Are Bricks Eco-Friendly?

As sustainability gains importance in construction, Canadians are rethinking their choice of building materials. Long valued for its durability and style, brick offers key environmental benefits, making it a strong choice for eco-friendly building.

Eco-Friendly Benefits of Using Bricks

Energy Efficiency Through Thermal Mass

One of the key environmental features of bricks is thermal mass. This property allows brick structures to absorb and store heat energy, moderating indoor temperatures by keeping buildings cooler during the day and warmer at night. This temperature regulation can lead to energy savings of up to 13% (masonrycouncilontario.ca), reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.

Durability & Longevity

Bricks are renowned for their durability, often lasting over a century with minimal maintenance. This longevity means fewer resources are needed for repairs or replacements, translating to less construction waste over time. Structures like those in Rome, standing for over 2,000 years, attest to the enduring nature of bricks.

Recyclability & Reuse

At the end of a brick building's life, bricks can often be reused in new construction projects. Even if not reused whole, bricks can be crushed and repurposed as landscaping material or aggregate in new bricks, reducing the demand for new materials.

Low Maintenance & Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Brick structures require little to no maintenance, eliminating the need for paints or sealants that may emit volatile organic compounds. This contributes to healthier indoor air quality, benefiting occupants and reducing environmental pollution.

Environmentally Friendly Options with kreitmaker

Many of our European partners are leaders in the industry when it comes to sustainable manufacturing methods.

At kreitmaker, we exclusively represent the following European brands that are making huge leaps in environmentally sustainable brick production:

• Nelissen Bricks: This Belgian company is renowned for its hand-moulding techniques that allow their bricks to meet the demands of modern markets and classic architectural designs. Nelissen ensures sustainable water management by collecting and recycling rainwater and cleaning and reusing all rinse water from its factory's moulds.
• Randers Tegl: This Scandinavian brick company has been family-run since its inception in 1911. Known for providing top-quality bricks, Randers Tegl uses renewable energy from biogas and Danish wind farms and is committed to waste reduction and recycling wherever possible.
• Mora Ceramicas: With over 50 years of dedication to brick production, Mora Ceramicas' facility in Toledo, Spain, uses clean fuels to manufacture 100% natural raw materials that are free of pollutants and don't damage the ecosystem.
• Ibstock: The largest brick manufacturer in the UK, Ibstock has been in business for over 200 years. They have developed an Environmental, Social, and Governance Strategy that focuses on three key pillars: addressing climate change, improving lives, and manufacturing sustainable materials. By 2030, Ibstock aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40%, achieve biodiversity net gain across its estate, and lower main water use by 25% per tonne of production.

For Canadians seeking eco-friendly building options, brick stands out as a resilient and sustainable choice. At kreitmaker, we are proud to ship nationwide to help Canadians fulfill their brick needs.

Looking to add bricks to your project? Contact kreitmaker today, or visit one of our idea spaces in Toronto or Scarborough to get started.