Using brick and waste clay in construction can reduce carbon footprint by 30%: University of Dundee study

University of Dundee report found that in concrete production, using brick and waste clay could significantly lower the UK construction industry’s carbon footprint.

A study led by the Mineral Products Association which also involves researchers from the University of Dundee has found that finely ground brick powder and clays can be used in concrete and cement manufacturing to reduce emissions.

The study revealed that this can decrease the material’s embodied carbon by up to 30%. It also claimed that if the industry adopts this in manufacturing, it also has the possibility to divert 1.4 million tonnes of material from possible waste streams.

The university’s Concrete Technology Unit experts are well-known leaders when it comes to testing construction materials. They studied for this project about the long-term durability of calcined clay concretes.

Dr Moray Newlands, a Reader in Civil Engineering and Associate Dean for Industrial Engagement in the School of Science and Engineering said, “Supporting the UK construction industry to build on the steps it is taking to become more sustainable and help achieve the Government’s legally binding net zero targets is a key priority.”

“Calcined clay is a material that has the potential to make a significant contribution to cutting emissions. Our work showed that this material is a viable alternative cement which can be used to supplement Portland cement and provide long-lasting, durable low carbon concrete for many applications including bridges, coastal structures and offshore renewable infrastructure,” he added.

Clay is abundantly available in UK

It is a naturally abundant material in the country and has the potential to offer a substitute for by-products of industries such as fly ash or ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS).

The research was supported by Tarmac, Imerys Materials, Forterra, University College London, and Heidelberg Materials UK.

Dr Diana Casey, Executive Director, energy and climate change at the MPA said, “Using brick waste and reclaimed clays will not only lower carbon and reduce waste but has the potential to create a whole new market if these clays become widely used in the construction industry, helping to retain economic value in the UK, secure jobs and attract investment.”

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