Clay is a natural material abundant in nature. From pottery to bricks, cultures across the globe have used clay to craft durable ceramics that can outlast generations of habitual use. Clay Bricks are renowned for their structural strength, unique, earthy textures and are increasingly recognised as a renewable material of choice for ecologically conscious architects and homeowners. This article will explore our top ten reasons clay products are an excellent option for those looking to safeguard our planet’s well-being. We will delve into the unique properties of clay, explain why it is an ideal material for sustainable construction practices, and describe how its use can help to support environmental conservation. If you’re curious to discover the unique advantages of clay products, then be sure to read on.
Why natural clay?
Clay is a naturally occurring material consisting of minerals, rocks, and organic matter. The innate malleability of clay results in a versatile material that can be used for a broad range of applications. Indeed, clay brick symbolises ingenuity, creativity, and collaboration with our unique ecological contexts and remains a staple of construction practices across the globe. In his seminal 1958 publication ‘Philosophy of Structures’, Spanish structural engineer Eduardo Torroja describes clay bricks as the ‘…first material created by the mastery of human intelligence over the four elements: earth, air, water and fire’. From sculptures to vessels and bricks, clay has been rightly associated with potters, artisans, and builders, producing some of history’s most iconic landmarks, sculptures, and architectural wonders. From cultural marvels, including the Westminster Cathedral, to contemporary masterworks, such as Herzog & de Meuron’s Tate Modern Switch House, clay bricks remain an endless source of creativity and innovation that can help us build a greener future.
1. Clay is a readily sourced renewable resource
Given the rapid growth in synthetic building materials, why does clay remain a perennial favourite? While the reasons are myriad and complex, one of the more persuasive arguments is its wide-ranging availability. From a geological perspective, clay is near-infinitely renewable, with most clay deposits available locally and relatively close to the topsoil. Without the machinery required for deep digs, clay extraction has a lower environmental impact than materials such as steel. Due to its natural abundance, clay products can be created in local factories with local materials, reducing the need for transportation or outsourcing. This minimises the carbon footprint of clay production while providing jobs and economic benefits to local communities. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits of local manufacturing, be sure to visit our in-depth article “Why You Should Support Local Manufacturers: The Carbon Footprint of Imported Construction Materials”.
2. Natural clay is organic and safe
As clay is an organically occurring material, its extraction and use do not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon gas, or other toxins into the environment. The manufacturing process of ceramics such as clay bricks is similarly organic and non-toxic, with no need for chemical additives or preservatives. To begin the process, clay is sourced from the earth, processed into a fine powder, and blended with water and selected minerals. The resulting mass is then extruded into bricks, dried, and fired at a temperature of over 1100 degrees celsius. During the firing process, clay particles undergo a metamorphosis known as vitrification, becoming structurally dense and impenetrable. While this transformation requires energy and water inputs, the manufacturing process remains remarkably lean and streamlined.
3. Clay bricks utilise lean manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is a philosophy that systematically seeks to reduce waste and remove inefficiencies from the production process. In many respects, clay brick manufacturing is a model of lean principles. Clay brick makers are well-positioned to take advantage of local sources, recycle raw materials between batches, and reuse equipment and tools. At Littlehampton Bricks and Pavers, we strive to embody lean manufacturing principles, relying on locally sourced clay and recycled materials in our brick production process. All excess clay and faulty bricks are collected, processed and reincorporated into new batches. This cyclical process results in a closed-loop manufacturing system that limits unnecessary waste, optimises resource utilisation, and minimises environmental impact.
4. Clay bricks are hard-wearing
We’re all familiar with the story of the three little pigs, which espouses the virtues of clay bricks’ hard-wearing qualities. Indeed, clay bricks are perhaps most famed for their strength and ability to provide hundreds of years of use while maintaining their original vibrancy. This remarkable longevity is partly due to their structural density. Clay particles bond during the firing process, forming a rigid and impenetrable surface resistant to extreme weather, chemicals and other environmental conditions. Unsurprisingly, clay bricks are highly resistant to water, which makes them ideal for wetter climates and coastal regions where a high salt concentration can corrode less resilient materials. Clay bricks also provide a safe and reliable solution for those undertaking construction works in areas prone to termites and other destructive pests, as they withstand infestations without requiring harsh chemical treatments.
5. Clay bricks are resistant to fire
The unique composition of clay bricks makes them highly durable and resilient in various environmental conditions. This includes their resistance to fire. While a series of combustible cladding incidents led the NSW government to implement stricter building regulations in 2018, clay brick walls can withstand temperatures up to 1200°C without losing their structural integrity or becoming brittle. In countries such as Australia, where threats of bushfires are increasingly present due to a warming climate, utilising materials that are resilient to fire is essential for the safety and security of the built environment. Clay bricks are noncombustible, meaning they do not feed fires or release toxic fumes like metal composite panels or insulated cladding systems. Using clay bricks instead avoids this hazard and provides a safe, sustainable building material for the long-term protection of communities.
6. Bricks are low-maintenance
As a result of their hardy and robust composition, clay bricks require minimal upkeep to maintain their structural integrity. The maintenance of buildings and their materials contributes towards their operational carbon. As the name suggests, operational carbon refers to the energy used to maintain and operate a building over its lifespan. While most of this energy is typically used for heating and cooling, a portion is also expended on repairing materials.
Clay bricks have low operational carbon compared to common architectural claddings, such as vinyl, plywood, and aluminium. They can be installed and left to perform for years with little to no maintenance. Bricks do not require harsh chemical treatments, repainting, or re-coating, lowering their embodied carbon footprint and reducing their environmental impact. Indeed, over time, maintenance costs associated with clay bricks are negligible and represent a sound long-term investment in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
7. Bricks are Reusable and Recyclable
The very nature of clay bricks enables them to be reused and recycled. In an age where sustainability is paramount, the reuse and recycling of materials are essential in reducing our environmental footprint. Clay bricks are incredibly durable and can last centuries before needing replacement or repair. Reclaimed clay bricks can be harvested from demolition sites and reused in new builds or refurbishments. With minor processing, clay brick scraps can be recycled into new batches. The result is a virtually zero-waste production cycle that minimises energy consumption and emissions involved in manufacturing new materials.
8. Bricks offer excellent insulation and thermal efficiency
Clay bricks are excellent insulators, making them an ideal choice for energy-efficient buildings. The composition of clay bricks is essentially a solid mass that stores and releases heat slowly, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. Clay bricks provide superior insulation compared to other cladding materials, making them an excellent choice for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. Clay bricks also offer superior acoustic insulation, reducing noise pollution entering the building and creating a comfortable indoor environment.
9. Bricks create a healthy environment
Bricks are a natural material that helps create healthy, breathable spaces and are a popular choice when constructing passive homes. Clay bricks are porous and allow moisture to pass through them, preventing mould growth and reducing dampness. This material’s natural air quality helps keep indoor air healthy and free from chemicals and pollutants. Using bricks creates a high-performance building envelope that regulates temperature and humidity, creating an ideal environment for living and working.
10. Bricks have low embodied energy
The Australian Government describes Embodied energy as a ‘calculation of all the energy that is used to produce a material or product, including mining, manufacture and transport’. When selecting building materials, architects and homeowners alike are encouraged to consider their embodied and operational energy. Fortunately, the embodied carbon of clay bricks is significantly lower than building materials such as aluminium, plastic, steel, glass and plywood, making them a more sustainable option for new builds. Clay brick production requires fewer energy inputs and emits less CO2 per tonne when compared to steel, concrete, aluminium and even timber products. Additionally, using locally-sourced clay in our manufacturing process reduces the need for transportation and the associated fossil fuel emissions.
Wrapping Up
Clay bricks are more than just a timeless building material. According to Renato Novi, Marketing Manager at Littlehampton Bricks, clay offers exceptional sustainability benefits, making it an excellent choice for homeowners, architects, and builders. With low operational carbon, excellent thermal efficiency, and long-lasting durability, clay brick is an energy-saving powerhouse that will help you save money over the long run and minimise your environmental impact. At Littlehampton Bricks and Pavers, we are proud of our 130-year history of providing high-quality, locally-sourced clay bricks and clay pavers. With sustainability as one of our core values, we are committed to providing durable products that will contribute to preserving our planet’s unique ecosystems. Visit our factory, or get in touch with us today to learn more about our sustainable clay brick solutions.