EPD and Clay Brick
Produced by, or on behalf of a product manufacturer or group of manufacturers, an EPD is the main source of information about construction products required for input to Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCA) of infrastructure and building projects.
Assessing the impact against a range of environmental indicators, such as global warming potential (also known as embodied carbon), an EPD is an output of a life cycle assessment methodology (LCA).
While an EPD will identify global warming potential, it’s important to bear in mind that an EPD does not measure carbon content, which is a measurement of mass. EPD will assess embodied carbon through LCA and study the impact of the product through the entire construction life cycle.
One LCA methodology used to produce an EPD is the European Standard EN 15804. This sets out the Product Category Rules for the development of an EPD for construction products to ensure that all required products are assessed consistently, using the same approaches and methodology.
Click here to view the UK Clay Brick EPD
Key Considerations For Clay Brick
Longevity and Durability:
Clay bricks are renowned for their exceptional longevity, often providing 150 years or more of service. This significantly surpasses the standard 60-year reference study period used in many Building Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). Consequently, traditional LCAs may underestimate the true environmental benefits of clay brick, as they fail to fully account for their extended lifespan.
Reuse and Recycling:
At the end of their service life, clay bricks can be effectively reused or recycled, contributing to a circular economy. This potential for material recovery further enhances their environmental performance, reducing waste and minimising the need for new raw materials.Â
Comparative Analysis Challenges:
Direct comparisons of clay brick EPD with those of other materials can be misleading due to differences in product lifespans and assessment methodologies. It's essential to consider the specific context of each building project and the unique characteristics of clay brick to accurately evaluate its environmental impact.
Embodied Carbon:
The embodied carbon footprint of clay bricks stems from the energy-intensive manufacturing necessary to create durable products that meet high specifications. However, when assessed over their long lifespan and considering their ability to reduce operational energy use through thermal mass, the annualised embodied carbon is remarkably low."
Performance and Longevity:
Clay brick's thermal mass, durability, and aesthetic qualities contribute to long-term sustainability in various building contexts. For example, their thermal properties can reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, while their robust nature ensures minimal maintenance and replacement over decades.
Standards:
Clay bricks produced in the UK must adhere to strict environmental standards, ensuring responsible manufacturing practices. These UK-specific standards are reflected in the EPD data, assuring the bricks' sustainability credentials.
Local Sourcing and Materials:
A significant environmental advantage of UK-manufactured clay bricks lies in their local sourcing. Clay, the primary raw material, is naturally abundant and generally sourced locally within the UK. With approximately 50 manufacturing locations spread across the country, the average supply chain distance from factory to building site is only 68 miles. This local sourcing reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation, lowering carbon emissions and supporting local economies.
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Download our guide to learn more about environmental declarations and their application to clay brick.
