Cradle to Cradle-certified Luminaires
What does Cradle to Cradle mean?
Cradle to Cradle® is a form of product certification based on a concept devised back in the Nineties by Professor Michael Braungart and William McDonough. The phrase From Cradle to Cradle describes the circulation of materials and nutrients in biological or technical circuits.
Cradle to Cradle® is a template concept, i.e. it is meant to lead by example. Consumables circulate in a biological circuit that are directed back into that circuit after use, for example to be turned into compost. By contrast, in a technical circuit, it is consumer goods that circulate. Products are optimised right at the design stage, and in the manufacturing process, as resources for the next phase of usage. Ideally, none of these components are a health hazard. They can be retrieved after use and recycled.
For more information about Cradle to Cradle®, please contact EPEA and Drees & Sommer.
"It's the way we design and manufacture our products. Cradle to Cradle requirements have become a design standard for us. Even if we don't seek certification."
Christoph Waldmann
LAVIGO – the world’s first certified office luminaire
The LAVIGO free-standing luminaire from Waldmann was developed as the world’s first office luminaire to be awarded the internationally valid Cradle to Cradle® certificate, and it embodies this comprehensive sustainability concept. To satisfy requirements, all the materials used were identified. They were then assessed in respect of their toxicological and recycling-compliant properties and, in some respects, further improvements were then made. In addition, this certification process called for evidence of the energy balance to be provided, together with the required volume and quality of water. Other requirements included compliance with social criteria.
LAVIGO achieved the Bronze Level in the overall certification process. For a product with this level of complexity, this represents a very good result. The following levels were achieved in the individual sub-categories:
|
Category |
Level |
|
Material Health |
Bronze |
|
Material Reutilization |
Silver |
|
Energy and Carbon Management |
Bronze |
|
Water Management |
Bronze |
|
Social Fairness |
Bronze |
|
Overall Certification Level |
Bronze |
The YARA free standing luminaire from Waldmann is now Cradle to Cradle® certified, demonstrating its commitment to consistent sustainable product development.
From the outset, YARA was designed in accordance with Cradle to Cradle® principles, focusing on maximum energy efficiency, modern lighting technology, intelligent sensors, and smart networking. For certification, all materials were tested for environmental and health compatibility, and production processes were assessed in terms of energy consumption, water quality, and social responsibility.
With this award, YARA makes a strong statement for sustainable lighting solutions in future-proof working environments. The following levels were achieved in the individual subcategories:
|
Category |
Level |
|
Material Health |
Bronze |
|
Material Reutilization |
Gold |
|
Energy and Carbon Management |
Bronze |
|
Water Management |
Silver |
|
Social Fairness |
Bronze |
|
Overall Certification Level |
Bronze |
