EQUITONE explores the environmental credentials of its high-performance C2C Certified® fibre cement cladding.

Project: Office for National Statistics, South Wales. Design: VINCI Facilities using EQUITONE [natura].

The UK government has committed to ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 sets a legally binding target of achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings by 2050. Scotland has also set a target of becoming a net zero economy by 2045. As the building industry moves towards a more sustainable future, it is important to measure and source products from suppliers who prioritise environmental responsibility and have their achievements verified by third-party sustainability certification bodies.

Project: Bristol Business School. Design: Stride Treglown using EQUITONE [tectiva].

Measuring sustainability
A standard way of comparing the environmental impacts of different building products is through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are based on data taken from product lifecycle assessments (LCA). However, as we move progressively towards a circular economy there is now a strong argument to say that minimising negative environmental effects during a product’s lifecycle is not ambitious enough, and that we should also examine the effects of products and buildings on future generations. For this reason, and in addition to providing full EPDs for all its fibre cement cladding products, EQUITONE has also embraced Cradle to Cradle Certified® as a globally recognised standard.

Project: Harrogate Grammar School. Design: Bowman Riley Architects using EQUITONE [natura].

The importance of C2C Certified®
Cradle to Cradle® is a design philosophy that encourages the reuse, repurposing and recycling of building materials as part of a circular pathway that will positively impact the environment and society. Its core principles were developed in the 1990s through the collaboration of German scientist Professor Michael Braungart and American architect William McDonough, based on the concept that, in nature, everything is a resource for something else.

Project: Respite Centre, Cork, Ireland. Design: CJ Falconer & Associates Architects using EQUITONE [pictura].

To ensure consistency, transparency, and ongoing development of the C2C philosophy, the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII) developed C2C Certified®, a rigorous multi-attribute standard for evaluating and certifying building products and materials. This comprehensive assessment covers five categories: material health, material re-utilisation, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness. Eligible products can achieve a Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum standard.

Project: Ashton Sixth Form College. Design: GA Studio using EQUITONE [tectiva].

Trailblazing C2C Certified® in fibre cement cladding
EQUITONE’s fibre cement cladding is the only material of this type to achieve C2C Certified® at the Bronze Level, according to the following categories of sustainability performance:

• Material Health: the ingredients used are verified as safe for humans and the environment.
• Product Circularity: the material is designed to enable a circular economy through regenerative ingredients and process design.
• Clean Air & Carbon: the material is made in ways that help protect clean air, promote renewable energy, and reduce harmful emissions.
• Water & Soil Stewardship: the material is made in ways that safeguard clean water and healthy soils.
• Social Fairness: the material is made in ways that respect human rights and contribute to a fair and equitable society.

Project: Richmond Medical Centre, Lincoln. Design: Core Architects using EQUITONE [natura].

However, C2C Certified® is not an end in itself but an ongoing process and a commitment to a more sustainable future. The certification is renewed every two years, which helps to encourage transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Products and processes are required to adapt to evolving standards.

As part of this journey, EQUITONE products are earning the higher performance ratings of Silver for Material Reutilisation and Social Fairness, and the company is working to accelerate advancements in its carbon, water, and energy footprint.

Find out more about the benefits of C2C Certified® here.

Project: Public toilets, Cahir Castle, Co Tipperary. Design: Deaton Lysaght Architects using EQUITONE [linea].

Combining sustainability with performance and aesthetics
EQUITONE fibre cement facades combine sustainability with excellent product quality and performance benefits. The high-density cladding panels are highly durable, delivering an expected service life of over 50 years with very little maintenance required. When used as part of a rainscreen system, the outer cladding shields the building envelope from wind, rain, frost and UV rays whilst improving the thermal efficiency and carbon footprint of a building.

Project: Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport. Design: Day Architectural using EQUITONE [natura].

EQUITONE fibre cement panels achieve Euroclass A2-s1, d0 fire rating. Under the new Building Safety Act, they are suitable for high-rise buildings over 18 metres or seven storeys in height. EQUITONE fibre cement panels are also easily shaped, cut, perforated or milled and can be arranged in numerous ways to create striking visual effects and design possibilities.

Project: Meldrum House Country Hotel extension. Design: McWilliam Lippe Architects using EQUITONE [tectiva] and [natura].

The way forward for architects
C2C Certified® accreditation adds another vital element to its excellent product quality and performance benefits. It provides architects with independently certified information, enabling them to make informed product choices to help them achieve their circularity and green building ambitions.

Contact Details
For more information on how EQUITONE fibre cement facades can help deliver your design, sustainability and performance requirements, contact the EQUITONE specification team or request a CPD.