Brick has many advantages: durability, aesthetics, use as both envelope and structure, and the possibility of local (even artisanal) production. This last point differentiates it from steel and concrete, due to the ordinary portland cement needed for concrete production. \u2018We need to \u2018build our intuition about what impacts embodied carbon and emissions from different materials,\u2019 says Watson.<\/p>\n
Watson highlights the importance of querying the firing required to achieve different finishes, because it varies between brick types and can have a significant impact on overall embodied carbon. It\u2019s also important to understand the fuel used in the kilns where bricks are fired. While in the UK this is predominantly natural gas, abroad it might be charcoal or coal, both of which generate significant amounts of particulates.<\/p>\n
In non-loadbearing cladding applications, the embodied carbon of the support systems must be taken into account because they can comprise as much embodied carbon as the brick and mortar combined. These hidden impacts are often difficult to calculate due to lack of EPD data, explains Watson.<\/p>\n
Brick reuse is on the increase but currently comprises less than five per cent of the market because of the challenge of removing the mortar, particularly those bound with ordinary portland cement. Traditional lime-bound mortars are easier to remove. Current research is exploring mechanised removal of cement-bound mortars, and increased demand should prompt the market to respond, says Watson.<\/p>\n
In this episode, we also discuss ConcreteZero targets (AKTII is a signatory) and the extent to which they rely on GGBS. Watson stresses the necessity of \u2018using less\u2019, for example, exploring ribbed, coffered or troughed slabs as an alternative to flat slabs. He advocates form-effective design, marrying structure with architectural expression in a lean use of materials.<\/p>\n
David Watson can be contacted at david.watson@akt-uk.com.<\/a><\/p>\n To catch up on all episodes of AJ Climate Champions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Find Climate Champions on your favourite podcast app: subscribe via Spotify<\/a>,\u00a0Apple Podcasts<\/a>,\u00a0Google Podcasts<\/a>, Deezer<\/a>\u00a0and Podbean<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
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