Cradle to Cradle Research Write-Up Complete
Well I’ve finally finished my research on Cradle to Cradle which has been a really interesting exploration into the how and more importantly why we do what we do when it comes to sustainable design. The image above is the a wordle word cloud of the synopsis attached below.
“A myriad of issues are currently threatening the human race’s continuing survival on the planet. In the face of these issues Sustainability has become a mainstream concern however the current blinkered efficiency based approach is stuck within a world-view that is doomed to failure and not going far enough to reverse the trend of ecological destruction. An emerging philosophy, ‘Cradle to Cradle’ proposes to move beyond simply minimising negative environmental impact and draws inspiration from the laws of nature in order to redesign our industrial systems allowing them to have a positive environmental impact.
This research is centred on promoting the adoption of the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ design paradigm in Irish Construction. The objectives of the research based are structured around this primary aim, beginning with an critical evaluation of the current issues and the approaches being taken to overcome them. Then moving on to explore the philosophy and practice of ‘Cradle to Cradle’ before the focus tightens on methodologies for applying ‘Cradle to Cradle’ in construction. Irish best practice is then evaluated, in order to investigate how it performs under the principles of ‘Cradle to Cradle‘ which uncovers conclusions and recommendations on the potential of applying ‘Cradle to Cradle’ in construction.
The research follows a defined methodology. First clear objectives were defined, and the study area was determined. Once a clear focus for the research had been established the secondary sources were consulted in order to gain an understanding of current Sustainable practices, ‘Cradle to Cradle’ itself and it’s application in construction. Interviews and questionnaires have been used to gather primary information, while a case study has also provided primary information. The case study has been chosen using dimensional sampling and the data has been analysed using the humanistic model.
The research has found that our current Sustainable approach of focusing on efficiency is not going far enough by simply slowing the pace of resource usage and environmental degradation. The urgent need to redesign our systems and take a holistic approach is clear. ‘Cradle to Cradle’ offers a new philosophical perspective which has the potential to completely reverse the ongoing environmental degradation and instead create systems that actively benefit nature. In the field of construction, the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ principles have the potential to transform it from one of the most polluting industries to one that is sustaining for society, ecology and economy not just sustainable. Irish best practice has been found to be slowly moving towards ‘Cradle to Cradle’ in a rather disjointed fashion. A legislative and cultural shift that clearly defines an ambitious aim and promotes it using positive affirmative language needs to occur. It is imperative that Sustainable practice breaks free from the current failing framework and the language of guilt and negativity and instead reinvents current practices, with the aim of a system that works in kinship with nature, ‘Cradle to Cradle’ offers the guidance and principles required for this redesign.”
