Sustainability
Publications on the sustainability issues of bricks and brickwork.
Brick. The Case for Sustainability
In the UK the Government is taking the lead and, in its Sustainable Development Strategy of 1999, challenged all sectors to look in their own back yards - to evaluate the sustainability of their industry and actively to seek ways to measure and improve it. The clay brick industry is involved in this process through its representative organisations The Brick Development Association (BDA) and The British Ceramic Confederation (BCC).
This document is an introduction to clay brick's credentials in the sustainability debate and outlines the ways in which manufacturers are working to improve performance even further.
» Click here to download Brick. The Case for Sustainability .
A Sustainability Strategy for the Brick Industry
The Brick Industry has a long-established commitment to environmental sustainability and a growing awareness of the importance of the concept of sustainability encompassing all current and future activity. The Industry welcomed the opportunity to develop this strategy through involvement with the Pioneers Group.
In 2000, the Brick Industry set up a working party tasked with assessing the Industry's stance on sustainability and the merits and feasibility of developing a strategy. It was decided that a strategy should be developed as a joint project between the British Ceramic Confederation and the Brick Development Association. In 2001, the sector was invited to join the Pioneers Group. Membership of this best practice forum has made a significant contribution to the development of the strategy.
» Click here to download A Sustainability Strategy for the Brick Industry .
The Application of Life-Cycle Assessment Technique in the Investigation of Brick Arch Highway Bridges
This University of Surrey / Surrey County Council technical paper presents the first comprehensive life-cycle assessment of the environmental sustainability of brickwork used in highway bridges. It also assesses the environmental consequences of various maintenance regimes associated with brick bridge structures, as well as the environmental rationale for the selection of sustainable strengthening techniques to prolong working life. The life-cycle assessment shows brickwork to be an effective constructional and structural form from an environmentally sustainable standpoint.
The Role of Brick in the Environment
This publication outlines the development of Brick as an important indigenous building material. It gives a concise commentary on the essential character of brick, its versatility, appropriateness and sympathy in a wide range of building and landscape applications, supported by illustrations. Suitable for specialist and general readers, and in particular for planning professionals.
» Click here to download The Role of Brick in the Environment.
Brick for Life
This brochure assesses the environmental impact of brick at all stages of its life-cycle - from manufacture to demolition.
Note: The contents and references of these publications may not have been updated to reflect the recommendations of the latest appropriate British and European Standards. Please ensure you use these publications alongside the latest standards.