Sustainable Bricks: How the K-Briq Repurposes Construction Waste

  Here we take a look at the K-Briq Sustainable Bricks, an alternative to conventional bricks. At CMT we look to provide our clients with news about latest projects in sustainability advancements and targets.    The construction industry is responsible for around a third of the UK's waste each year. Statistically, the industry produces over 100 tons of waste every year. Given the nature of construction work, it is no surprise that it's one of the largest waste producers. Nevertheless, alternative methods of disposing of and repurposing the industry's waste will be important in achieving net-zero carbon and creating a greener construction industry. Thinking creatively about the industry's waste's future potential is what led to the creation of the K-Briq. The K-Briq is a sustainable building brick made up of 90% construction waste. This means it not only repurposes materials that would otherwise go to landfill or generally be got rid of but is also made via more sustainable processes too. It also doesn't need to be fired, meaning the production process has a significantly reduced carbon output.   Why not check out our Guide to Groundworks blog here, and brush up on what is included in groundworks.  

Kenoteq & The K-Briq

  Scottish start-up Kenoteq launched their K-Briq last year. Invented over 10 years by Heriot-Watt University engineering professor Gabriela Medero, the K-Briq repurposes demolition and construction waste to create a brick that requires a tenth of the energy needed to manufacture its conventional counterpart. It requires less energy to manufacture, but it also produces 90% less CO2 emissions. This is because, unlike conventional bricks, the K-Briq does not need to be fired. It has all the marks of a sustainability breakthrough. It repurposes materials that would otherwise be disposed of, and production process requires less energy going in and has less harmful output than the conventional bricks we're familiar with.

Funding award for Kenoteq

  Kenoteq was awarded a £1million Circular Economic Investment Fund from Zero Waste Scotland to commercialise their sustainable building material. This funding will mean they can produce more than 2 million bricks per year, scaling production and creating jobs along the way. The award offers investment for SMEs based in Scotland and supports innovative work that will help deliver a circular economy. Kenoteq's use of recycled materials and construction/demolition waste has meant it achieved a "circular-economy exemplar" and will play a vital role in revolutionising how the construction sector deals with waste. There is no question that Kenoteq's innovative K-Briq is deserving of the Circular Economy Investment Fund. Such a product has the potential to change standards in construction in a considerable way.  

K-Briq vs Conventional Bricks 

  So how is the K-Briq superior to the conventional brick we're familiar with? There's little to tell them apart when looking at the two together, except perhaps the vibrant colours that you can find K-Briq produced in. This similarity is what makes the K-Briq such a great competitor to the conventional brick. It weighs the same and behaves the same whilst also offering better insulation properties. Of course, increased insulation properties aren't the only advantage the K-Briq has. The fact it is produced with repurposing and sustainability in mind puts it miles ahead of the conventional brick. Why favour the traditional building block when using a sustainable alternative with all the same features, better insulation, and less harmful to produce and reutilise waste products? It's a win-win situation.   For a sustainable brick alternative you can even make at home, read our blog on EcoBricks here.  

Sustainability in Construction

  It's no secret that the construction industry has work to do as we strive for our net-zero goals. The nature of the construction, excavation, and demolition works means there is often a whole host of waste materials produced. Also, various materials are required that may not have the most environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. In our recent blog on UK Manufacturing, which you can find here, we discussed the importance of taking a fresh look at products and processes to minimise their impact on the environment. The K-Briq Sustainable Bricks are an excellent example of this. Kenoteq saw the potential in repurposing waste and rethinking the classic building material, resulting in a superior product that has a more environmentally friendly production process.   Forward-thinking ideas like the K-Briq will be the foundations of recreating the industry to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious standard.   Check out our blog on UK Manufacturing, where we take a look at what’s manufactured her in the UK and how it can evolve to be more sustainable.  

Zero Waste Commitments

  With sustainability a genuine concern for the construction industry, we're committed to ironing out the creases in our operations and reducing our carbon emissions wherever possible. We’re inspired by the innovative K-Briq Sustainable Bricks. As a result, we're aiming to reduce our waste production and carbon emissions by 2030 significantly. A vital part of that process will be making mindful changes. For example, we are continuously growing our electric vehicle fleet. Continuous and gradual changes will help us shape our company into one that has sustainability motivating all processes.   Here on the CMT blog we like to keep you updated with important information, comprehensive guides, interesting stories and more.   You can find our complete guide to Personal Protective Equipment here.   Learn more about diamond cutting blades, with our complete guide here.