How Clay Brick Contributes to BREEAM and Other Environmental Certifications
Traditional clay brick is being lauded for its significant contributions to environmental certifications like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Let's explore how this timeless material helps projects achieve crucial sustainability credits.
Material Composition and Embodied Carbon
One of brick's most significant contributions to sustainable construction lies in its thermal mass properties. The material's density allows it to absorb and store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, naturally regulating building temperatures. This characteristic can reduce heating and cooling demands by up to 25%, contributing to BREEAM credits for energy efficiency.
When combined with proper insulation, brick walls create an effective thermal envelope. The material's ability to maintain stable indoor temperatures helps buildings achieve optimal energy performance ratings. Modern cavity wall construction techniques further enhance these properties, potentially earning additional credits under various certification schemes.
Waste Reduction and Circular Economy
Clay brick excels in the circular economy model. With a lifespan exceeding 150 years, bricks can be recycled multiple times, either whole or crushed for use in landscaping and road construction. Construction waste is minimised through standardised sizes and the ability to reuse cut pieces.
The material's durability means less replacement over time, reducing construction waste across the building's lifetime. Projects can earn additional credits by implementing brick recycling plans and documenting waste reduction strategies during construction.
Health and Environmental Quality
Clay brick contributes significantly to healthy indoor environments. The material is naturally inert, emitting no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful substances. This characteristic helps projects meet strict indoor air quality requirements under various certification schemes.
The material's density also provides excellent acoustic insulation, helping buildings achieve sound transmission targets. Brick walls can reduce external noise by up to 50 decibels, contributing to BREEAM credits for acoustic performance and occupant wellbeing.
Durability and Life Cycle Benefits
Perhaps brick's most compelling sustainability argument lies in its exceptional durability. With minimal maintenance requirements and natural weather resistance, brick buildings often exceed their designed lifespan. This longevity translates to lower environmental impact over time, as fewer resources are needed for repairs and replacements.
Clay’s material's durability, combined with its thermal properties and low maintenance needs, often results in lower operational carbon emissions over the building's lifetime. These factors contribute significantly to achieving higher BREEAM ratings and other environmental certifications.
Selecting the Right UK Bricks for Your Project
Embracing the past and the innovations of today, clay bricks stand as a testament to sustainable building design. If you look at our brick selector tool, you can browse our vast collection of bricks, isolating specific products based on their colour, texture and finish. This allows you to find the perfect material to showcase the light and colour of your buildings.