Window Manufacturer Pursues 'Cradle-to-Cradle' Design Model

In the current "cradle-to-grave" model of industrial production, materials are taken from the earth, used in products, and then sent to landfills or incinerated. The resulting loss of value and damage to the environment can be eliminated when products and processes are designed within the cradle-to-cradle model, where all materials are safe for human and environmental health, and move perpetually within a closed loop of production, use, recovery, and recycling.

"We are starting with the vision that there is something important to learn -- that lowers our costs, improves our performance and overall product quality, enhances the customer experience with our product and leaves a smaller footprint on the environment," added Teichner.

According to MBDC Co-founder, William McDonough, the architecture and building industry has been hungry for manufacturers to provide environmental leadership. "Republic was thoughtful enough to stake out a leadership position in the window industry, to pursue an active role in re-thinking the manufacture of windows in relationship to the environment," said McDonough.

During phase one of the project, Republic and MBDC will take a look at what the cradle-to-cradle philosophy means in the context of the building of windows. Part of this will be talking to suppliers, and looking at all of the elements that go into Republic's production capacity -- where those materials come from, how they are used and what becomes of them when the window has reached the end of its useful life.

"Part of our commitment to our customer base is to be innovative and to stay associated with contemporary trends as a responsible societal member," said Teichner. "We want to affiliate ourselves with people who themselves are world class and are looking at these issues in a different way. MBDC has distinguished itself as a cutting-edge firm, and we look forward to a long association with them."

This project is funded by a grant from the Chicago Department of the Environment. "The City of Chicago is committed to the development of environmentally sustainable products and construction techniques that are energy efficient and help close the recycling loop," said Chicago Environment Commissioner Marcia Jimenez. "We are pleased to work with Republic Windows & Doors by funding the cradle-to-cradle design model with a grant from the city."

Republic Windows & Doors operates a 375,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Chicago, which received Window & Door Magazine's Crystal Achievement Award for Most Innovative Plant. Republic employs 750 people, the majority of whom reside within Chicago's city limits. For more information see www.republicwindows.com.

MBDC is a product and process design firm dedicated to helping companies achieve enhanced business value by revolutionizing the design of products and services worldwide. William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart founded MBDC in 1995 to promote and shape what they call the "Next Industrial Revolution" through the introduction of a new design paradigm called Cradle to Cradle Design, and the implementation of eco-effective design principles.