Climate change is reshaping many aspects of our lives, and brick production is no exception. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, how we produce bricks and their sustainability are under scrutiny.
We take a look at the impact of climate change on the brick industry and explore what it means for the future of building materials. Whether you're a builder, an environmental enthusiast, or simply curious about sustainable practices, you'll find some valuable insights here.
Shop reclaimed bricksClimate change in the UK
The UK is one country that is constantly dealing with the impacts of climate change. According to government climate change data, the global surface temperature was 1℃ higher between 2001 and 2020 than from 1850 to 1900, which might not seem like much but it does have ongoing effects.
Countries everywhere are experiencing weather changes, and the UK is no exception - 2022 was the hottest year since 1884 (Statista). Here's how climate change is impacting our weather.
Rising heat
Specialists suggest that the UK's average temperature will continue to rise, with Statista predicting the average temperature of 8.8℃ today will range from 9.1-11.7℃ by 2050. These rising temperatures mean the UK will likely experience more heat waves during summer. Winter climates will also be milder, with less snow but plenty of rain. As time goes on, colder winters will be a rarity.
More rainfall
We already see our fair share of rain each year, and future decades are set to bring more rain throughout the seasons. As mentioned, winters will become wetter, while summers will also see more rain, which puts residential areas at risk of more flooding.
Severe storms
Another adverse effect of global warming is increased storms due to rising sea levels and human-induced climate change. Recent storms created winds of 100mph, causing severe damage to properties and threatening human life. According to the Met Office, the UK can expect an increase in severe storms in the coming years (Sky News).
Industrial impact
Most UK properties are built using bricks, as they're highly durable and can prevent the spread of fires. However, brick production can have some negative effects on the environment:
⦿ Air pollution Most countries have measures to reduce the impact of brick kiln pollution, but it remains an ongoing issue in developing countries. While clay is a natural material, the kilns can emit pollutants that compromise air quality.
⦿ CO2 emissions Kiln-fired bricks require high temperatures, which can lead to higher carbon emissions. Countries with limited resources might use fossil fuels such as coal, which damages the environment.
⦿ Use of resources Clay is a natural material, but extracting it can cause soil erosion, compromising resources.
Modern kilns have measures to reduce their emissions and many manufacturers are exploring sustainable alternatives
Special measures
Despite the potential effects of brick production, many countries are implementing measures to make the process more sustainable without sacrificing the accessibility bricks offer.
These measures include:
⦿ Efficient kilns Modern kilns have measures to prevent the waste of fossil fuels and reduce their emissions. Many manufacturers are exploring sustainable alternatives, making the future of brick production promising (Specification Online).
⦿ Greener fuels Technological advances have made us less reliant on coal. Natural gas, biofuels, and hydrogen are paving the way for a greener future.
⦿ Brick recycling Many manufacturers are now taking steps to utilise recycled materials instead of producing new bricks, reducing our dependence on natural resources.
The benefits of bricks
While bricks have some downsides for the environment, they're also one of the more sustainable materials and can protect buildings against climate change.
Compared to other building materials, bricks are highly affordable and have longevity. Let's take a look at how bricks can be an eco-friendly solution.
Impressive lifespan
Bricks are one of the best building materials when longevity is a priority. They can last for centuries, with many brick buildings still standing today. This means homes can withstand years of usage and reduce the need for reconstruction and demolition.
As low-maintenance options, bricks can also save natural resources and prevent the need for paint and chemicals.
Temperature regulation
One key benefit of bricks is their thermal efficiency, which maintains consistent temperatures in your property. Using them for construction prevents the need for artificial heating and cooling, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
When installed correctly, your bricks will also prevent air from leaking out of a property.
Natural resources
Clay is a naturally occurring material and is abundant in most countries. While extraction methods are vital to the process, they're less intensive than creating synthetic materials or using fossil fuels.
Many bricks also utilise recycled materials, or you can buy reclaimed bricks from a specialist supplier. We offer a range of brick options, including reclaimed materials, which are cheaper to purchase and contribute to the environment.
Future focus
Industries everywhere are evolving to become more sustainable, and brick manufacturing is no exception. As specialists explore eco-friendly fuels and extraction methods, bricks will continue to form a major part of our infrastructure.
Recycling will also be instrumental in ensuring people can enjoy the convenience bricks offer and look forward to building security.
The rules of sourcing:
⦿ Use a reputable supplier (like us!) Brick suppliers should offer a wide range of brick types, making choosing appropriate styles easier and assessing the manufacturing process.
⦿ Choose clay bricks Clay is a natural resource, so it's easier to extract and has a less intensive manufacturing process.
⦿ Know your quantities Use an estimation service (like ours!) to calculate the correct number of bricks for your project. This prevents over-ordering and reduces transport emissions.
We're here for you
Bricks are one of the UK's most sought-after building materials. They'll protect homes against climate change and are a long-term investment because they can withstand strong winds, heavy rain, and even fires.
If you need help choosing the right type of brick for your project, our free Brick Selection service could be just what you need. Or if you'd prefer to browse bricks for yourself, we have more than 3,600 options to choose from - with fantastic cheap and reclaimed lines - in our Brick Library!
Plus, our expert Brick Advisors are standing by to help you figure out how many bricks you'll need to buy for your project, then source them and find you the best price - we'll even arrange delivery too.
