Paving the way for sustainability in construction and design, Brickworks has achieved a new and important Climate Active Product Certification. An industry first and an immensely exciting feat for the Brickworks team, this opt-in program allows customers to specify and procure any clay brick or paver made in the Brickworks’ Australian facilities as a carbon neutral product.
Offering “in-built sustainability,” this initiative ensures that developers, designers, and builders can work alongside Brickworks to integrate sustainability and conscious construction into their projects. This initiative was made possible due to a comprehensive carbon audit, verified by environmental consultancy agency Energetics. To decipher the embodied energy of their products, Brickworks undertook a life cycle assessment (LCA), that has been built into Brickworks’ carbon calculator.
The process covers cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis, and within this service, the sourcing, manufacturing, delivery, and longevity of each product has been factored into the offset, ensuring an accurate and fair reading of carbon emissions. From here, Brickworks uses pre-purchased carbon credits to offset any footprint, allowing full design flexibility for consumers and designers.
Climate Active is a unique, government-backed program that enables businesses, governments, and consumers to reduce their carbon emissions. Brickworks have been working with Climate Active to examine the sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery of their products. Climate Active certifications are awarded to Australian businesses that have met rigorous requirements to achieve net zero emissions. This requires a business to certify their reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and further offset any remaining or additional emissions by purchasing carbon offsets.
Brett Ward, general manager of international marketing at Brickworks said of the new initiative, “Brickworks’ ethos is to create beautiful products that last forever. This philosophy is centred around the premise of sustainability and environmentally conscious design. Our Climate Active certification will ensure that our customers and construction partners can lower their carbon footprint in a seamless and straightforward way. This initiative is a first for Brickworks and for the construction industry in general.”
Sustainability is at the core of the Brickworks’ business, and alongside the Carbon Neutral Initiative, Brickworks have an array of sustainable practices that shape their operations. In 2020, Brickworks launched its new sustainability strategy, “Build of Living: Towards 2025.” The strategy sets a clear pathway with measurable commitments to ensure that Brickworks will continue to have a positive environmental and social impact. In terms of carbon neutrality, longevity is key. Backed by a 100-year guarantee, the durability of Brickworks’ products reduces embodied energy by minimizing the need to replace and repair products.
As a part of the Carbon Neutral initiative, Brickworks have partnered with three main organizations. The first is the Tasmanian Native Forest, which protects Tasmanian native forests from logging and agricultural clearing. The second initiative is the Paroo River North Environmental Project, which establishes permanent native forests through assisted
regeneration. The third initiative is the Northern Savanna, which is aimed at reducing dry season wildfires. Headed by the Alka Bawar (Kalpowar) Aboriginal Corporation, this organization undertakes strategic burning, with the long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by large-scale bushfires.
Setting the tone for the future of sustainable building and a greener Australian skyline, Brickworks’ Carbon Offsetting program marks the movement towards a more consciously considered construction future, without compromising on quality and style.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
