Monday, 04 March 2013
Cradle-to-Cradle Design Challenge with $250,000 Prize
March 4, 2013
To help inspire innovation in developing healthy building materials for communities in need, the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and Make It Right is issuing a Product Innovation Challenge. They are encouraging manufacturers to design goods for the affordable housing market that are safe for human and environmental health and designed for re-use. And, they are offering $250,000 in prize money for the most innovative solutions, to be announced at Greenbuild 2013.
Many commonly used building materials contain chemicals that have been linked to cancer,respiratory problems, hormone interference, reproductive and developmental harm. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly 80,000 chemicals are used in the country today, many of which are unstudied and largely unregulated.
Consumer awareness is increasing and demand for healthier products is growing but often these options are not available for affordable housing. As a result, already economically disadvantaged populations find themselves at a health disadvantage as well.
A recent initiative led by Make It Right (founded by Brad Pitt in 2007) builds healthy homes, buildings and communities for people in need. All Make It Right projects are LEED Platinum.
The Product Innovation Challenge is asking innovators to rethink common materials— such as PVC —and come up with revolutionary new products that can exceed their standards on the basis of price, performance, availability, and human and environmental health.In addition to the $250,000 prize money, contest winners will receive extras including a Dwell media partnership and special announcement at Greenbuild 2013. Up to 20 runners-up will receive distinction at the event and benefit from a marketing campaign supporting their work.
The application process is rigorous and submissions are due June 30, 2013. All contest details and official rules can be found at www.c2ccertified.org/challenge.