Towards a sustaining architecture for the 21st century The promise of Cradle to Cradle design

Cradle to Cradle® design is an ecologically intelligent approach to architecture and industry that involves materials, buildings and patterns of settlement which are wholly healthful and restorative. Unlike cradle-to-grave systems, Cradle to Cradle® design sees human systems as nutrient cycles in which every material can support life. Materials designed as biological nutri- ents provide nourishment for nature after use; technical nutrients circulate through industrial systems in closed-loop cycles of production, recovery and remanufacture. Following a science- based protocol for selecting safe, healthful ingredients, Cradle to Cradle® design maximizes the utility of material assets. Responding to physical, cultural and climactic settings, it creates buildings and community plans that generate a diverse range of economic, social and eco- logical value in industrialized and developing countries.