Tools for Sustainable Commerce. Corporate Environmental Strategy, 9(3), 251.

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2013). The upcycle: beyond sustainability, designing for abundance. New York: North Point Press.

Schmidheiny, S. (1992). Changing course: a global business perspective on development and the environment. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.

L INK

http://thesis.eur.nl/pub/20457

Babre introduces the C2C concept into the business academic community, by exploring how the perceived functional, social, hedonic, altruistic value and price of the C2C product are associated with the purchase intention. Babre focused on the concept of eco-effectiveness and she used the C2C concepts in explaining to the participants and the audience what C2C implied.

A challenge she faced was the low awareness level amongst consumers and the lack of business academic research on the topic. Babre listed many suggestion for further research to which the following suggestion can be added, as she mentioned earlier: to find the interlinks between perceived consumer value aspects and the C2C concepts.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Ünal, 2013; Iosif-Lazar, 2012; Zwaans, 2009; and related publications e.g.: Lovins, et al., 2014; Ellen MacArthur Foundation & McKinsey & Company, 2014; Hupperts, et al., 2011.

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CRADLE TO CRADLE: DRIVING CHANGE IN THE BRAZIL IAN GYPSUM INDUSTRY

Name: Francesco Redolfi (2013)

Supervisors: Prof. dr. Michael Braungart

Dr. Ir. Henk de Vries

Background info:

I decided to work on a Cradle to Cradle thesis project after a guest lecture from professor Michael Braungart. After the lecture I immediately wrote to Diana den Held, responsible of the Cradle to Cradle chair at RSM. We had a one hour long meeting full of insights and ideas. Two days later I was on board with an idea: create an implementation model for Cradle to Cradle in the Brazilian gypsum industry.

University: Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, The Netherlands

Faculty: Business Administration

Department: Department of Business society management

Master: Global Business and Stakeholder Management

Involved institutes:

EPEA Brasil, Gyrproc, Kallo plant, Belgium

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the opportunities and challenges for the Brazilian gypsum industry to transition to a Cradle to Cradle approach. The report provides an introductory overview of the Brazilian society, considering also the cultural distance with the Netherlands, a country where Cradle-to Cradle is a widespread approach. Next, the perception of environmental problems and sustainability in Brazil is analysed, taking into account both the consumer market and the business world. Last, the report focuses on the European and Brazilian gypsum industry as case studies, providing examples of companies that are adopting a Cradle to Cradle approach or moving the first steps towards a more sustainable gypsum production.

The aim of the case study is to identify trends and key drivers for Brazil to leapfrog to more sustainable production and consumption patterns within the gypsum industry. The results identify and discuss key opportunities for Cradle to Cradle at a regional and municipal level and legislative drivers, such as the National Law on Solid Waste (PNRS). In the conclusion, challenges and points of improvements are discussed, taking into account the structural barriers (e.g. Custo Brasil) presented throughout the chapters.

THE PUZZLE

Brazil is a country that has experienced a sustained growth and a fast development in the last decade. Forty million people have been lifted out of poverty entering the middle class, while significant investments have been made to improve key areas, such as infrastructure, education and healthcare. Yet, Brazil is still a country that needs to improve. The cost of doing business in the country is among the highest in the world and several entry barriers for foreign companies hamper investments and the transmission of know-how. In this context lies the opportunity to adopt innovative industrial and development models, learning from the mistakes that were made in the past by the early industrialized economies. Among the diverse industrial sectors in which Brazil is actively involved, the gypsum industry is perhaps one of the most promising ones. The country holds the world‘s largest gypsum reserve and production is expected to double in the next decade.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the opportunities and challenges for the Brazilian gypsum industry to transition to a Cradle to Cradle approach.

Time-frame

I started working on the project in February and handed in the thesis in June, providing also a one hour long presentation during the last lecture of the Cradle to Cradle course. The Core part of my work was in the months of March and April, when I visited Gyproc in Belgium and started to gather the information necessary for my research. Even if I am quite satisfied with the final outcome the project is far from being completed. I am flying to Brazil in a couple of weeks and visit the gypsum pole I analyzed in my research. From that moment on I am collaborating with a University professor from Araripe to design a far reaching C2C implementation model for the gypsum pole.

Global societal challenges or trends

In the last decades, several models and approaches have been trying to find a solution to ensure a long lasting prosperity without compromising earth‘s resources.

The Cradle to Cradle design principles provide an answer to several problems

affecting the modern society by drawing inspiration from nature‘s design principles (Waste=food) and taking them one step further. In the western world hundreds of companies are adopting Cradle to Cradle-inspired approaches for product development and even countries are designing policies inspired by the concepts of biological and technical nutrition (Strouthuysen & le Roy, 2010). The next step is to export the model to developing countries, which must not repeat the mistakes that the strongest economies made in the past.

For emerging economies, especially the BRIC nations, Cradle to Cradle is an opportunity to ‘leapfrog’ “resource-intensive and environmentally unsustainable strategies pursued by advanced countries in an earlier era, and to accelerate the creation of a new approach to economic development” (Global Green Growth Institute, 2012). As Brazil assumes a more prominent role on the world stage, its model of economic development will increasingly determine the level of global sustainability.

Brazil is a country very rich in resources and minerals and it holds the world‘s largest reserve of gypsum in the world. However, due to a lack of technologies and know-how, the production has a negative impact on the environment and its capacity is highly hampered.

On the other hand, in the last decade the European gypsum industry made significant steps towards an effective reutilization of resources. Ambitious goals were set for 2020 to encourage the national companies’ transition to a more sustainable gypsum production.

Motivation

I lived in Brazil in the past. This allowed me to learn the local language, but also to gain an inner perspective on the Brazilian society and culture. For this reason, I decided to combine Cradle to Cradle with my passion for Brazil in order to bring a personal contribution to a real life problem. What kept me motivated during my thesis trajectory was the awareness that my work would be useful for people to make an actual change, instead of being a paperwork piled up in an office shelf.

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APPROACH

In order to provide an answer to the research question I combined an extensive document analysis with direct observation and in-depth, semi-structured interviews.

Semi-structured interviews with 7 participants were conducted to complement the literature review throughout the report. Participants were selected following the guidance of Prof. Braungart and Diana den Held. In order to trace additional participants or informants, I used snowball sampling, a method of expanding the sample by asking one informant or participant to recommend others for interviewing (Babbie, 1995; Crabtree & Miller, 1992). Informants have been grouped according to whether they represent companies, industry or government level and they were chosen for this report based on meeting two of the following criteria: 1) providing sustainable business advisory services; 2) researching, handling or producing gypsum 3) living in Brazil 4) working with Cradle to Cradle.

Consequently, the final list of 7 participants is made up of organizations/companies and people that are at the forefront of sustainability in Brazil. Their insights therefore hold clout and provide much of the basis for the results in this report.

Four main themes were identified in the research for this project, which are of greatest relevance concerning the implementation of Cradle to Cradle in the Brazilian gypsum industry:

1. Brazilian sustainability priorities

2. The Government role in encouraging companies to change

3. The current situation in the Araripe gypsum pole

4. Gypsum companies’ policies for technology, innovation and skills.

With the permission of the interviewees, each interview was recorded and a verbatim transcript created. This prevented to lose valuable data, while allowing to double check that the interviewee‘s vision was clearly presented.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

Cradle to Cradle is an innovative approach to the design of products and systems that models industry on nature’s processes and takes them one step further to create a long-standing, overall well-being. C2C is based on the idea that industries must protect the ecosystems and make them prosper, materials are seen as nutrients that are constantly disassembled to create and recreate new products in continuous cycles.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

Working with Cradle to Cradle significantly changed my research approach. It allowed me to have a much more practical orientation to the topic. My research became very problem-solving oriented and revolved around a case study on Gyproc, the first gypsum company in the world obtaining a C2C certification of the plant in Kallo (Belgium).

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

The main challenge that needs to be faced is more related to the implementation of the model I prepared and its feasibility in reality. On a more theoretical level one of the main challenge lies on how to decrease the dependency on natural gypsum and use alternative sources. FGD gypsum, synthetic gypsum created from a coal-fired power plant waste product, even if widely used nowadays, will not be abundant, as the targets for CO2 emissions will allow only a limited production. On top of that, recycled gypsum, because of its long lifespan, will not be enough to compensate the decreasing FGD gypsum production.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

Lessons learned

In contrast with Brazil, the Netherlands is characterized by a feminine, individualistic society, with a strong sense of equality and a much simpler legal framework. The C2C implementation strategy adopted in the Netherlands will need to be changed and readapted to be successful in Brazil. The value of Cradle to Cradle as a way for companies to stand out as the best in the field‖should be highly stressed and a much closer cooperation with the government created in order to overcome bureaucracy. International events, such as the FIFA World Cup or the 2016

Olympic Games would be great opportunities for Cradle to Cradle to fit in as a way for Brazil to stand out as frontrunner on a global stage. Considering the high Uncertainty avoidance, lobbying activity needs to be stronger than in Europe, so that the implementation of Cradle to Cradle can be accelerated and encouraged.

The biggest lesson I learnt here is how to structure my work better and be focused on a project that, despite being far reaching and potentially limitless, still needs to be completed and presented adequately in a limited amount of time and pages.

Results

In the gypsum pole of Araripe the preservation of the natural environment can be

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

translated in its rational and planned exploitation. In order to reduce the need for quarrying and mining, the ideal solution for gypsum is re-utilization in continuous cycles, in which recycled material is returned to the wallboard manufacturer to re-enter the plasterboard manufacturing process. However, as recycled gypsum is not available in sufficient amount to satisfy the market demand, a balanced use of FGD gypsum, recycled and natural gypsum will still be necessary in the future.

Brazil is a country rich in resources but rarely innovative in regards to final products and systems. On the other hand, Europe holds lower gypsum reserve but is more advanced for industrial development and attention to gypsum recycling and preservation of biodiversity in the mining sites.

The most effective way to accelerate the transition to a C2C approach is that foreign, frontrunner companies enter the market by means of pilot projects with local produces, in order to share their know-how while gaining a better understanding of the Brazilian way of doing business.

Other solutions

An alternative solution, which can be combined to the one proposed before is a strong cooperation with government. Brazil the government showed a great commitment in regard to sustainability policies during the last decade. An example is the PNRS and CONAMA, which classified gypsum as a ‘completely recyclable material‘. With the candidacy of Eduardo Campos, former president of Pernambuco, to the presidential elections, future opportunities for a C2C approach in the gypsum pole, actively supported by the government, become very promising. A strong strategy of cooperation with the government is needed to overcome the obstacles of a complex legal framework and accelerate the implementation of C2C by means of favorable policies and regulations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Waste Management in the construction sector became more and more important, both for government and companies, to recreate value and limit environmental impact. In order to reach this goal, greater attention must be given in the future to

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the correct use and installation of plasterboards, the training of the workforce and the accurate

Gypsum waste needs to be collected and stored separately when a building is dismantled, so that it will not be mixed with other organic and construction materials. This process would improve the quality of the residuals and facilitate the recycling process. Several Brazilian municipalities created special areas (Áreas de Transbordo e Triagem- ATT) to receive, collect, separate an ultimately resell gypsum waste and other construction materials. However, the availability of recyclable gypsum waste in the country should be assessed and along term strategy elaborated, considering the long lifespan of gypsum plasterboards in the construction sector. At the moment, the major challenge for future research is understanding how to implement this model on a large scale and guarantee a resource efficient approach not only in the more developed areas, but also in the poorer ones, such as the Northeast. As highlighted in Chapter II, regional differences are very strong in Brazil. The South Eastern and Southern regions provide the biggest enabling factors for reverse logistics to occur. Infrastructure and transport connections are the well developed and the large cluster networks of industry and research institutions facilitate research, development and innovation into and effective design of products. Unfortunately these same conditions do not apply in the Northeast, where, despite the recent developments, there is still much to be done to catch up with the wealthier areas of Brazil.

REFERENCES

Stouthuysen, P. Le Roy, D. (2010), Cradle to Cradle: theoretical framework, C2CN.

Redolfi investigated the opportunities and challenges for the Brazilian gypsum industry in the transition to a C2C approach. He focused on a case study of the Brazilian gypsum industry aiming to identify trends and key drivers for Brazil to leapfrog to more sustainable production and consumption patterns within the gypsum industry.

The main challenge he faced were more related to the implementation of his model and its feasibility in reality. Combined with the challenge on how to decrease the dependency on natural gypsum and use alternative sources. An other challenge identified were the regional differences in Brazil, especially between the Southern regions and the Northeast.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Babre; 2014; Ünal, 2013; Zanzanaini, 2011; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2013; Kumar & Putnam, 2008; Braungart, Hansen, & Mulhall, 1997.

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THE EVOLUTION OF THE CRADLE TO CRADLE MODEL IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN ORGANIZATIONS

Name: Lavinia-Cristina Iosif-Lazar (2012)

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Kai Hockerts

Background info:

I have always had a passion for environmental protection and societal change, but my recent studies at Copenhagen Business School have showed me the academic opportunities within the field. With a background in European Economic Studies and Journalism, it was a true pleasure to discover the potential of channeling that passion in researching the Cradle to Cradle implementation within businesses. Other than observing and influencing new practices of environmental, animal and social protection, my hobbies include hiking, martial arts, Japanese tea ceremony and Romanian arts and crafts.

University: Copenhagen Business School, Denmark

Faculty: Business Administration

Department: Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility

Master: International Business and Politics

Involved institutes: EPEA Hamburg, Cradle to Cradle Denmark

ABSTRACT

Built upon a multiple case study analysis of three companies, this research investigates how the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) business model is dynamically implemented in routinised company activities. Each case company was analysed in terms of the approach it took in integrating the Cradle to Cradle environmental paradigm into its operation.

Findings suggest that several organizational routines are involved in applying the Cradle to Cradle principles. These routines have been grouped in Cradle to Cradle routine bundles. Throughout the C2C implementation process, evaluation, operationalisation, communication, training and re-certification routines were included in the bundle of routines organizations use in adapting to the new model. By analysing the findings through an evolutionary theory perspective, the bundle undergoes an evolutionary process of variation, selection, replication and retention.

This research found that these evolutionary steps are intrinsically linked to the routines employed at that moment. The characteristics exhibited by these routines are also a contributing factor to the development of the evolutionary steps leading to the advancement of the whole C2C routine bundle. Research also found that routines dealing with re-certification by constant monitoring of own activities in accord with C2C principles as well as company external pressures lead to a greater retention of the newly developed routine bundle.

THE PUZZLE

With the recent ascent of Cradle to Cradle practices, more and more attention is paid to the implications of the concept in design and engineering. While research into these fields has greatly improved the way C2C is viewed by the corporate world, there is also a need for in depth analysis of the way in which these new practices are assimilated and applied in companies.

The puzzle was finding out how case companies have implemented C2C in their daily activities, what the main challenges were and how they were overcome as well as how they have affected older practices and retained new ones. In solving the puzzle, the aim was to develop an understanding of the evolution of C2C from the moment it entered the mind-set of company employees until it became part of their daily routine. Furthermore, it would provide a conceptual framework and a more dynamic view for addressing such issues in future studies.

Time-frame

The first step in approaching the C2C research was made towards the end of 2010. After an initial analysis period, data was collected on company practices in 2011. Following data analysis and own observations, the final project was completed in 2012.

Global societal challenges or trends

The thesis responds to the current trend towards circular or green economy, waste management challenges and clean energy discourse both in the practitioner and in academic worlds. Also, this thesis makes reference to the increased academic debate on eco-efficiency versus eco-effectiveness in dealing with present environmental and societal issues.

Motivation

There were two main reasons for embarking on a research dealing with Cradle to Cradle. Firstly, the innovative and positive view that the concept presented was a very pleasant change from the blame and shame discourse felt in most other

greening concepts. The untapped research potential for Cradle to Cradle was also an inviting challenge.

Secondly, due to the nature of the concept, it was interesting to understand the implications of the ways in which it would affect and change business practices and internal routines in order to contribute to the C2C development.

APPROACH

A case study research design has been applied in order to find out which organizational routines are involved in C2C implementation, how do they evolve and how are they retained. The case study approach was used as the research “proposes an examination of a contemporary phenomenon in its real-life context” (Yin 2003, Yin 1981). Inspired by Eisenhardt (1989), Eisenhardt and Graebner (2007) and Yin (2003) a multiple case strategy was chosen (Eisenhardt 1989, Yin 2003, Eisenhardt, Graebner 2007). As Yin (2003) argues, in a multiple case study “analytical conclusions […] will be more powerful than those coming from a single case alone” (Yin 2003). Eisenhardt and Graebner (2007) also consider multiple cases as enabling “broader exploration of research questions and theoretical elaboration” (Eisenhardt 1989).

One limitation of the multiple case strategy is the risk of the independent researcher not having the required resources and time in order to fully grasp and understand the uniqueness of single cases (Yin 2003). While considering this risk, the study of the Cradle to Cradle implementation is better served by looking at multiple occurrences and by examining communalities and divergent issues among different cases. The multiple case approach also provided the diversity and variation needed to further deepen the validity of findings.

A qualitative approach has been applied to this thesis as the aim is to “understand phenomena in context-specific settings” (Golafshani 2003). The results of this study seek to understand and extrapolate researched situations (Golafshani 2003) and provide a basis for further quantitative studies.

In line with Eisenhardt (1989) and Strauss (1990), this thesis adopts an inductive theory building methodology (Lewis, Thornhill et al. 2009, Eisenhardt 1989, Corbin,

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Strauss 1990, Glaser, Strauss 1965). This methodology has been preferred to a purely deductive approach as the research wants to better understand and explore the Cradle to Cradle concept as it is perceived by the main parties involved. Also, the focus of the research is to allow concepts to emerge from the themes identified in gathered data rather than testing of hypotheses (Lewis, Thornhill et al. 2009).

CRADLE TO CRADLE

As the thesis was based on the implementation of the Cradle to Cradle principles in company organizational routines and has researched the evolution and retention of these routines, the C2C design paradigm was included in the project from the very beginning. It has been the point of departure in addressing the research questions. The C2C ideas and concepts and the way companies include them in their daily routines have been the focus of the entire research endeavour.

As the case companies were C2C certified companies, the thesis dealt with all the C2C concepts and the manner in which they were approached. During the data

collection process, reference was made to all aspects of Cradle to Cradle principles.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

The research approach was chosen in order to achieve the best results in answering the research questions. Consideration was given to the specifications of the C2C concept and the way in which it could be best researched in the context of a company’s dynamic environment. Rather than C2C changing the research approach, I would argue that the research approach was chosen in such a way that the C2C concept was best researched.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

During the thesis development, two major challenges were observed. The first one was due to the relative novelty of the C2C concept. While there is a lot of academic work on the static, more descriptive aspect of the C2C concept, not much has been written or researched that deals with the more dynamic business environment. This made it difficult to resort to previous research in sustaining the findings. Having said that, this thesis aimed at closing that literature gap.

The second challenge, which is increasingly being addressed, was the difficulty in finding business case studies in the area where the research was done. For this reason, the thesis presented two cases from outside Denmark. Along the course of research, one company was left out of the study as it was not advanced enough in its C2C implementation. Since then, more companies have taken on the C2C paradigm and it is now easier to get access to data on good case companies.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

Lessons learned

From the very beginning, the research focused on how C2C was implemented in case companies. The puzzle therefore was to find out the changes such action brings to company routines and how new routines (if any) evolve once included in the firm

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

activities. The Zollo and Winter evolutionary modal (see picture) was adapted once all the research data was analysed and information compiled. This adapted model one could say is specific to C2C implementation in companies. Also, in order to develop the C2C discourse, the main challenges faced by the employees in adopting C2C were observed and described.

This research will hopefully come to the aid of future companies wanting to implement C2C, while at the same time develop the C2C knowledge base. The main propositions found once the data analysis was completed serve as a starting point in viewing the main challenges in C2C implementation.

Results

The immediate result of the research was a better understanding of the changes in company routines once the implementation of the C2C model has been decided. Upon data analysis, the routine evolutionary cycle has been adapted with the addition of external stimuli and feedback being added to the retention part of the routine bundle. This comes to show the impact the C2C model has had on routine evolution within the institution and is also a development of the evolutionary cycle.

Secondly, the results also show the conditions under which variation, selection, replication and retention are more likely to occur regarding the C2C routines and routine bundles. These conditions are gathered within the prepositions presented in towards the end of the thesis, once all data has been interpreted.

Other solutions

While every care has been taken to ensure a clear and thorough research result, given a different research methodology or approach to the matter, different results might surface. The academic conclusions reached in this research can be generalized to include similar case studies in similar research conditions. However, given a completely different set of case companies and a different research angle, results may vary and other conclusions might be reached.

Also, other solutions are possible if the researcher focuses his analysis on different aspects of the company activity or on different characteristics of the C2C model.

RECOMMENDATIONS

As the C2C model is being increasingly used and implemented around the world, future research should aim at understanding the way in which this implementation takes place, what the main results are and what challenges do companies, local authorities and national and trans-national institutions are faced with. Also, the role of the latter in a C2C model establishment could be a great avenue of research.

There is a bountiful plethora of studies that can also be done on how the end consumer perceives the C2C model and C2C products. How existing and potential clients react to a company implementation C2C and creating a C2C product could be of great interest to the involved enterprises.

Going further, the role played by C2C in product and service innovation and entrepreneurship might uncover new avenues for researchers within responsible innovation and social entrepreneurship fields.

Also, research should look into other challenges and problems faced by the C2C model implementation. Discovering the uncertainties and hesitations in C2C application might lead to a stronger concept and a better future implementation and retention.

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REFERENCES

CORBIN, J.M. and STRAUSS, A.L. (1990). Grounded theory research: Procedures, canons, and evaluative criteria. Qualitative Sociology, 13(1), pp. 3-21.

EISENHARDT, K.M. (1989). Building Theories from Case Study Research. The Academy of Management Review, Oct., 1989, 14; Vol.14(4; 4), pp. 532; 532-550; 550.

EISENHARDT, K. and GRAEBNER, M. (2007). Theory Building From Cases: Opportunities and Challenges. The Academy of Management Journal ARCHIVE, 50(1), pp. 25-32.

GOLAFSHANI, N. (2003). Understanding Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, 8(4), pp. 597-606.

GLASER, B.G. and STRAUSS, A.L. (1965). Discovery of Substantive Theory: A basic Strategy

LEWIS, P., THORNHILL, A. and SAUNDERS, M. (2009). Research methods for business students. Harlow: Financial Times / Prentice Hall.

YIN, R.K. (1981). The Case Study Crisis: Some Answers. Administrative Science Quarterly, 26(1), pp.58-65.

YIN, R.K. (2003). Case study research, design and methods. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.

ZOLLO, M. and WINTER, S.G. (2002a). Deliberate Learning and the Evolution of Dynamic Capabilities. Organization Science, 13(3, Knowledge, Knowing, and Organizations), pp. pp. 339-351.

L INK

http://studenttheses.cbs.dk/handle/10417/3148

Iosif-Lazar’s investigated how the C2C business model is dynamically implemented in routinised company activities. She focused on finding out how case companies have implemented C2C in their daily activities, what the main challenges were and how they were overcome as well as how they have affected older practices and retained new ones.

The aim was to develop an understanding of the evolution of C2C from the moment it entered the mind-set of company employees until it became part of their daily routine. As the case companies were C2C certified companies, the thesis dealt with all the C2C concepts and the manner in which they were approached. Challenges she faced included the novelty of the concept which made it challenging to implement in the dynamic business environment as well as the challenge to find business case studies in Denmark.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Babre; 2014; Ünal, 2013; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Lovins, et al., 2014; Ellen MacArthur Foundation & McKinsey & Company, 2014; Hupperts, et al., 2011.

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ADDRESSING RISK GOVERNANCE DEFICITS THROUGH SCENARIO MODELING PRACTICES

Name: John Benjamin Cassel (2010)

Supervisors: Dr. P. Jones

Mr. W. Derzko

Background info:

John works with Wolfram|Alpha where he maintains interests in real-time discovery, planning, and knowledge-representation problems in risk governance and engineering design. In addition to a Master of Design from OCADU, John holds a degree in Computer Science from UIUC.

University: OCAD University, Toronto

Faculty: Graduate Studies

Department: Strategic Foresight and Innovation

Master: Strategic Foresight and Innovation

Involved institutes: Strategic Innovation Lab (sLab)

ABSTRACT

In a world of inevitable regret, those governing risk must build practices that withstand the vicissitudes of actual events by demonstrating that reasonable efforts had been and will continue to be taken despite those harms. However, what is reasonable depends on one’s worldview, and so not giving different worldviews appropriate consideration leads to deficits in the quality of risk governance. This project developed foresight methods for eliciting, discovering, representing, and modelling scenarios which capture the counterfactual forests created by disparate worldviews. These methods employ structural differences between objective and subjective relations toward physical events to delineate the actual points of contention, while maintaining neutrality by remaining strictly grounded in the input of the stakeholders themselves. These methods respect how people frame causal information psychologically, avoiding biases known to affect political judgement. Overall, these methods serve as a reminder that how we ask designs how we think.

THE PUZZLE

Distributed risk governance is a sub-domain of risk governance activities when the underlying risk is either not localized or not yet known to be localized. When instituting a policy, whether regulating an activity, creating risk-sharing initiatives (such as moving an activity into insurability), or prohibiting a particular activity, one simultaneously affects broad regions and multiple industries. Further, those subject to the results of these broad actions will often interact with those not subject to them (for example, manufacturers in other nations are not subject to the same body of environmental regulations). Unlike the construction of a given facility, it is presumed our interaction with stakeholders is limited to a sample, and thus educational and participatory initiatives cannot have any substantial coverage except at great cost. Therefore, anticipating and accommodating the initial reaction to proposals and communications is critical to informing early design stages of distributed risk governance. This project looked at creating a design research method appropriate to this initial discovery.

Time-frame

This work started in a 2010 class project which looked into carbon air capture technology, when the problem “How might carbon air capture technology become feasible?” became “How might carbon air capture technology become appropriate?” Two further insights followed. First, people make different situational assessments when framed causally (likelihood of y given x) instead of as discrete events (likelihood of y). Second, early projects have discovery periods which resemble conceptual discovery periods in developmental psychology.

Global societal challenges or trends

This risk governance approach applies to distributed risk issues, which is to say issues that are highly distributed in time, space, and context; pitting alternatives with uncertain rewards and heavy short-term individual costs under specific regulatory frameworks against scientifically-uncertain irreversible long-term public costs that span borders. Examples of this problem include setting up C2C manufacturing processes in the same economy and society as non-C2C processes, climate change

mitigation technologies, investment in developing manufacturing in space, and other challenging development problems.

Motivation

It had always been a mystery to me how projects and careers appropriately begin, or in other words if values had ever informed the kinds of goals one would take on well. This is what brought me to study with designers. When seeing how designers worked at OCADU, it was clear that they were making certain decisions about their processes that were very well informed by tacit knowledge and could reach very appropriate solutions. However, the problem that designers face when explaining them is that the full rationale for what they are doing hasn’t been found yet. I wanted to find an analytical content to their open-minded discovery processes that should why their method was appropriate to even very severe problems.

APPROACH

Overall, the methodological approach was to develop a layer of domain-general inductive constraints. Design methods are completely general and open-ended, while particular risk governance issues need to be sure very specific matters are addressed. The specific domain, the governance of large-scale environmental issue mitigation technologies, immediately implied a set of relevant subjects, including risk governance, insurance regulation, disaster law, and the assessment of political judgement. What we wanted to show was domain-general discovery methods, including non-directed interviewing and grounded theory, could make useful contributions to these areas. The trick then was develop an inductive layer between them. We found fields aimed at understanding the factors we found in those relevant subjects, such as stakeholders and their pragmatic worldviews, including reinforcement learning, sensemaking, and the psychology of causality. We used non-parametric Bayesian statistics to show how a particular non-directed interviewing technique would effectively discover these factors, and then shown that the paths corresponding to those factors addressed known risk-governance deficits.

This semi-quantitative method yielded the very satisfactory result of having free parameters from a more quantitative discipline corresponding to classic debates or

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methodological choices in qualitative disciplines, and gave great confidence in the integrative power of inductive approaches.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

C2C did inform the project from fairly early on, a few years before undertaking this thesis. C2C has a very interesting relationship with decision theory, in that methods for evaluating the consequences for decisions have choices to make about how much weight they will give to progressively far-future outcomes. A perfectly C2C system can always outperform a non-C2C system if the temporal horizon is long enough, as it keeps accruing benefits. Overall, looking for C2C-like feedback loops can provide structural guidance to dynamic programming methods when determining the right temporal scale for analysis. Given this, C2C felt very appropriate to bridging quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Risk governance is necessarily concerned with seeing through all consequences for all people, so in that way it had a great sympathy with C2C ideas of bio-sphere, techno-sphere, material management, waste=food, diversity, and design for disassembly. Of these, design for disassembly most closely echoed this particular project.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

I think so, in that C2C constitutes an ideal for risk governance problems. When evaluating any long-term decision that would produce a waste product, such as pressurized vaults of carbon dioxide in the case of carbon air capture, there was always a view to dig further into how to make those wastes into resources. From a mitigation technology standpoint, the question then becomes “How far does the C2C remediation have to be a long before we know that this waste collection decision won’t haunt us, and what’s the right investment for evaluating its feasibility?”

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

Absolutely. A master’s degree focused on a theoretical development of methodology can really only open the door for empirical research. I hope that researchers looking to work with new methodologies choose to apply this work in their practice and contribute the critiques which will lead to further development.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

The solution to the puzzle was to demonstrate that the developed methodology did make precise predictive assessments and did mitigate risks (adopting assessment criteria from Tetlock 2005; 2007). The first was shown by an algorithm which would produce point predictions given conditional predictions with interventions. The second was shown by demonstrating that the interviewing protocol would generate paths bringing out the considerations in which risk governance deficits hide. The figure to the left shows this path structure.

Lessons learned

While I learned a great number of lessons from this project, let me highlight two:

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity

(bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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First, it was in the course of this project I really came to understand the use of non-parametric Bayesian statistics, the statistics of reasoning about discovery processes. I now think that a vast amount can be done to provide quantitative guidance to the qualitative discovery processes of design.

Second, I learned about the centrality of insurance and insurance regulation in issues of emerging technology development. It is a wonderful thing to have the freedom to develop new technologies but they will never get built if their risks cannot be shared more broadly than the participants and investors.

Results

This project produced a definite methodology for early-stage risk governance that could lead an institution from virtually no knowledge of the problem to well-justified risk mitigation actions. The particular tools resulting from this research include a non-directed interview protocol aimed at uncovering stakeholder worldviews, a coding protocol for structuring interview results to help determine their completeness and cohesiveness, a simulation methodology for looking at the game-theoretic interactions between stakeholder preferences, and inference algorithms for determining if more discovery is needed. Institutions which use the work are applying a complete approach for risk governance. One particular virtue of this project is the software supporting it, a screenshot of which is shown below.

Other solutions

I still don’t think I solved the problem with this thesis, I just kind of created a crack that ran all the way through it and maybe removed a tiny little chunk. So, yes, in the sense that there are a wide variety of ways to adapt the methods developed there to particular situations. However, in a different sense, the answer is no, in that in order to appropriately discover the information needed to address risk governance problems, one would necessarily undertake some discovery process that could be critiqued by the analytical models developed in this work.

RECOMMENDATIONS

First of all, this project constructed a risk governance methodology using theoretical and practical criteria, and needs to be applied by researchers. Even narrow trials led to substantial changes, so unquestionably the method would change given greater exercise. One worthwhile project is to see if causal elicitation can elide some of the cognitive biases of point prediction that Tetlock’s work demonstrates.

Second of all, I think that the elements of this project constitute potential raw materials to be adapted to other methods. The coding grammar and inference processes each have uses outside of the risk governance area.

Third, I think that the theoretical means of evaluation can be applied to other information gathering methodologies. For example, there is a profound risk to trying to get representatives of all stakeholders together in a room to work out their differences, as people naturally coordinate their responses to what others are saying, while in public life communication will not be nearly so controlled.

Finally, there is what I’ve taken to do, which is to see how the criteria of risk governance itself works or fails to work with allied fields. I myself am currently working on extending these methods into tools and processes for engineering design, which for both good and ill works from a different set of concepts, but more importantly is serving a different need. This need is that instead of guarding the considerations of stakeholders, designers and engineers need to discover if there is an approach that is appropriate to the stakeholder context as efficiently as possible, otherwise moving to a new project where there is a chance of doing something.

REFERENCES

Tetlock, P. (2005). Expert Political Judgment: How Good Is It? How Can We Know? Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey.

Tetlock, P. (2007). Why Foxes Are Better Forecasters Than Hedgehogs. The Long Now Foundation, http://www.longnow.org/ seminars/02007/jan/26/ why-foxes-arebetter-forecasters-than-hedgehogs/.

L INK

http://john-benjamin-cassel.com/FinalProject.pdf

In his thesis Cassel applied the C2C approach for the reason that it keeps accruing benefits when the temporal horizon is long enough. He developed an alternative approach based on the C2C theory for his research methodology for early-stage risk governance. Cassel focussed closely on the design for disassembly concept, but risk governance is concerned with seeing through all consequences for all people, so in that way it had a great sympathy with C2C ideas of bio-sphere, techno-sphere, material management, waste=food, diversity, and design for disassembly.

A challenge he faced was the focus on the theoretical development, and the lack of empirical research, which is suggested for further research. He recommends to focus on the need to discover approaches appropriate to the stakeholder context instead of guarding the considerations of stakeholders.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Zanzanaini, 2011; and related publications e.g.: Lovins, et al., 2014; Ellen MacArthur Foundation & McKinsey & Company, 2014; Hupperts, et al., 2011.

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CRADLE TO CRADLE FOR INNOVATION AND QUALITY

Name: Enes Ünal (2013)

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Cornelius Herstatt

Prof. Dr. Christian Lüthje

Background info:

I am graduated from Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Architecture Department of City and Regional Planning. Afterwards, I decided to continue my academic life on industrial management issues, initial design and sustainability. I have completed my MSc degree on Global Innovation Management in Hamburg Technology University and Strathclyde University-Glasgow. The research I have conducted on C2C gives me an impulse to continue my professional life on C2C related fields as well.

University: Technischen Universität Hamburg-Harburg and Strathclyde University Glasgow

Faculty: Technology and Innovation Management

Department: Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management

Master: Joint European Master’s in Global Innovation Management

Involved institutes: DESSO, Waalwijk, NL; Herman Miller, Michigan, US; University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK

ABSTRACT

This thesis aims to explore the innovation and quality approach of Cradle to Cradle and at the same time, examines the effects of this philosophy on product quality, product innovation and process innovation. The holistic quality approach of Cradle to Cradle and value based C2C innovation suggest substantial changes mainly in upstream process of value chain. Even if C2C concept is not originally designed for addressing product quality, it has observed through the cases of Herman Miller – Mirra Chair and DESSO – AirMaster that; application of Cradle to Cradle may enhance the product quality due to redesigning and closer relationships with the suppliers. Therefore; in some cases, C2C gives considerable opportunities to firms to improve their products’ quality. Cradle to Cradle concept functions as a main driver for innovation for business and it has found out that; C2C has strong relationships with product and process innovation. However, the degree that C2C contributes to product innovation is higher than that of process innovation due to product innovation is more related with upstream activities of value chain whereas process innovation is more related with downstream activities.

THE PUZZLE

With the scope of eco-efficiency, recycling is a method to change useful materials into new products by reducing the energy consumption and air pollution. However, almost all of the recycling practices applied today are actually ‘’downcycling’’ which ends up loss of economic value and material quality. After a few times of recycling process, the material is not appropriate to use again and become simply waste. (Braungart et. al, 2007)

As Braungart mentioned; we are doing wrong things perfectly right. Furthermore, the definition of product quality is insufficient to be evaluated in environmental context. It gets stuck in the notion of cost, performance and aesthetics and could not go beyond this.

Moreover; eco-efficiency is a model for reducing the negative impact on the environment. The innovation approach of eco-efficiency is focusing the end of pipe solutions rather than focusing on design

In this context, the new approach to all those problems which is offered by C2C needs to be tested through its effects on product quality, product innovation and process innovation. In my research, I try to explore the nature of this relationship.

Time-frame

I have started at April 2013 and the deadline was August 20th 2013. The first two months was focused on understanding of C2C concept and at the same time quality and innovation concept. Then, for 1 month I have filtered C2C paradigm through innovation and quality concepts. The last month of my research was the breakthrough since I start to comprehend all C2C concept with quality and innovation aspects.

Global societal challenges or trends

The research shed light on the inquiry which is the connection between quality and C2C. There is not any research particularly on this field; however, the common impression of academia is designing for environment is not compatible with quality.

The results however; are creating stimulus for further research since it is contradicting with conventional literature findings. While common impression is that; there is no relationship between quality performance and sustainability, C2C Philosophy may enhance the quality of the product. It is mainly due to closer relationships with the suppliers and using the positively defined materials (the chemicals that has no harm, besides have positive effects on environment and human health)

Furthermore; C2C foster product and process innovation owing to designing from very beginning whilst classical sustainability approaches focuses on end of pipe solutions.

Motivation

By combining managerial aspects with technical knowledge, the Cradle to Cradle Philosophy attracts my attention and I decided to deepen my knowledge on it. I met Prof. Michael Braungart, the co-founder of Cradle to Cradle Philosophy, and then make up my mind to write my thesis on this subject. During my thesis research, I have chance to observe the effects of C2C on Innovation and Quality. With the scope of my research, I had interviews with the sustainability managers of DESSO and Herman Miller which are called the blueprints of C2C innovation. By this time, I had several meetings with Prof Braungart and my supervisors. The time was not enough for such a comprehensive study; hence I had to limit the study with 2 case studies.

APPROACH

A qualitative approach has been exhibited through these two case studies. As Golafshani (2003) suggested, the purpose of this study is ‘’understanding of phenomena in context specific setting’’ and ‘’extrapolation and illumination of situations’’ to construct a basis for further quantitative researches in this field (Hoepfl 1997).To strengthen the reliability of the study, the Sustainability Director of DESSO and Chief Sustainability Engineer of Herman Miller is interviewed.

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CRADLE TO CRADLE

It has started with my visit to Prof. Braungart’s personal website. I have seen the statement of him; ‘’ We don’t want sustainability, because it is not enough. We want real quality. ‘’ Then I read the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Finally, I have understood that, this philosophy is really worth spending effort on it and shaping the future by relying on it.

I have studied the 3 principles of C2C; eliminate waste, use renewable energy and celebrate diversity (quality and innovation concepts as well).

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

It enlarges my perspective of evaluating the issues and I gain a more holistic approach.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

The cross-fertilization between quality and innovation at C2C firms is an issue that is hard to comment on it since there is not any empirical research published on this field.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

The interviews that I have conducted with the Sustainability Director of DESSO and Herman Miller gave me insight to orientate myself and come up with a qualitative conclusion.

Lessons learned

The innovation characteristics of Eco-efficiency are mainly based on end-of-pipe solutions and one size fits all approach where the innovation is initiated with the metrics. From the value chain perspective; the approach is related to downstream (production, distribution, use, disposal) processes rather than upstream (product design and development). Therefore, it is resulted in incremental improvements instead of creating novelty in products. However; C2C brings a new approach (Eco-

effectiveness) to the quality and innovation where the quality is based on well-being of nature and culture and innovation is initiated with values rather than metrics. By focusing on upstream activities of value chain, it aims to redesign from the beginning. Thus, the opportunities on creating radical innovation and enhancing the product’s quality are aimed to be increased.

Results

The degree that C2C contributes to product innovation is higher than that of process innovation. In addition; C2C is a platform for continuous improvement and radical product innovation is an anticipated outcome of this process.

The closer relationship with the suppliers as a requirement of C2C concept has a substantial effect on product quality due to the effects on the purchased item’s quality. ‘’75 percent of all warranty claims were traced to poor quality of purchased items.’’ (Juran, 1996)

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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Process innovation that is triggered by C2C concept is associated with the downstream process. It is observed through case studies that; process innovation may influence product quality in a positive manner. Product innovation as a result of C2C concept may also have an effect on product quality.

Other solutions

Within 11 years of history of C2C concept, it is applied in more than 150 firms and 450 products. The survey might have been conducted with all C2C companies would give more reliable and proper solutions. That’s why I am willing to continue further research on the same field more comprehensively.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The relationship between quality and innovation in C2C Philosophy is one of the areas that is not studied before and further researches should be done in this area for clarifying the effects of C2C on firms performance.

REFERENCES

BRAUNGART, M., MCDONOUGH, W. and BOLLINGER, A., 2007. Cradle to Cradle design: creating healthy emissions – a strategy for eco-effective product and system design. Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(13-14), pp. 1337-1348.

GOLAFSHANI, N., 2003. Understanding Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, 8(4), pp. 597-606.

HOEPFL, M. C., 1997. Choosing qualitative research: A primer for technology education researchers. Journal of Technology Education, 9(1), 47-63.

JURAN, J.M., 1996. Juran’s Quality Handbook, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 5th Edition, pp. 588-597

YIN, R.K., 2009. Case Study Research. Design and Methods Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, 4th ed. 2009, pp. 240

Ünal explored the relationship between the effects of the Cradle to Cradle approach on product quality, product innovation and process innovation. He found that the eco-effectiveness approach changed the traditional sustainability approaches (based on metrics and end-of-pipe solutions) into a focus on quality and innovation at the beginning of the design process. Herewith C2C results in more radical innovations then the incremental improvements based on eco-efficiency.

The recommendations for further research are to extend this research to more, or all, firms that design and produce C2C products. This can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between quality and innovation in the C2C approach. Further readings student theses e.g.: Babre; 2014; Iosif-Lazar, 2012; Zanzanaini, 2011; Zwaans, 2009; and related publications e.g.: Lovins, et al., 2014; Ellen MacArthur Foundation & McKinsey & Company, 2014; Hupperts, et al., 2011; De Pauw, et al., 2013.

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“I was very inspired by the Cradle to Cradle book, and it is an idea that I would

really like to see work.” (Zanzanaini, 2011)

“What motivated me to start this research is a strong conviction that we have to

re-design and re-think our behaviour on this planet.” (Vaane, 2009)

7. SOCIAL SCIENCES

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EXPLORING THE DYNAMICS OF CRADLE TO CRADLE

Name: Camilla Zanzanaini (2011)

Supervisors: Dr. Murat Arsel

Background info:

I have a Masters in Development Studies, specializing in Environment and Sustainable Development; Bachelor of Design (Communication Design); and an interests in environmental issues, development, and making things.

University: Erasmus University of Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Faculty: Institute of Social Studies

Department: Development Studies

Master: Environment & Sustainable Development

ABSTRACT

This paper analyses the current practices of Cradle to Cradle and its potential as a strong instance of Ecological Modernization. Cradle to Cradle is a biomimetic approach that concerns itself with designing better production processes upstream that respect the environment by ensuring a healthy use of materials and by creating closed material loops to reduce resource consumption. It strives to eliminate the concept of waste through waste=food practices, i.e. designing products and materials with the intention for them to be used as raw material after consumption either for the biological or technical cycle. The potential for Cradle to Cradle to create greater structural transformation however, is impeded by a series of social, political and economic factors throughout its implementation. These are highlighted via a case study of Steelcase, a furniture company and designer of work spaces. The analysis takes us through its everyday obstacles to applying Cradle to Cradle as well as a deeper look into current characteristics of the approach that might assist or impede its development as strong Ecological Modernization.

Keywords

Biomimicry, Certification, Cradle to Cradle, Closed loops, Eco-design, Ecological modernization, Extended Producer Responsibility, Industrial ecology, Life cycle analysis, Steelcase, Material chemistry, Networks, Recycling, Service economy, Supply chains, Sustainable development, Waste, Waste=Food.

THE PUZZLE

I wanted to see why Cradle to Cradle hasn’t been picked up more than it could have been since the release of the book. What are the greatest obstacles that come to play when an organization, business or government wants to implement Cradle to Cradle principles. The idea is great, but how feasible is it in practice, and what would require that change to happen? As my Masters programme was one in the field of social sciences, I was interested in looking at this ‘puzzle’ from a socio-political lens.

Time-frame

The thesis process took approximately 4-5 months. There were several points of realization, such as when I drew out a diagram of a Cradle to Cradle value chain and realized that the ‘cradle’ can never be a fully ‘closed’ due to what is known as metabolic rift (materials are never returned to the original source). The interviews with those applying Cradle to Cradle principles also helped give an overview of the more repetitive obstacles.

Global societal challenges or trends

Waste, natural resource management, sustainable production, environmental damage, the increase of planned obsolescence.

Motivation

I was very inspired by the Cradle to Cradle book, and it is an idea that I would really like to see work. In other words, I believe in Cradle to Cradle type thinking. But so far it has failed to move beyond a few limited examples, and I wanted to understand why and whether a better understanding of its obstacles could help overcome them, and help mainstream Cradle to Cradle.

APPROACH

The largest part of the research was done through reading relevant materials: the Cradle to Cradle book, journal articles around similar topics such as circular economy, industrial ecology and other publications. An in-depth study of the Cradle to Cradle certification system, and more research of actual examples and companies that have adopted Cradle to Cradle principles. I also interviewed several companies, including Steelcase, as well as academics and other actors involved in applying C2C to their business. I also attended the Cradle to Cradle Festival in Berlin and spoke with McDonough and other attendees. My supervisor was also involved in guiding my research question and giving advice from time to time.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

My thesis was more an analysis of C2C rather than use it for research.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

The cross-fertilization between quality and innovation at C2C firms is an issue that is hard to comment on it since there is not any empirical research published on this field.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

There is no real solution to my ‘puzzle’, but my research methodology was a start to better understanding what the socio-political challenges are when it comes to trying to implement Cradle to Cradle.

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material managementWaste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)Design for disassembly

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Lessons learned

Looking deeper into the Cradle to Cradle process highlighted many other similar methods practiced by industrial ecology, and the need to look towards older examples that we can already learn from. I also learned that Cradle to Cradle certification was probably not the best direction to go, and can be misleading to those who do not know the details. The Netherlands was an appropriate place to study Cradle to Cradle, since there are many examples of companies trying to go in that direction.

Results

An important result from the paper, is that it details many of the social and political issues that have to be taken into consideration if a company or government really wants to implement Cradle to Cradle. The technical part is comparatively easy, but for Cradle to Cradle to really work, a drastic renovation of the current production system is required, involving actors and sectors all along the value chain. The Netherlands has shown the most cases of success because the whole production industry is moving in a similar direction, but will only achieve baby steps until more sectors, scales and governments are involved. The paper also highlighted that even though Cradle to Cradle is a desired production system, the material life cycle can never be closed for many materials, as they are not returned to their original source, it is only hoped that natural resource sourcing can be diminished through upcycling. This is not explicit in most Cradle to Cradle communication.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Further research that looks at overcoming these socio-political obstacles could be extremely valuable. I would recommend looking at more success stories, but also case studies that were limited in success or even failed, in order to develop future customized strategies. I would also be curious to see research that looks towards more low-tech Cradle to Cradle options for those without access to higher technologies, or for more developing country contexts, especially considering that many of the most booming and polluting industries are located in growing economies in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Zanzanaini analysed the current practices of C2C to draw lessons for creating greater structural transformation. This implies a series of social, political and economic factors throughout its implementation. She highlighted this via a case study that takes us through the everyday obstacles of applying C2C as well as a deeper look into current characteristics of the approach that might assist or impede its development as strong Ecological Modernization.

Her research reveals the social and political issues that have to be taken into consideration when a company or government really wants to implement C2C as opposed to of the technical part, which as Zanzanaini states, is comparatively easy. A drastic renovation of the current production system is required, involving actors and sectors all along the value chain.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Babre; 2014; Redolfi, 2013; Ünal, 2013; Cassel, 2010; and related publications e.g.: Lovins, et al., 2014; Ellen MacArthur Foundation & McKinsey & Company, 2014; De Pauw, et al.,2014; De Pauw, et al., 2013; Hupperts, et al., 2011; Braungart, Hansen, & Mulhall, 1997.

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CRADLE TO CRADLE IN THE NORTH-L IMBURG REGION, A REALISTIC MODEL FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THEORY AND PRACTICE?

RESEARCH ON THE OPERATIONALIZATION AND THE SUPPORT OF THE CRADLE TO CRADLE CONCEPT AS THE BASIS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Name: Joop Vaane (2009)

Supervisors: Frans Boekema

Ursula Lukassen

Dick Thesingh

Background info:

My dream is to be part of a world shifting to an approach where recourses are not destined to become next generations trash, but will be valued for what they are; recourses.

University: Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Faculty: Nijmegen School of Management

Department: Human Geography

Master: Economic Geography

Involved institutes: Municipality of Venlo, Venlo, The Netherlands

ABSTRACT

The municipality of Venlo adopted the Cradle to Cradle principles to be the driving force for regional development. Because the philosophy of Cradle to Cradle is relatively new and comes with some clear directives, the question of this research raised; how realistic is it to use the Cradle to Cradle philosophy to stimulate and realize regional development?

It can be concluded that the regional development strategy is realistic in theory. However, the empirical part of the research shows us three mail obstacles.

→ Limited knowledge of Cradle to Cradle

→ Little attention to the entire chain

→ Reluctance to invest

The core of the problem lies within the little knowledge of Cradle to Cradle concept that the companies in the region have. It is mainly experienced as “casual sustainability”, while Cradle to Cradle is a mindset that goes beyond this. Making such a transitions where structural change of thinking and acting is asked for takes time and must be guided carefully.

Given the supportive base that exists among businesses, universities and governments for the anchoring of Cradle to Cradle in the region, it seems that the development is heading to the right direction. So there is a good basis for regional development, it now comes to good management and targeted policies.

THE PUZZLE

The puzzle I had ahead of me when I started the research was to look if Cradle to Cradle could be the driving force for regional development. Because government policy can be written in a way to get more support and possibly some subsidy, I wanted to overlook the situation from different perspectives. Basically I tried to look if the theoretical pieces of the puzzle would fit into the practical piece.

Time-frame

The research took me roughly about one year. When I started my research we agreed to a realistic approach after two months because a year is not much to do research. It took me three months to finish the framework. After this it took me seven months to do all the interviews and the theoretical study. Comparing these studies and getting to the conclusions of the research finally took me two months.

Global societal challenges or trends

A major trend involved in this research is that the population in the more rural areas is declining. Economic growth and future development of these areas is therefore threatened. Because this trend is often seen as a problem the government policy of these regions is focussed to counter this trend.

In the North Limburg region the idea is by making the region a breeding place for

innovation on the area of Cradle to Cradle they keep the region attractive. Therefore they hope to attract young professionals and entrepreneurs. This will bring work and workers to the region so that (economic) growth is achieved and a possible decline is prevented.

Motivation

What motivated me to start this research is a strong conviction that we have to re-design and re-think our behaviour on this planet. Because scientific research on Cradle to Cradle is mostly focussed on product level, I thought it would be a good thing to look at it in a different way. It makes sense that most research is conducted around product design. But I think that for Cradle to Cradle to be really successful, the focus must be on the philosophy in its broadest sense.

The way Cradle to Cradle was used by the municipality of Venlo was interesting because the focus laid not on products but on regional development. For me this was the perfect opportunity to get a closer look.

APPROACH

To keep a clear framework for the research I decided to use two methodologies to approach the problem. These were a theoretical and a empirical approach.

Theoretical approach

The theoretical approach provided the principles relating to the various phenomena that serve as the foundation of the research. The various theoretical insights that formed the foundation of this research are the following:

→ Regional growth and development

→ The Cradle to Cradle philosophy

→ Policy Documentation and ambitions

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Empirical approach

Besides theoretical research the empirical research played a prominent role. In this part of the research knowledge was gained by examining the practice. By conducting interviews among companies in the region, it became clear what the current perception was of Cradle to Cradle. These results reflected the situation on the role of Cradle to Cradle for the region.

Eventually, the empirical research was faced with the theoretical results, which lead to the conclusions of the study.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

The Cradle to Cradle design paradigm did not play any significant role, because I looked at how Cradle to Cradle in its broadest sense could be a motor for regional development.

Because the research I did wasn’t focussed on product design, all of these concepts above were used in the research. Without one of these it’s not the full Cradle to Cradle philosophy. This was very important during the research that none of the Cradle to Cradle philosophy elements were left aside.

The effect of working with Cradle to Cradle

I think everything has a in a certain way its own influence. In this matter Cradle to Cradle was part of- and embedded in the research. If Cradle to Cradle was replaced by for instance sports. This would have meant that the municipality wanted to brand the region on sports. Then the approach would have been different because on this topic more research has been done in the past. On the topic of Cradle to Cradle there was very few, so to say none, research which could serve as basis.

Therefore I had to start from scratch, what was a major challenge, a nice one of course.

The challenges while working with Cradle to Cradle

There were no real challenges that held back the research because I was working with the Cradle to Cradle philosophy. Maybe a little one is that there was no backdrop of research that has been done so far that I could use as knowledge in my case.

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

My puzzle was to find out if Cradle to Cradle could be a realistic model for regional development in the north Limburg region. To be able to get to some answers I conducted research on the theory and practice. To solve the puzzle I pulled conclusions out of both parts of the research. After this is wrote the final conclusions by facing these two against each other.

Lessons learned

I learnt that fragments of the Cradle to Cradle philosophy are being adopted by a lot of companies already. On the other hand this showed that Cradle to Cradle in the

Bio-sphere

Techno-sphere

Material management

Waste = Food

Use Solar Power

Celebrate diversity (bio-, conceptual- and cultural- diversity)

Design for disassembly

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broadest sense is hard to achieve. Therefore it’s easy to be sceptical about Cradle to Cradle, but all advances should be supported and appreciated. Designing a political program around regional development studies is not that hard. I think the major challenge is to really hold on to the program, trying to create real development over time.

Results

Concluding it appeared that the core of the problem is the lack of knowledge of the Cradle to Cradle concept by the entrepreneurs in the region. It was mainly experienced as sustainability, while the Cradle to Cradle philosophy / mindset goes beyond the current use of sustainability.

Various other obstacles can be seen as an extension of this limited knowledge of Cradle to Cradle. It must be taken into account that Cradle to Cradle developments are still in their infancy. Also the companies which have a good understanding of the concept are looking for a way to realize their ambitions.

Making such a transition in which structural thinking and acting is asked takes time and must proceed carefully. Given the support that exists among businesses, universities and governments for the anchoring of Cradle to Cradle in the region, and the fact that there are Cradle to Cradle master classes organized, it seems that the development is going for the right direction.

Other solutions

Because the research is not focussed on materials or design there would probably have been other solutions when the research would have been approached from a different perspective.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The goal is to get the North Limburg region the first Cradle to Cradle region in the world. The use of Cradle to Cradle as a marketing tool is in principle a smart move, because it will give the region a unique position with its own specialty and thus can

acquire full competitiveness. The fear that Cradle to Cradle will become a hype and eventually will be no more than just a lick of paint, already exists. This criticism can be tackled by the fact that the Cradle to Cradle content has been gotten well into the policy and important steps are being taken. It is important that the ambitions are being implemented in the right way. When North Limburg as Cradle to Cradle top technology region fails this branding will sooner have a push than a pull effect to the region.

Further research recommendations therefore would be to check how successful the branding strategy is on an average base by checking the regional statistics and match them to the goals for regional development. This should also been done specifically for Cradle to Cradle. This will point what the status is of the regional policy development goals and on which topics there should be more focus.

L INK

http://geography2.ruhosting.nl/masterthesis/scripties/VaaneJoop.pdf

Vane researched if C2C could be the driving force for regional development. Because government policy can be written in a way to get more support and possibly some subsidy, he wanted to overlook the situation from different theoretical perspectives and how this would fit the practice. He focused on the totality of the C2C approach and concepts as this fits the scale of regional development best.

In the region Venlo C2C was applied as a marketing tool, which gave the region an unique position with its own specialty and thus can acquire full competitiveness.

Further research recommendations would be to check how successful the branding strategy is on an average base by checking the regional statistics and match them to the goals for regional development.

Further readings student theses e.g.: Jongeneel, 2009; Meeuwsen, 2009; and related publications e.g.: De Pauw, et al., 2015; Girardet & Braungart, 2012; Braungart, Mulhall, 2010.

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8. CLOSING REMARKS To conclude we would like to highlight some of the topics, issues, and discussion points mentioned by the students who contributed to this publication. The C2C approach began with the focus on materials and products, but is applied in multiple dimensions, ranging from nutrients in products, to products, buildings, business approaches, and urban and regional development. In other words: the scale varies. It ranges from local and regional to global and/or societal. The work of many of the students in this book made a contribution to upscaling the application of the C2C approach.

Social aspects

Some students mentioned that social values are sometimes underplayed in how C2C is communicated. This topic relates to scale and focus when applying C2C. On the product scale, different environmental, economic and social values are created than on the scale of a company, building, region or infrastructure project. These social aspects were among the main drivers at the very early stage of the development of the C2C approach. For example in 1991, Braungart and his team were involved in a project in Brazil, in which local citizens were took part in the design of an infrastructural system. More information can be found on the website of the Hamburger Umwelt Institute and in the following publications:

Braungart, M., Hansen, K., & Mulhall, D. (1997), Biomass Nutrient Recycling. Water Environment and Technology, 9(8), 41-48. link

InGienous Designs. (n.d.). Waste treatment by bionutrient recycling. Retrieved from: link

Life Cycle Assessment vs Cradle to Cradle

In December 2011 the NL Agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment published a position paper on the difference between LCA and C2C, which they defined as follows: “Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a measurement tool

Cradle to Cradle® and C2C® are registered trademarks held by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, LLC (MBDC).

that has been used since the 1970s as a means of assessing the environmental impact of products or services. Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is an innovation framework used since the 1990s in order to design products and services which are beneficial in economic, health and environmental terms.” (Bor, et al., 2011, p. 2). More information on this topic can be found in the following publications:

Mulhall, D., Braungart, M., & Hansen, K. (2013a). Life cycle analyses. In D. Rowe (Ed.), Achieving sustainability: Visions, principles, and practices (VOL. 1 ed., pp. 499-504). DetroiT: Macmillan Reference USA. link

Bor, A., Hansen, K., Goedkoop, M., Rivière, A., Alvarado, C., & van den Wittenboer, W. (2011). Usability of life cycle assessment for cradle to cradle purposes. Utrecht: NL Agency. link

Certification vs C2C inspired buildings and areas

Buildings and other complex products cannot be certified according to the C2C certification standard. However, it is still possible to describe the elements of a building that add value and celebrate innovation and quality first by measuring and then by enhancing the quality of materials, biodiversity, air, and water; using current solar income; being deconstructable and recyclable and performing diverse practical and life-enhancing functions for its stakeholders (Braungart & Mulhall, 2010). More information can be found on the website of the Building Registry and in the following publications:

Mulhall, D., Braungart, M., & Hansen, K. (2013b). The registry of cradle to cradle® inspired elements for building developments. Rotterdam School Of Management, Erasmus University. link

Hansen, K., Braungart, M., & Mulhall, D. (2012). Resource repletion resource repletion , role of buildings. In R. Meyers (Ed.), (pp. 9025-9049) Springer New York. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0851-3_420 link

Braungart, M., & Mulhall, D. (2010). Cradle to cradle® criteria for the built environment. Nunspeet: Duurzaam Gebouwd. link

Cradle to Cradle vs other related concepts

Cradle to Cradle has been linked by students to various other concepts e.g. continuous cycles, closed cycles, industrial ecology, circular economy, bio-based economy, and biomimicry. In many cases these concepts are related to C2C, or C2C is related to these concepts. Sometimes there is a distinct difference between these concepts and C2C (like the difference between LCA and C2C) and sometimes they build onto each other (like the circular economy builds upon the C2C concept).

C2C aims for a positive contribution; therefore the aim is to create more social, economic and ecological benefits. This is reflected in the C2C design principles. “Waste equals food”/ “Everything is a nutrient for something else” focusses on the creation of these benefits in biological and technological “nutrients”, “spheres”, “metabolisms” or “cycles”, based on renewable energy sources (“Use current solar income”) while “Celebrating diversity”. Therefore C2C is more suited to refer to “continuous cycles” than “closed cycles”. The same holds true for the terms: “climate neutral”, “zero waste”, “CO2 neutral”, etc. which could be re-framed into a positive contribution too (e.g. “up-cycling”, “carbon positive”, “cleaning the air”, etc.). Further readings on the relation between C2C and related concepts:

De Pauw, I. C., Karana, E., Kandachar, P., & Poppelaars, F. (2014). Comparing biomimicry and cradle to cradle with ecodesign: A case study of student design projects. Journal of Cleaner Production, 78, 174-183. link

Sawahata, L. (2014). Project Mainstream: Changing the shape of business (Special feature: A Circular Economy, the revolution begins). RSM Outlook, Rotterdam School of Management, Summer 2014. link

Mulhall, D., Braungart, M., & Hansen, K. (2013a). Life cycle analyses. In D. Rowe (Ed.), Achieving sustainability: Visions, principles, and practices (VOL. 1 ed., pp. 499-504). DetroiT: Macmillan Reference USA. link

Braungart, M., & Mulhall, D. (2012), Point of view: Treat emissions as resources, Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Retrieved from link

(source: EPEA)

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9. REFERENCES Bjørn, Anders; Hauschild, Michael, Zwicky. (2013). Absolute versus Relative Environmental Sustainability: What can the Cradle to Cradle and Eco-efficiency Concepts Learn from Each Other?. In: Journal of Industrial Ecology, Vol. 17, No. 2, p. 321-332. link

Bor, A., Hansen, K., Goedkoop, M., Rivière, A., Alvarado, C., & van den Wittenboer, W. (2011). Usability of life cycle assessment for cradle to cradle purposes. Utrecht: NL Agency. link

Braungart, M., & Mulhall, D. (2010). Cradle to cradle® criteria for the built environment. Nunspeet: Duurzaam Gebouwd. link

Braungart, M., Hansen, K., & Mulhall, D. (1997). Biomass nutrient recycling. Water Environment and Technology, 9(8), 41-48. link

Braungart, M., McDonough, W., & Bollinger, A. (2007). Cradle to Cradle design: Creating healthy emissions - a strategy for eco-effective product and system design. Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(13-14), 1337-1348. link

De Pauw, I., Kandachar, P., & Karana, E. (2015). Assessing sustainability in nature-inspired design. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 8(1), 5-13. link

De Pauw, I. C., Karana, E., Kandachar, P., & Poppelaars, F. (2014). Comparing biomimicry and cradle to cradle with ecodesign: A case study of student design projects. Journal of Cleaner Production, 78, 174-183. link

De Pauw, I., Karana, E., & Kandachar, P. (2013). Cradle to cradle in product development: A case study of closed-loop design. In A. Y. C. Nee, B. Song & S. Ong (Eds.), (pp. 47-52) Springer Singapore. doi:10.1007/978-981-4451-48-2_8 link

Ellen MacArthur Foundation, & McKinsey & Company. (2014). Towards the circular economy: Accelerating the scale-up across global supply chains. Geneva: World Economic Forum. link

Girardet, H., & Braungart, M. (2012). Surviving the century: Facing climate chaos and other global challenges Routledge. link

Hansen, K., Braungart, M., & Mulhall, D. (2012). Resource repletion resource repletion , role of buildings. In R. Meyers (Ed.), (pp. 9025-9049) Springer New York. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0851-3_420 link

Kumar, S., & Putnam, V. (2008). Cradle to cradle: Reverse logistics strategies and opportunities across three industry sectors. International Journal of Production Economics, 115(2), 305-315. link

Lovins, A., Braungart, M., & Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2014). In Ellen MacArthur Foundation (Ed.), A new dynamic - effective business in a circular economy (POD Edition edition ed.) Ellen MacArthur Foundation Publishing. link

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002a). Design for the triple top line: New tools for sustainable commerce. Corporate Environmental Strategy, 9(3), 251-258. link

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2013). The upcycle: Beyond sustainability--designing for abundance North Point Press. link

McDonough, W., Braungart, M., Anastas, P. T., & Zimmerman, J. B. (2003). Applying the principles of green engineering to Cradle to Cradle design. Environmental Science & Technology, 37(23), 434A-441A. link

McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002b). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. New York: North Point Press. link

Mulhall, D., Braungart, M., & Hansen, K. (2013a). Life cycle analyses. In D. Rowe (Ed.), Achieving sustainability: Visions, principles, and practices (VOL. 1 ed., pp. 499-504). DetroiT: Macmillan Reference USA. link

Mulhall, D., Braungart, M., & Hansen, K. (2013b). The registry of cradle to cradle® inspired elements for building developments. Rotterdam: Rotterdam School Of Management, Erasmus University. link

Newcorn, D. (2003). Cradle to Cradle: The next packaging paradigm? Packaging

World May, 62 link

van Dijk, S., Tenpierik, M., & van den Dobbelsteen, A. (2014). Continuing the building’s cycles: A literature review and analysis of current systems theories in comparison with the theory of cradle to cradle. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 82(0), 21-34. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.10.007 link

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Academic Chair ‘Cradle to Cradle for Innovation and Quality’

ROTTERDAM SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT ERASMUS UNIVERSITY

Burgemeester Oudlaan 50 Mandeville Building (T-Building), Room 9-46 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Tel: +31 10 408 2277 www.rsm.nl/c2c