City Hall Venlo From Cradle To Cradle Building future prosperity for citizens, the economy, and the environment

Overview

The need - In 2006, in an effort to evolve its image and economy, the city of Venlo along with the Chamber of Commerce committed to embed Cradle to Cradle (C2C) principles into the city’s economic activities.

The solution - In 2007, it was decided that all new city buildings would be designed using C2C principles. While designing Venlo City Hall, careful attention was given to material choices and energy saving technologies. The vision was to create a building that would enable better connections between different city departments, and show consideration for the health of workers, visitors, and the surrounding environment.

The outcomes - The new city hall has played a key role in updating the city’s image. Traditionally associated with agriculture and logistics, Venlo is now increasingly associated with innovation and circular economy opportunities that are attracting both businesses and skills.

How does the initiative support the transition to a circular economy? - C2C design allows for continuous material recovery and reutilisation in a technical or biological system. Through healthy material choices and design for disassembly, it is possible to recoup some of the original investment, as materials can be sold back to manufacturers through a ‘buy and buy-back’ scheme.