Owing to the increasing pressures from climate change and the construction industry’s contribution to the problem, sustainability is now increasingly embedded in the UK construction standards. Regulatory frameworks continue to tighten as environmental awareness grows.
For the builder, planner, or client, choosing sustainable bricks is not just an ethical choice but also a strategic one. Eco-friendly bricks can help cut down embodied carbon and support the drive toward net-zero targets, while also meeting client demand and enhancing planning and BREEAM credentials.
This guide highlights what makes a brick sustainable, the important certifications to be aware of, the leading manufacturers in greener innovations, and how sustainability impacts long-term value.
What Makes a Brick Sustainable?
A proper, sustainable brick is a product of eco-responsible manufacturing practices. The key factors driving this include:
- The use of energy-efficient kilns and heat recovery– Forterra’s Ecostock line is a prime example of this, as it uses kilns designed to recapture and reuse up to 50% of process heat, cutting overall energy use significantly.
- Renewable energy use– Forterra presents another example of this in its new Desford plant, designed to use 100% renewable grid electricity, solar power, and zero-waste operations. It has earned the manufacturer recognition in new-build net-zero discussions.
- High recycled content– Lightweight Thermalite blocks, for instance, use up to 80% recycled materials, reducing resource extraction and transport emissions.
Another factor that plays into this is local sourcing. When clay is quarried adjacent to the manufacturing site, a highlight of Ibstock and Forterra, transport emissions are minimised. Finally, bricks are durable and can last over 150 years, are recyclable, and fit neatly into circular economy models.
Certifications to Look For
For more precise due diligence, look to certifications. In the UK, these include:
- BREEAM– Offers credits for materials with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and responsibly sourced credentials.
- BES 6001– This is the British Research Establishment’s standard for the responsible sourcing of construction products. It is used to assess and certify construction products based on environmental and social impacts throughout their lifecycle. Companies like Forterra and Thermalite are certified, and Wienerberger is rated ‘Excellent.’
- EPDs– Declare life-cycle environmental impacts. Wienerberger’s generic brick and Kenoteq’s K-BRIQ recycled brick range (EPD finalised in 2024) lead the pack.
- ISO Certifications– These include environmental (ISO 14001), energy (ISO 50001), and quality (ISO 9001). For example, Wienerberger’s UK-made bricks, pavers, and roof tiles have an ISO 9001 certification.
The Leading UK Manufacturers Going Green
Several major UK brickmakers are leading the charge towards sustainable brick production, combining innovative technologies with certifications and circular-economy principles.
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Forterra
Invested £95 million into its Desford super-plant that makes 180 million bricks/year and cuts per-brick carbon emissions by 25% compared to older plants. It also features robotics, streamlined packaging, heat-recovery kilns, and a textile recycling program across sites.
It also purchases 100% renewable electricity and is future-proofing with a hydrogen-run kiln in Measham.
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Ibstock
Ibstock’s Walsall site targets 50% embodied carbon reduction through kiln and thermal innovations, as well as launching Scope 1-2 net-zero pathways. There are ongoing investments across Throckley, Chesterton, Eclipse, Lodge Lane, and Atlas.
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Wienerberger
Wienerberger bricks hold BES 6001 “Excellent” for responsible sourcing, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and ISO 9001 certifications. It also offers generic brick EPDs through the British Brick Development Association for transparent lifecycle carbon accounting.
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Kenoteq K‑BRIQ®
Kenoteq’s K‑BRIQ® is 95-100% recycled C&D waste, compressively formed without high-temperature firing, as well as BBA approval with less than 20g CO₂e/unit embodied carbon, with an aim to publish design guides and EPDs in 2025.
These manufacturers highlight how innovation and regulation work together to promote sustainability.
Cost vs Value
While sustainable bricks may cost slightly more upfront, due to advanced production, clean energy investments, certifications, etc., they offer long-term benefits such as:
- Embodied carbon reduction- Essential for BREEAM scoring, approval, planning, and ESG reporting.
- Durability- Bricks designed to last 150+ years minimise replacement and maintenance costs.
- Brand reputation- Adherence to BES 6001 or EPD-qualified bricks appeals to environmentally-focused developers and clients.
- Supply chain security- Investing in renewables and efficiency stabilises costs and reduces exposure to carbon taxes.
The long-term benefits and project credentials often outweigh upfront costs, positively impacting both ROI and the environment.
Conclusion
Sustainable bricks are now essential assets in any developer or constructor’s toolkit. Those choosing responsibly can verify certifications and collaborate with innovative companies like Forterra and Kenoteq.
While initial costs may rise, the long-term benefits are clear. Build for resilience and prepare to meet the future of construction through prioritising sustainability.
