Sustainable, eco-friendly brick and block building practices are becoming increasingly popular with New Zealanders for many reasons. Eco-friendly construction techniques minimise the use of natural resources, divert waste from landfills and prioritise energy-efficient solutions wherever possible. As New Zealand embraces more sustainable building methods, the country’s carbon footprint can be reduced. We’ll look at a range of environmentally friendly solutions that are on the rise in the brick-and-block laying industry around the world.
Recycled and Reused Bricks and Blocks
The cornerstone of environmentally friendly brick and block laying is selecting appropriate materials that minimise the use of natural resources. Some popular eco-friendly brick-and-block solutions are as follows:
- Recycled Bricks: Bricks constructed from recycled materials such as quarry dust, fly ash, marble powder and old bricks ground down to a sand-like texture. Recycled bricks can lower the unnecessary use of new resources while diverting waste from landfills.
- Reclaimed Blocks: Reclaimed blocks are an effective way to salvage and reuse blocks from demolished buildings. Reclaimed blocks divert waste from landfills and reduce the unnecessary use of raw materials.
The lifetime of a quality brick is extensive, especially when the brick is cleaned correctly before being reused. Even if a brick becomes too damaged to be used again in a build, it can be recycled or used for building roads and landscaping.
Sustainable Alternative Bricks and Blocks
- Hempcrete: This cutting-edge substance blends hemp fibres, lime, and water to produce a lightweight block suitable for insulation and small dwellings. Hemp is a fast-growing sustainable crop that’s used a lot for eco-friendly constructions in France and Canada. Have a look at this video to learn more about building with hempcrete.
- Recycled Plastic Bricks: Made from recycled plastic waste, these bricks are an eco-friendly cost-effective alternative. Recycled plastic bricks offer an affordable solution for housing and infrastructure. Plastic bricks are used to build low-cost dwellings and structures in developing countries like South America and Africa.
Eco-Friendly Mortaring and Bonding
Beyond brick and block, the next sustainable consideration is the mortar mix. An eco-friendly mortar mix uses sustainable low-carbon local ingredients wherever possible. Eco-friendly mortaring and bonding solutions include:
- Low-Carbon Cement Alternatives: Low-carbon cement alternatives to traditional Portland cement include fly ash, slag, or calcium aluminate cement.
- Locally Sourced Materials: Prioritising locally sourced materials is another way to minimise transportation emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of a construction project.
Eco-friendly brick and block laying involves planning and measuring precisely to minimise the need for modifications and reduce waste. Efficient brick and block laying techniques from seasoned professionals can further reduce the environmental impact of any construction.
Limiting the Effect of Construction on the Environment
To move toward a more sustainable future, many of New Zealand’s construction sites prioritise the following eco-friendly strategies on-site:
- Effective Waste Management: Recycle where possible, divert reusable resources from landfills and properly dispose of waste when required.
- Water Efficiency: Minimise the wastage of water on-site as much as possible.
- Energy Efficiency: Utilise energy-efficient practices such as minimising the unnecessary use of vehicles and electrics on site.
Efficient brick and block laying practices contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for New Zealanders. By prioritising environmentally friendly materials, employing efficient practices and minimising environmental impact, your brick-and-block laying project can be more sustainable. Whether you’re looking to recycle the bricks on your demolition or use reclaimed bricks on your build, speak to us to discuss the best long-lasting solutions for your project.