To jumpstart the 'green' chemistry market, the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (the Institute), formerly called the Green Products Innovation Institute, announced at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting that it will train at least 100 assessors and certify 1,000 products by 2015.
The nonprofit institute was launched in May to establish metrics and standards for creating safer and healthy products, while fueling research, innovation, economic growth and job creation in the green chemistry sector.
Products that meet the criteria for the Cradle to Cradle certification protocol will receive the certification mark. The Institute's chief funder is the DOEN Foundation, which was established in 1991 by the Dutch Postcode Lottery to generate funds for charity organizations dedicated to people and the planet.
Several of the nation's leading manufacturers also joined the Institute in making pledges at the Clinton Global Initiative. As an example, Shaw Industries, part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, is leading the way in developing sustainable carpet products. Currently, 15 percent of Shaw’s products are 'wholly" Cradle to Cradle certified and 62 percent of its product line is partially certified.
Shaw just announced its commitment to increase its number of 'wholly' Cradle to Cradle certified products by 2015. "Over 50 percent of our commercial products are now cradle to cradle certified, but we are not stopping there. We plan to increase that percentage over the next several years as we work closely with the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute," said Vance Bell, CEO of Shaw.
The institute also notes that Steelcase, an office furniture manufacturer, is the largest holder of Cradle to Cradle product certifications globally, achieving more than 50 certifications covering 78 product lines. The company announced at CGI its first seating product for the education sector "node," which will also be certified under the Cradle to Cradle protocol.
In other CGI news, Green Energy commits to bring 'smart' and clean energy to emerging nations via its Global Energy Model (GEM). GEM is authored by Green Energy Corp Founder Daniel Gregory and claimed as the first universal plan to energize developing nations with clean and renewable power.
Green Energy says GEM is aligned with CGI's charter because it emphasizes renewable solutions, involves the native governments and communities in building and supporting their energy system, while providing direct economic improvement through higher education, skilled labor and new business potential.
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