The Cradle to Cradle certification of Hueck's facade systems gives architects, investors and builders an additional opportunity to meet the complex requirements of modern, sustainable and intelligently planned buildings.
Were environmental aspects taken into account in the certification of Hueck Trigon FS?
Yes, the entire Hueck Trigon FS modular system was tested by EPEA GmbH - Part of Drees & Sommer (EPEA) and certified with Cradle to Cradle Silver. This also includes the extended system applications of the facade in the polygonal layout and roof area, as well as its use as a structural glazing (SG) facade solution from the same modular system, which is currently under development and will be available at the beginning of 2022.
The Cradle to Cradle certification framework offers a holistic view of the entire circular value chain of products. In doing so, it looked beyond the pure product features of the facade system and, for example, an inventory was taken of the supply chains that have an influence on Hueck Trigon FS.
The result was a broad, holistic overview of the resources used and the ecological footprint of the aluminium facade solution. It is precisely this holistic view that Hueck strives for in the Green Balance field of action of the Hueck World Life Balance corporate philosophy.
What are the sustainability standards at Hueck?
Hueck Product Manager Christian Wedi explains: "One of our declared corporate goals is to have all our new products certified by Cradle to Cradle. The safety of our profile systems and their complete product life cycle for people and the environment is a central development topic at Hueck."
See also this article: Hueck Lambda DS 075 Eco makes processing easier and saves money
In this context, the Cradle to Cradle certification framework offers an important tool for self- and third-party monitoring.
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Monitoring the eco-balance of the profile systems is in line with the sustainability focus of the German aluminium systems house. This was defined in the Green Balance as one of the three fields of action of the Hueck World Life Balance.
What goals is Hueck pursuing with Cradle to Cradle?
The aim is to achieve a balance between environmentally conscious, economic and social aspects, which are reflected in the Cradle to Cradle certification catalogue. The awareness of the scarcity of resources and the responsible use of them is anchored in the company's long-standing tradition.
Comprehensive planning is the prerequisite for long-term ecological and economic success. This is what planners, investors and building owners get from Hueck.
Why is aluminium a sustainable material?
Traditionally, aluminium is the central material for the Hueck product range. Due to its durability and high degree of recyclability, aluminium performs well in the holistic consideration of the product life cycle according to the Cradle to Cradle specifications. Its mutability, durability and unlimited reusability are particularly compelling in a full examination of the product life cycle.
It is precisely these properties of aluminium that have already convinced many architects and builders to use this material in their sustainability-oriented building projects. For example, the Marienturm in Frankfurt am Main and the QO Hotel in Amsterdam achieved the highest level of LEED certification for sustainable building thanks to the use of Hueck aluminium facade systems.
What exactly is behind the Cradle to Cradle certification?
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The Cradle to Cradle certification process is characterised by a comprehensive examination of the product life cycle - from the cradle to the cradle.
The EPEA sees Cradle to Cradle as a "scientific basis for the implementation of a Circular Economy in the construction and real estate industry".
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The Cradle to Cradle certification framework includes the following integral principles: Material Health, Recyclability of Material, Use of Renewable Energies, Responsible Use of Water and Social Justice.
In the criteria of material health, material recyclability and social justice, Hueck Trigon FS scored silver. It received gold in the categories use of renewable energies and responsible use of water. These partial results resulted in the overall silver certificate for the facade system.
Were other Hueck products also certified?
Yes. Hueck's aluminium profile systems for windows and doors in 75mm depths have already been tested and evaluated by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. The Hueck Lambda WS/DS 075 construction kit bears the Cradle to Cradle certification in bronze. In addition, Hueck's window, door and facade systems are regularly inspected by ift Rosenheim and their environmental impact is recorded in Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).
Hueck uses the results of the regular audits of the ecological footprint within the Hueck World Life Balance to continuously improve the quality of the system solutions. Continuous further development and improvement where it makes sense and is beneficial is an established approach that has been guiding the entire organisation for decades.
Here you can find further information on the Cradle to Cradle Silver certification of the Hueck Trigon FS.
