Architect speaking: 'Circularity and health are linked'

"Climate and CO₂-neutral, waste-free and zero emissions. These terms immediately put an architect on the wrong track," says Vince Limpens of EPEA. "And this makes it less likely that you will achieve your sustainability goals. So it can be done differently." EPEA is the co-creator of the Cradle to Cradle design methodology, which has been gaining ground with designers and legislators since 2021.

At least striving for zero impact demonstrates the right intention, according to Vince. Yet it overlooks an important fact: "Whatever you do, even if you do nothing, you always have impact. So from that point of view, it is inconvenient to aim for 'zero,' because that is impossible to achieve. What does work? Transforming your impact into a form that actually creates a positive effect. Then, as an architect, you have complete freedom in how to achieve this."

Vince continues: "How do you start with this? Well... pick a topic where you want to realize positive impact. One of the areas of expertise we master at EPEA is the use of healthy materials: many products and materials that are still readily available may contain substances that are harmful to health. These harmful substances are also often those that limit future recycling potential. Thus, circularity and health are linked." 

The visibly enthusiastic Vince observes that architects still know too little about this matter. "People now know which products are detachable and reusable - think of the resale of used roof tiles and interior doors - but they often do not know which materials are recyclable and healthy in their application. Often, products and components also consist of mixtures of chemicals and materials, each with different properties. It is therefore important to think about this in the design phase. We can still make that step in the Netherlands."

In other words, what may seem good on the face of it for sustainability purposes may not necessarily be good for human well-being or health. "Circular building, as far as I'm concerned, should therefore be primarily building with healthy materials," says Vince. "Recognize that every building is temporary. In fact, one day it will be modified or perhaps demolished altogether to meet the market demands of the moment. The result: an in-and-out flow of materials." 

So circularity and health are about materials, and materials are chemistry. Without a focus on that chemistry, circularity and health cannot exist. "Ask a potential supplier if they know the ingredients of the product to be supplied to the nearest 100ppm. Chances are not everything is known, but that doesn't matter. A conversation will ensue. Also ask if the product can be made into new or other products. And, can the product be returned to the supplier after use?"

"The result? You move towards a positive impact, namely making the material flow suitable for future recycling as well as reducing absenteeism. Provided you do it right, the extra investment already pays for itself during the operational phase. The good news is that you can plan for this as early as the design phase." 

Besides the combo of health and circularity, there are plenty of other topics where positive impact can be achieved. Vince has therefore formulated a challenge: "Start defining your sustainability goals differently: start looking to realize positive impact! This strikes me as a great opportunity for the architects of the Netherlands, and therefore for Dutch architecture."