How Sustainable & Green are UK Bricks?
Bricks are considered to be the most commonly used construction material across the globe, but there is a very good reason for this.
In the following article, we explore seven reasons why UK bricks are the sustainable choice for building projects.
Are Bricks Eco-Friendly?
Common-facing bricks are long-lasting, durable, and relatively inexpensive to produce. For centuries, this construction product has been used to support structures for long periods of time with no detrimental impact on its surroundings.
As they are made from naturally abundant materials such as clay, sand, silt and earth, bricks are often the popular choice for building these structures due to their unmatched durability.
Their physical properties, coupled with the aesthetic possibilities of brick colours, textures and designs (thanks to newer brick manufacturing methods), play a large role in their inherent, long-term sustainability.
Do Bricks Have a Negative Impact on the Environment?
As proven by being the unwavering choice for construction throughout the years, bricks have very little impact on the environment and ongoing issues such as global warming.
That said, a small number of emissions are released through the drying process. In order to turn blocks of clay into bricks, they need to be fired in a kiln to dry and set. Naturally, this does result in some excess CO2 being released into the atmosphere.
What Makes Bricks Green?
So why are bricks the go-to building material? Here’s all you need to know.
Natural
Materials used to construct bricks include clay, lime and shale, all of which the planet has in abundance. These materials also are fairly low cost compared to other materials and are easy to source without creating too much of an impact on the environment.
In terms of brick textures or colours, the core material volumes can be altered slightly to offer variations, meaning you can also achieve a unique look while still making an environmentally-friendly decision.
Energy Efficient
With the constant developments in heating and insulation solutions, bricks offer a natural fluctuation in temperature control, adapting to the external environment. This means by choosing bricks for your project, you are not only choosing an environmentally conscious choice, but you will also save money through your bills.
Recyclable Materials
Facing bricks are completely recyclable. The same goes for glazed bricks, clay pavers and more; it’s not uncommon to see reclaimed bricks being used for a new building, having been used for one previously. If bricks do end up in landfill, there is no risk of contamination either.
Durability
Brick is estimated to last hundreds of years and beyond. This is especially beneficial given that some buildings with Roman bricks (long bricks, which are slightly different to standard brick sizes), which were used thousands of years ago, are still standing to this day. Essentially, for long-term structural support and a material that’s going to last, use brick.
Low Maintenance
Once the bricks have been bonded together using high-quality mortars, there is nothing else that needs to be done. This can significantly reduce ongoing maintenance costs. What’s more, it’s resistant to mould, mildew and fungus, which of course is testament to its eco-friendliness.
Manufacturing
Brick manufacturers have upped their game as far as brick sustainability is concerned. Plants have, over the past several years, made use of highly-efficient kilns for firing, which use natural gases, with all the waste clay being recycled within the same plants. This innovation is contributing to the energy efficiency of brick, and the energy used is reducing year on year.
Fire Resistant
Bricks are also notorious for their resistance to fire and being a safer building material than any other. Bricks will remain intact should the event of a fire occur, therefore leading to fewer repair and maintenance costs afterwards.
Why Choose Bricks?
It’s obvious that choosing bricks for your next commercial project is a great sustainable choice with various major advantages over other forms of construction materials.
Bricks do far more than keep structures intact and standing; they offer resistance to almost anything, long-term durability and excellent internal acoustic and thermal comfort. Ultimately, this all contributes to their environmental friendliness. They also contribute to enhanced indoor air quality due to the lack of paints and their resulting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which paints contain.
The majority of a building’s environmental impact lies within its operations, rather than the construction. Ongoing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and more represent a higher amount of greenhouse gas emissions than using bricks to construct the building in the first place. Therefore, for greater environmental protection, consider bricks.