Product developers, designers and manufacturers looking to create more responsible, sustainable products now have the opportunity to participate in the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Catalyst program, free of charge. An online course, resources for implementing Cradle to Cradle design within an organization, and access to a community of fellow innovators are all part of the program.
“It can sometimes seem daunting to undertake the Cradle to Cradle journey, especially when you’re just getting started. The Catalyst program gives newcomers a clear understanding of the Cradle to Cradle Certified process, and helps existing practitioners deepen their knowledge,” explained Marisa Guber, community of practice manager for the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
The core of the Catalyst program is a 2 hour self-paced online course comprised of three modules, that provide the context for Cradle to Cradle Certified product development, along with an overview of the product standard and resources to help practitioners drive change in their companies and industry using the Cradle to Cradle Certified product standard as a guide.
Participants who complete the course receive access to resources for implementing Cradle to Cradle design within their organization, and potentially pursuing Cradle to Cradle Certification. They also become part of an online community that includes a dedicated forum for exchanging ideas, asking questions and sharing best practices, plus offers the chance to participate in a variety of peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Cradle to Cradle products can be implemented in almost any industry, including consumer goods, packaging, fashion and textiles, and building materials.
“Beyond education alone, the Catalyst Program offers a dynamic and powerful opportunity to connect and collaborate with other Cradle to Cradle Certified practitioners across sectors, industries and locations,” said Guber. “With this in mind, Catalyst community members also receive support through an evolving set of resources and opportunities, like webinars and conference calls, designed to offer first-hand insight into real world Cradle to Cradle challenges and successes.”
The program was previously accessible for a nominal fee, but is now available to all free of charge thanks to generous support from the Roy A. Hunt Foundation.
“Cultivating a robust, inclusive multi-industry community of professionals, with a shared dedication to driving materials innovation and positive product development via the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Program is mission critical for the Institute,” said Institute President Lewis Perkins. “Initiating open access to the Catalyst Program is one of the many steps we’re taking to build that community and, in the process, advance our collective mission of a positive future powered by Cradle to Cradle Certified products.”
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Published Oct 4, 2016 4pm EDT / 1pm PDT / 9pm BST / 10pm CEST