Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of construction and urban design. That’s why we at Sempergreen are proud that both our SemperGreenwall Indoor and Outdoor are Cradle to Cradle Certified®. This prestigious certification ensures that our products meet the highest environmental and social standards, proving that sustainability and innovation can strengthen each other.
But what exactly is Cradle to Cradle, and why does it matter? Let’s take a deep dive into the world of sustainable certification.
What is Cradle to Cradle?
In a world where resources are finite and the effects of climate change increasingly visible, the way we design, produce and build needs a radical shift. That’s exactly where the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) philosophy comes in.
The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certification is one of the most respected sustainability labels worldwide. But more than that, Cradle to Cradle is a mindset—a new way of thinking about materials, products and systems. It challenges the traditional take-make-dispose model of production and instead proposes a regenerative, circular alternative: materials should either safely return to nature or be endlessly reused in new products—without losing quality.
Where most sustainability efforts focus on reducing harm, C2C goes a step further: it aims to create positive impact. It’s not just about doing “less bad,” but about doing “more good.” In this vision, buildings and products become part of a continuous cycle, where waste is no longer waste, but a valuable resource.
How does Cradle to Cradle certification work?
To achieve Cradle to Cradle certification, a product is assessed on five key performance categories, which together form the backbone of the C2C approach:
Material health:
Are the materials safe for humans and nature?
Material reutilization:
Can the product be endlessly recycled or composted?
Renewable energy & carbon management:
Is the product made using clean energy?
Water stewardship:
Does production minimize water waste?
Social fairness:
Are ethical labour and environmental standards met?
Based on performance in these five areas, products receive certification at levels ranging from Bronze to Platinum. These levels also encourage continuous improvement: certification is only valid for two years, after which a reassessment is required. This ensures that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand over time.
Why Cradle to Cradle matters—especially now
As climate change accelerates, biodiversity declines, and the need for responsible material use becomes urgent, Cradle to Cradle offers a concrete, actionable framework for a more sustainable future. And it’s not just about small eco-labels on niche products—major industries, from fashion to building materials, are now embracing C2C as a gold standard for circular innovation.
For the architecture and construction sectors, in particular, C2C offers powerful tools to rethink how buildings are made—and unmade. Think of façades that purify air, walls that host pollinators, or materials that can be disassembled and reused decades later. Every component becomes part of a bigger, regenerative system.
Cradle to Cradle fits seamlessly within broader certifications like BREEAM or LEED, and contributes directly to ESG goals and the EU Green Deal objectives. In other words: it’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a must-have.
SemperGreenwall: a certified green solution
At Sempergreen, we’ve always believed in replanting the planet, one wall at a time. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just words—it’s embedded in our products. That’s why we continuously optimize our SemperGreenwall to meet the ever-evolving Cradle to Cradle standards. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far on our Cradle to Cradle journey:
Eco-friendly materials
Our green walls are made with durable, non-toxic, and recyclable materials that align with Cradle to Cradle principles.
Smart water use
The built-in irrigation system minimizes water waste while keeping plants thriving.
Energy-efficient production
Our processes prioritize renewable energy and low carbon emissions.
Why does this matter for your project?
If you’re an architect, developer, or urban planner looking for truly sustainable building materials, Cradle to Cradle certification ensures that you’re making an environmentally responsible choice. A certified SemperGreenwall doesn’t just add visual appeal—it actively contributes to a greener, healthier city.
LEED & BREEAM advantages
Many green building certifications recognize C2C-certified products, helping you earn sustainability credits for other certifications like LEED and BREEAM.
Biodiversity boost
Living walls improve urban ecosystems by supporting pollinators and filtering air pollutants.
Long-term sustainability
Investing in Cradle to Cradle-certified solutions means future-proofing your building against changing environmental regulations.
Cradle to Cradle in action
Sustainability isn’t just a concept— it’s something you can actually see in the world around you. More and more, architects and designers are rethinking the way buildings are made, choosing materials that don’t just look good but also give back to the environment. Cradle to Cradle-certified products are a big part of this shift, helping to create spaces that are healthier, smarter, and built to last.
Here are some inspiring Cradle to Cradle examples that showcase how certified solutions—like our SemperGreenwall—are making a measurable impact:
Hotel Gilbert – Vienna, Austria
Located in the heart of Vienna, Hotel Gilbert is an excellent example of how Cradle to Cradle principles can be integrated into contemporary hospitality design. Formerly known as the long-established ViennArt Hotel, the building underwent a full transformation—not just in name, but in purpose. The hotel wanted to create a sustainable, nature-inclusive guest experience while reducing its carbon footprint.
Here are some inspiring Cradle to Cradle examples that showcase how certified solutions—like our SemperGreenwall—are making a measurable impact:
Challenge
The building had a conventional concrete facade that absorbed heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect. While it had long served as a hotel, a comprehensive renovation aimed to turn it into a future-proof space that blends sustainability, comfort, and nature.
Solution
A key part of this transformation is the installation of a lush SemperGreenwall. This vertical garden acts as a natural insulator, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. Tailored to Vienna’s climate, the planting design includes hardy, evergreen perennials, ornamental grasses, and low-maintenance shrubs. The living wall not only enhances the building's sustainability but also serves as a vibrant visual statement in the urban landscape.
Results
The green façade has significantly reduced energy costs, boosted local biodiversity, and turned the hotel into a green landmark. With nature woven into its architecture, Hotel Gilbert offers guests a refreshing and climate-conscious experience—proving that sustainability and style can truly strengthen each other.
“The living wall transformed our building into a landmark of sustainability. Guests love the fresh, vibrant atmosphere it creates.” – Hotel Manager, Hotel Gilbert
Mercedes-Benz Headquarters, The Netherlands
What happens when a vacant office building gets a second life—with sustainability at its core? In Nieuwegein, just outside Utrecht, OPL Architecten and Delta Development transformed a disused building into a modern, future-proof headquarters for Mercedes-Benz Netherlands. By removing the central core of the building, a bright and spacious atrium was created—now home to multiple SemperGreenwalls that bring nature into the heart of the workspace. A 1,000 m² Sempergreen green roof completes the green transformation.
Challenge
The entire redevelopment was guided by the Cradle to Cradle philosophy, aiming to create a no-waste, fully circular building. Materials were selected based on sustainability and reusability, with employee wellbeing placed at the centre of the design. Delta’s ‘Human Centered Design’ approach and Daimler’s MeWe-office concept were used to create a space that’s both inspiring and adaptable to the needs of its users.
Solution
To enhance indoor air quality and acoustic comfort, 8 SemperGreenwalls were installed across various indoor locations. The vertical gardens were designed in close collaboration with the architect to complement the interior and create visual coherence. As living systems, these walls do more than beautify the space—they support a healthier, more productive indoor environment for both staff and visitors.
Results
The indoor gardens act as green lungs in the building, reducing ambient noise and contributing to a calm and pleasant work atmosphere. The use of Cradle to Cradle Certified SemperGreenwall systems supports the project's ambitious sustainability goals, while demonstrating how greenery can elevate both design and wellbeing. The new Mercedes-Benz headquarters is a clear showcase of how circular principles and biophilic design can go hand in hand—even within the constraints of an existing structure.
Business Park 20|20 Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Business Park 20|20 in Hoofddorp is the world’s first full-service business park designed entirely according to Cradle to Cradle principles. It’s a place where human well-being, sustainability, and innovation come together. The Poly Office stands out as a prime example of how circular design can create buildings that are both functional and future-proof.
Challenge
The goal was to create a workspace that would fully embody the principles of Cradle to Cradle—from sustainable materials and energy efficiency to enhanced biodiversity. The building needed a façade that would support these ambitions and contribute to a healthier, greener urban environment.
Solution
A lush SemperGreenwall was installed on the building’s façade, transforming it into a vertical ecosystem. The plant selection is tailored to the Dutch climate and includes hardy, evergreen species for year-round impact. Integrated butterfly hotels provide shelter for pollinators, enhancing biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems—right in the middle of a business park.
Results
The green façade improves air quality, regulates indoor temperature, and boosts energy efficiency. It also creates a calming, nature-inclusive environment for employees and visitors alike. The Poly Office is now a powerful symbol of circular architecture, showing that business and nature can reinforce each other in every square meter.
The Poly Office is now a powerful symbol of circular architecture, showing that business and nature can reinforce each other in every square meter.
Schiphol Trade Park, The Netherlands
Just minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a quiet green revolution is taking place. Where once grey concrete dominated the landscape, nature is now making a comeback—in the heart of one of the Netherlands’ most forward-thinking business developments: Schiphol Trade Park.
At the centre of this transformation lies ABC Square, a circular business campus where sustainability isn’t a trend, but a fundamental principle. Built with the future in mind, this 35,000 m² campus is designed to show what’s possible when innovation meets ecological responsibility. And with the integration of multiple SemperGreenwalls, the project proves that green design can be both functional and visually striking.
Challenge
The ambition behind ABC Square was clear: create a business environment that aligns with Cradle to Cradle principles—where all building materials are either recyclable or reusable, and where nature is an integral part of the design. The challenge was to build a space that not only performed sustainably, but looked and felt like a place where people and the planet thrive together.
Solution
To bring this vision to life, 8 SemperGreenwalls—totalling 156 m²—were installed on the façade of one of the main office buildings. These vertical gardens don't just enhance the building’s aesthetic, they also serve as living systems that purify the air, provide natural insulation, and promote biodiversity. With two more green façades planned for future development, ABC Square is well on its way to becoming a fully nature-inclusive business park. The fact that the SemperGreenwall system is Cradle to Cradle Certified made it a natural fit for this circular project.
Results
Thanks to this thoughtful integration of green infrastructure, ABC Square has achieved a BREEAM-NL Excellent certification—a testament to its high environmental standards. The living walls contribute to a cooler microclimate on hot days, attract pollinators and other beneficial species, and improve the wellbeing of everyone working or visiting the site. It’s a powerful example of how we can build smarter, greener business environments—turning sterile office parks into living ecosystems.
Learn more about: BREEAM-NL Excellent certification
Let’s build a greener future together
At Sempergreen, we believe that every surface has the potential to be green – and these inspiring projects are living proof that Cradle to Cradle thinking is already redefining what buildings can be. With our Cradle to Cradle Certified® SemperGreenwall, we help architects, designers and developers bring sustainable ambitions to life—without compromising on aesthetics, performance or innovation. Our green façades actively contribute to cleaner air, urban cooling, and biodiversity, turning grey buildings into green landmarks.
Curious how Cradle to Cradle materials can elevate your next project?
Want to learn more about Cradle to Cradle materials? Let’s connect. Contact us today and let’s transform your urban space into a living, breathing oasis.
Together, we can transform the built environment with Cradle to Cradle
