Encapsulated Carbon and Reclaimed Bricks Explained – Reclaimed Brick Company

Why Reclaimed Bricks Are Better for the Environment: Encapsulated Carbon Explained

In today’s fast-evolving construction landscape, reclaimed bricks are gaining recognition as one of the most intelligent and eco-conscious materials available. But why exactly are they considered such a powerful environmental solution? The answer lies in a key concept: encapsulated carbon. Put simply, the carbon emissions from making these bricks happened long ago — decades or even centuries in the past. That carbon can’t be reversed, but by reusing these bricks today, we prevent the need for new production and the emissions it would create.

Let’s unpack what encapsulated carbon really means — and why reclaimed bricks represent a smarter, future-ready way to build.

What Is Encapsulated Carbon?

Encapsulated carbon refers to the carbon emissions that were released when a material was originally created. In the case of reclaimed bricks, this often means back in the Victorian or Edwardian eras. Those emissions are already part of our atmosphere — we can’t undo them. But what we can do is prevent adding more.

By choosing to reuse a brick that’s already been fired and shaped, we avoid the environmental cost of producing a brand-new one. It’s a win-win: one less virgin brick is made, and one more piece of quality material is diverted from landfill.

Why This Matters in Sustainable Construction

Construction today faces huge pressure to reduce embodied carbon — the emissions tied to materials before a building is even in use. According to the UK Green Building Council, embodied carbon makes up over 11% of total global emissions and can represent up to 75% of a building’s carbon footprint if operational energy is minimised.

Reclaimed bricks are a powerful way to tackle this. They’ve already been made, and by using them again, we reduce demand for energy-intensive new production.

Reclaimed Bricks vs. New Bricks: The Carbon Impact

Let’s look at the contrast:

New bricks involve:

Extracting clay — disrupting ecosystems
Firing at 1,000°C+ — using fossil fuels
Long-distance transport — adding more emissions

Reclaimed bricks involve:

Gentle salvage from demolition
Cleaning and sorting
Local sourcing and shorter transport routes

The carbon savings are huge. A new brick can carry 0.2–0.3 kg CO₂e. Multiplied across a build, that adds up fast. Reclaimed bricks, by contrast, cut embodied carbon by up to 95%.

A Real-Life Example: Nottingham Family Home

A standout example is this Nottingham family home, where the owners chose reclaimed handmade bricks from our Sheffield yard for their full exterior.

Their reasons? Character, yes — but also conscience. By reusing thousands of existing bricks, they:

Prevented tons of carbon emissions
Avoided landfill waste
Created a stunning, durable home with a reduced environmental footprint

This is encapsulated carbon in action — smart, stylish, and sustainable.

Supporting the Circular Economy

Reclaimed bricks are a textbook example of the circular economy, where materials are reused again and again:

No need for fresh extraction
No wasteful single-use
No extra emissions from re-manufacturing

Organisations like WRAP and the UKGBC are urging the industry to adopt these principles — and reclaimed bricks lead the charge.

Help with Planning, Policy, and BREEAM

Reclaimed bricks can earn BREEAM credits across several categories:

MAT01 – Lifecycle impacts
WST01 – Construction waste minimisation
MAN02 – Sustainable procurement

More on this in our blog: How Reclaimed Bricks Help Achieve BREEAM Certification

Planning departments also appreciate the heritage benefits. In conservation areas, reused bricks often tick both environmental and visual boxes.

Durable, Safe, and Chemical-Free

Bricks that have lasted over 100 years have proven their durability. Unlike some modern materials, reclaimed bricks:

Don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Don’t require synthetic sealants or treatments
Are safe for schools, homes, gardens, and hospitals

Their patina and character also reduce the need for cladding or aesthetic enhancement — saving both cost and carbon.

Helping Meet ESG Goals

Developers and public bodies are under increasing pressure to show ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) compliance. Reclaimed bricks contribute by: