Urbanstrong’s Cradle-to-Cradle Exterior Living Walls
Table of Contents Show
PSA: Our preferred exterior living wall system recently was awarded bronze certification for the Cradle-to-Cradle program. For those who are unfamiliar with the Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C); it is an internationally recognized certification that awards raw materials and innovative products for their ability to be upcycled or reused. It is sustainability in its truest form- but let’s start from the beginning.
What is Cradle-to-Cradle and Why Does It Matter?
C2C is a design philosophy thought up by architect William Mcdonough and chemist Michael Braungart. This design can be seen as an engine for product innovation, emphasizing environmental impact, social responsibility, and health; all with the goal to reduce waste and promote a more circular economy.
What are the 3 principles of Cradle-to-Cradle design?
In ‘Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things’, the book puts forth the below 3 design principles, all derived from nature.
Everything is a resource for something else:
Everything can be designed to be disassembled and safely returned to the soil as biological nutrients, or re-utilized as high-quality materials for new products as technical nutrients without contamination.
Use clean and renewable energy:
Living things thrive on the energy of current solar income. Similarly, human constructs can utilize clean and renewable energy in many forms—such as solar, wind, geothermal, gravitational energy, and other energy systems being developed today—thereby capitalizing on these abundant resources while supporting human and environmental health.
Celebrate diversity:
Around the world, geology, hydrology, photosynthesis, and nutrient cycling, adapted to locale, yield an astonishing diversity of natural and cultural life. Designs that respond to the challenges and opportunities offered by each place fit elegantly and effectively into their own niches.
How Does Urbanstrong's Living Wall System Meet Cradle-to-Cradle Certification?
Our exterior living wall manufacturer has achieved the necessary five requirements to obtain the bronze certificate. These requirements are listed below:
Material Health
Material Reutilization
Renewable Energy & Carbon Management
Water Stewardship
Social Fairness
Why Choose a Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Living Wall System?
What advantages come with C2C certification?
Working with a C2C-certified system means:
A competitive edge in the green building industry
Easier accumulation of LEED and BREEAM credits
Alignment with corporate sustainability and ESG goals
Long-term value through material health and circularity
Lastly, as companies’ missions and ethos continue to center around sustainable practice, a C2C product will only further bolster branding.
About The Author
Published by Urbanstrong Editorial Team
Reviewed by Alan Burchell, P.Eng., LEED AP, GRP
Alan Burchell is the Principal of Urbanstrong, an award-winning urban sustainability and biophilic design firm specializing in custom living walls, preserved moss walls, freestanding green walls, and architectural plant installations.
A professional engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, Fitwel Ambassador, and certified Green Roof Professional, Alan holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, with a focus on Sustainable Water Management.
His experience spans all seven continents and brings together engineering, urban sustainability, biophilic design, climate-resilient design, and project leadership. A frequently invited industry speaker, Alan helps architects, developers, designers, and building owners create beautiful, high-performing living wall and moss wall installations with an emphasis on design integration, constructability, irrigation reliability, plant health, and long-term performance.
Contact Alan today at aburchell@urbanstrong.com or 215.480.2210 or book a 15-minute chat directly in his calendar here.