Engineers at RMIT University have come up with a groundbreaking idea for more sustainable bricks, turning scrap materials like glass into building components that would otherwise end up in landfills. By teaming up with Visy, Australia’s largest recycling company, they’ve created bricks made from at least 15% recycled glass and 20% ash, replacing traditional clay.
These innovative bricks not only help the environment but also offer practical benefits. Tests show that using these bricks in a single-story building could lower energy bills by up to 5% compared to conventional bricks, thanks to their superior insulation properties. Moreover, substituting clay with recycled materials means the bricks require a firing temperature that’s up to 20% lower, which can translate into cost savings for manufacturers.
The development is significant given that the construction industry uses around 1.4 trillion bricks globally each year. Traditional brick production is known for its environmental impact, contributing to harmful emissions like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide and depleting natural clay resources.
The new bricks have been tested and meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency, structural integrity, and environmental sustainability. They not only enhance thermal performance but also comply with key regulations for fired clay bricks. Furthermore, these bricks can be produced in various colors, from white to dark red, and are safe for use in construction projects.
In Victoria, Visy is focused on expanding the production of these bricks, particularly using glass fines—small glass fragments that are not suitable for recycling into new bottles. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to promoting a circular economy by diverting waste from landfills and repurposing it for construction.
The RMIT team’s goal is to collaborate with industry partners to explore further uses for waste materials in construction. This innovation represents a significant step toward making buildings more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, offering a promising solution to the challenges posed by waste and resource depletion in the construction industry.
