Challenge created to inspire safe and healthy materials for affordable homes SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a new era for the Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM program. Today at Greenbuild the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute announced details on version 3.0 of the certification, as well as a new Product Innovation Challenge with $250,000 to be awarded to three winners. Partnering with Make It Right, the Institute's goal is to drive innovation in safe and healthy building materials based on Cradle to Cradle principles. The Product Innovation Challenge The Institute challenges companies to design a product for the affordable housing market that meets the Cradle to Cradle Certified Program criteria. The product must be superior in its concern for human health, have a positive environmental impact, and be designed for reuse. The goal is to inspire rethinking common materials such as PVC-based products, drywall, coatings and finishes, and products such as home furnishings. The winners will share a cash prize of $250,000. The grand prize is $125,000. Second place wins $75,000, and third will receive $50,000. Entries may be submitted starting immediately and submissions are due no later than June 30, 2013. Winners will be announced at Greenbuild in November 2013. The challenge is possible because of the generous support of the Dutch Postcode Lottery and the Schmidt Family Foundation's 11th Hour Project. Full contest details including rules and instructions for entering are available at c2cCertified.org/challenge .
