The environment is always a hot topic these days - and rightly so. Collectively there are many things we can and MUST do, to limit the effects of climate change.
And if you're planning a new build, an extension or even a full-scale housing development, the impact you'll have on the environment is no doubt something you're weighing up.
You may be wondering if bricks are environmentally friendly (after all, this building material is about as old as they come) or if there are more sustainable building materials out there?
And, if there is, do the benefits of using brick still outweigh the potential damage caused?
We've got the answers below (spoiler alert: bricks are pretty eco-friendly) - but if you already know that you want to build with brick and want the most sustainable bricks on the market, we can help with that too.
Contact the teamWhat's the impact?
Of course, as with any kind of manufacturing, brick making does have some negative impact on the environment.
For example, mass brick firing creates emissions, which puts excess CO2 into the atmosphere, as well as some carbon monoxide and particulates. This is typical wherever fuel is burning.
Some impact on the local environment may be caused by the mining of the raw materials required to manufacture brick too.
Even in an established mine, there will be emissions and pollution from heavy trucks and machinery. Plus, waste from the mining process may also pollute water nearby and work its way into streams and rivers.
Generally, though, this is all now heavy regulated in modern clay mining.
The good stuff!
In spite of the points we've just laid out, for the most part, brick is actually an environmentally friendly material. Here are five reasons why:
1 They're durable
The sheer durability of bricks and, therefore, their longevity is a big factor. Sure, a house worth of bricks may have caused some CO2 emissions, but that building will likely stay in a similar condition for many years to come.
Brickwork is incredibly stable and the material itself is durable in all weather. Once it's up it shouldn't need replacing, reducing the ongoing effect on the environment.
Some research has shown that brick structures can have a lifespan of 500 years or more!
They rarely (if ever) need significant maintenance and are resistant to mould and fungus. The maintenance required is certainly a lot less than a building with a wood exterior, which would require a fresh coat of paint every year in certain environments.
Brickwork is incredibly stable. Once it's up it shouldn't need replacing, reducing the ongoing environmental impact
2 They're reusable
If, for whatever reason, a brick building does come to the end of its life, in most cases it won't be the end of the brick's life.
There is a huge market for reclaimed bricks. This is brick that has already been used, had the mortar removed and is ready to be used again in another building. So the lifecycle of the brick more than justifies any resources spent in creating it.
3 They're abundant
The clay used to create bricks is generally easy to get hold of. Clay is a surface-level soil and only requires shallow and non-intensive digging.
In most cases, a thorough assessment of the ground will take place prior to mining to ensure no major disturbance to the surrounding environment takes place.
Clay is also an abundant resource. There's plenty of it all over the face of the earth, so it's not like other ground-sourced minerals that require significant effort and money to get hold of. It's mud at the end of the day. And it's everywhere.
4 They're evolving
Although there are some things about the manufacturing process which cannot be changed there are certainly some major changes that have taken place in the brick industry.
While the biggest polluter in the process would be the firing kilns, these days they are often fuelled by natural gases. This means fossil fuels aren't being used as much. The kilns are also far more efficient than they used to be, requiring less energy to fire more bricks.
5 They're sustainable
Another big factor we haven't mentioned is how brickwork is very energy efficient. Overall, brick is a sustainable option when it comes to building materials.
It's long lasting, uses abundant natural resources, can be reused and is usually produced as efficiently as possible. There are more eco-friendly building methods being developed, such as modular housing - but they don't look as good as brick.
We're here for you
Interested in using bricks for your next project? We have a range of services tailored to help you achieve successful brickwork - and we're happy to help you find the most eco-friendly options on the market too.
Our expert Brick Advisors are standing by to help you match, customise and calculate the exact amount of bricks you need, then source them and find the best price - we'll even arrange delivery too.
Simply let us know what you need, and our experts will do the rest!
