STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 73


Brick’s net zero future


In today’s construction industry, brick forms part of the sustainability argument and the drive towards net zero carbon emissions. Keith Aldis of the Brick Development Association (BDA) explains how manufacturing has evolved


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rick is not only one of the most attractive building materials, it is also one of the most sustainable.


It is a natural, quality and maintenance- friendly product which is durable during all phases of its life cycle – from its construction phase with the use of raw materials through to the production process, and packaging. Meanwhile the porous structure of bricks offers a huge advantage: the ability to accumulate heat. In winter, during sunny days, bricks can store heat from the sun and radiate the energy back when necessary. During the summer they can combat the heat and thus avoid overheating a building.


Bricks are created using abundant natural materials, sourced locally and through a domestic supply chain, the UK brickmaking


ADF MAY 2023


sector is a magnificent example of a sustainable industry. However, the sustainable nature of brick most emphatically does not mean that the UK’s leading brickmakers are complacent about the challenges posed by carbon emissions and climate change. All the members of the Brick Development Association (BDA) are committed to a programme of genuine sustainability and a drive towards net zero targets.


Example case studies For example, Forterra PLC, one of the UK’s largest brick manufacturers, has invested £95m in a new super plant at its Desford site in Leicestershire. The new plant will be capable of producing 180 million bricks per year and will be the largest and


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The BDA is committed to implementing five overarching policies aimed to reduce waste and increase sustainability


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