55 Cradle to Cradle Certified® Schüco systems

In order to build sustainably, you need products that are of high quality, resource friendly and future proof in equal measure. The Cradle to Cradle Certified framework takes this to the product level. When it comes to implementing the Cradle to Cradle principles in the construction sector, Schüco currently leads the way with 46 systems already certified at Silver level and nine more certified at Bronze level. All Cradle to Cradle Certified® systems from Schüco are available as standard at no additional charge.

46 Schüco systems are Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver, including 29 window systems, 6 mullion/transom systems, 6 door systems, 7 door systems, 3 sun shading systems and the new AF UDC 80 unitized façade system. For these systems, Schüco currently achieves Silver for “Material health” and “Material reutilization”, and Gold for “Renewable energy and carbon management”, “Water stewardship” and “Social fairness”. That equates to a Silver level certification. Of the 9 systems holding Cradle to Cradle Certified at the Bronze level, 2 are window systems, 3 are façade systems, 3 are sliding systems and 1 is a door system. 

The Cradle to Cradle Certified Schüco aluminium systems are to date recognised by the DGNB and LEED certification systems as proof of specific sustainability requirements. Other building certification systems like BREEAM also include C2C in their new versions. Additional building schemes are also in the process of recognising the global Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard. In specification texts too, the use of certified products makes it easier both to meet criteria for sustainable buildings and to obtain building certification. 

For example, the safety of Cradle to Cradle certified systems for people and nature is checked by means of a strict assessment process. The use of renewable energy during manufacture and the high level of recyclability of the systems fabricated in this way means that, at the end of their lifecycle, the environmental impact is far lower. All of these factors contribute to Cradle to Cradle certified products having a positive influence on green building certifications.

Cradle to Cradle product design concept

Cradle to Cradle is a product design concept that was developed in the 1990s. It considers all materials to be valuable resources in a constant circular economy. For durable goods – including Schüco aluminium systems – the idea behind the Cradle to Cradle concept is that the products are broken down into their original raw materials at the end of their useful life, so that they can then be made into another new product. At the end, it should therefore be possible to recycle the product without any loss of quality – downcycling or thermal recycling should not occur. An aluminium profile may become another aluminium profile or a comparable component in its next life. 

In order to achieve certification from the Cradle to Cradle  Products Innovation Institute in accordance with the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard, products are assessed against five extensive categories: the materials must be non-harmful to human and environmental health, if a material contains substances on a banned list, certification will not be granted; materials are produced using renewable energy,water is used responsibly, and it must be possible to sort the materials by type when they reach the end of their useful life. The fifth category ensures that fair labour practices are upheld with all those involved in the supply chain. All . In each standard category, ascending  levels can be achieved from Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. The results are recorded on a product scorecard. The overall certification level for a product is determined by the lowest achievement level of any category.

Details of the 55 Cradle to Cradle Certified systems as well as further information about the company's commitment to sustainability can be found at www.schueco.com/sustainability