Building a Sustainable Future with Brick: Benefits and Impact

Words: Tim Leese


In both residential and commercial building design and construction, there is a growing awareness and commitment to minimizing environmental impact while improving health, comfort, and overall well-being.

This paradigm shift underscores the pivotal role of companies and contractors in leading the charge against climate change. According to Deloitte, the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions annually, prompting the construction industry to adopt ambitious net-zero emissions objectives in alignment with the rigorous benchmarks established by the 2015 Paris Agreement. In the United States, the momentum toward sustainable building practices is further bolstered by a wave of new regulations aimed at curbing the environmental impact of construction materials. These regulations compel construction firms to progressively integrate greener materials with reduced emissions profiles, thereby advancing the industry toward a more sustainable future.

This movement is also reinforced by a recent nationwide survey conducted by Glen-Gery in partnership with OnePoll, a member of respected organizations like the Market Research Society and the American Association for Public Opinion Research. The survey, which targeted 2,000 architects and homeowners across the United States, aimed to uncover current design and renovation trends. The survey revealed that 78% of architects expressed concern about sustainability in new project design or renovation, and 58% of homeowners shared similar concerns regarding home decor and renovation.
In sustainable building design, it's crucial to recognize that each component of a structure contributes to its overall sustainability. Making informed decisions during construction entails assessing the environmental impact of building materials. Fortunately, progress toward sustainability doesn't require waiting for groundbreaking innovations. Glen-Gery’s national survey revealed that 67% of architects and 49% of homeowners prefer brick for a home’s exterior. This preference is well-founded, as using brick in construction is a practical and affordable way to support green buildings and contribute to a safer, healthier living environment.



To fully appreciate the advantages of incorporating brick into construction projects, it's essential to understand the core principles of sustainable design. Sustainable designs encompass various critical elements such as functionality, safety, environmental performance, accessibility, and durability. Ideally, the materials used in sustainable buildings should embody these qualities.

In light of these principles, brick stands out as a versatile and highly regarded building material, offering a multitude of benefits for architects, designers, builders, and homeowners alike. According to Glen-Gery’s survey, architects and homeowners both consider brick to be timeless and traditional, with architects valuing its sustainability and homeowners emphasizing its low maintenance. This widespread appeal sets the stage for exploring the numerous advantages that brick brings to sustainable building practices.

Durable and Resilient
Bricks are resilient and long-lasting, making them ideal for North America's harsh climate conditions. They are weather and age-proof, able to withstand severe environments such as marine areas, cyclones, and wildfire-prone regions. Bricks are also termite-resistant, especially when used in full brick homes with steel roof frames on concrete slabs.

Low-Maintenance
Bricks are maintenance-free, requiring no painting, coating, or varnishing to maintain their aesthetics and longevity. They are weatherproof, even in extreme conditions, and resistant to pests and decay due to their lack of plant matter. As a result, bricks are reliable, durable, and low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for buildings or homes that last longer with minimum maintenance costs.



Energy-Efficient
In residential construction, bricks are especially sought after by homeowners looking to save on climate control costs because they are high-density materials that provide natural thermal comfort and insulation. Bricks effectively absorb and store heat energy, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Healthy, Natural Building Material
Brick is manufactured from naturally occurring materials and does not emit volatile organic compounds like other exterior cladding products. With virtually no emissions and high thermal mass, brick is ideal for health-conscious individuals, including those with acute allergies or weather sensitivities. Additionally, brick is environmentally friendly. It is made from abundant shale and clay and contains no harsh chemicals, plastics, or artificial compounds. Consequently, brick homes offer healthier living environments and are better for the planet.

Easily Reused or Recycled
Brick is easy to reuse or recycle. By reusing brick, we significantly extend its lifespan, thereby distributing the initial energy expenditure for its production over a longer period. This practice not only enhances energy efficiency but also aligns with sustainable building principles by reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste.

Not only is brick almost entirely recyclable, but it’s also highly adaptable for reuse during extensive renovations. Building codes support its reutilization as exterior cladding in new projects, provided the bricks retain their original properties and structural integrity.



Fireproof
Further contributing to a building’s longevity, bricks are non-combustible and do not aid in the spread of fire, making them ideal for construction in wildfire-prone areas. Even after a fire, clay bricks typically sustain no structural damage and can be reused as load-bearing walls. While bricks alone do not fireproof a building entirely, unlike flammable materials such as timber and plastic or fragile materials like glass, building with bricks establishes a solid foundation for safeguarding your investment.

Noise-Canceling
In urban environments, noise pollution is a significant concern. Noise pollution, or environmental noise, is defined as any unwanted or harmful sounds that can affect the health and well-being of humans, disturb wildlife, or impact the natural world. Studies have shown that in cities, noise pollution, which can come from traffic, construction, and more, impacts millions of people, leading to sleep disturbance and other health problems. Brick tackles noise pollution and provides acoustic comfort with its ability to absorb sounds and vibrations, acting as a protective barrier both within and outside a building.



In addition to its sustainable benefits, brick has continued to be a popular building material choice among architects, designers, and contractors because of its design flexibility, intricate detailing, and strong structural capabilities.

However, when considering sustainable design or construction, it's crucial to recognize that not all bricks are created equal. Decision-makers should carefully consider the sustainability credentials of the brands they choose to partner with. Glen-Gery, in particular, has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality brick products capable of meeting even the most stringent design and construction requirements. As a key member of Brickworks North America, Glen-Gery operates eight manufacturing facilities and offers a comprehensive range of 400 brick products. These products are available through 26 company-owned Brickworks Supply Centers and an extensive distributor network spanning the nation.

Additionally, Brickworks North America operates three Brickworks Design Studios in strategic locations, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. These studios serve as centralized hubs for collaboration on design projects, facilitating purchases, and hosting special events and educational programs, further enhancing the client experience.

Ultimately, integrating sustainable materials like brick is not just a trend, but a necessary evolution in the construction industry. The use of brick, in particular, can have a significant positive impact on the environment. Its durability and low-maintenance qualities reduce the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources and minimizing waste. Brick's energy-efficient thermal properties help lower energy consumption for heating and cooling structures, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Made from abundant natural materials, brick also avoids the release of harmful volatile organic compounds, ensuring healthier air quality. Furthermore, its reusability and recyclability extend its life cycle, reducing landfill waste. By incorporating brick into construction projects, we can significantly lessen the environmental footprint of buildings and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
About: MAP Partner
Bonding with Masonry 2024: Q3

This issue’s questions come from a Mason Contractor, an Architect, and an Engineer.  What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk.   Q.  A Mason Contractor writes that they have a project to install a concret

By: David Biggs
About: Featured
Read More
How Technology Can Help Increase Efficiency Within Your Masonry Company

Masonry, a craft as old as civilization itself. From the Pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China, we've been stacking bricks with a precision that would make any Lego master jealous. But let's face it, while the techniques might be ancient, the chall

By: Erin Laird
About: MAP Partner
Read More
Energy Efficient Shelf Angles in Modern Construction

The conversation around energy efficiency in buildings is multifaceted, requiring a holistic approach to achieve high-performance building envelopes. One often overlooked component in this discussion is the role of shelf angles used in supporting masonry

By: Linda Potter
Read More
Masonry in the Media - Highclere Castle, Chatsworth House and More!

Located in Hampshire, England, Highclere Castle has gone through three iterations from its beginnings in the medieval era to today. Ownership of the estate’s land can be traced back to 749 A.D.

By: Lily Burger
About: Featured
Read More