Why Reclaimed Bricks Are a Smart Choice for Environmentally Responsible Projects
In today’s construction and development landscape, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors are no longer just optional metrics for ethical investors—they are key decision-making tools for clients, developers, and planners alike. Projects that can clearly demonstrate positive ESG outcomes are more likely to attract investment, gain planning approval, satisfy stakeholder expectations, and achieve long-term success.
For those aiming to embed ESG principles into their building projects, the use of reclaimed bricks offers a tangible, measurable contribution across all three pillars.
What is ESG, and Why Does It Matter in Construction?
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a framework for evaluating a project's impact beyond traditional financial metrics. Originally used in the investment sector, ESG is now a powerful lens through which public and private sector projects are evaluated:
-
Environmental: Focuses on climate impact, resource use, emissions, and sustainability.
-
Social: Considers how a project affects people—workers, local communities, and future occupants.
-
Governance: Relates to procurement transparency, ethical sourcing, compliance, and stakeholder reporting.
More and more, local authorities, developers, and corporate clients are requiring proof of ESG performance as part of procurement or planning documentation. Reclaimed building materials, especially brick, provide an accessible, visible way to strengthen ESG credentials.
Environmental: Lower Carbon, Less Waste, Circular Thinking
The environmental case for reclaimed brick is strong:
Reduces Embodied Carbon
Unlike new bricks—which are kiln-fired using significant energy—reclaimed bricks already exist. By reusing them, you effectively avoid the CO2 emissions associated with extraction, processing, and firing.
A single new clay brick has an average embodied carbon of ~0.2kg CO2e. Multiplied across thousands of units in a project, the impact adds up quickly.
Diverts Materials from Landfill
Using reclaimed brick prevents high-quality masonry from entering the waste stream. This supports the circular economy and helps projects reduce overall site waste—especially valuable in urban infill and retrofit projects.
Supports Sustainable Drainage and Passive Design
In landscaping and walling, permeable joints and breathable lime mortars (often used with reclaimed bricks) can assist with sustainable drainage goals. The natural thermal mass of solid brick can also support passive heating strategies.
Explore options: Reclaimed Imperial Bricks
Social: Heritage, Craft, and Community Value
Reclaimed brick contributes to social sustainability in ways that go beyond metrics:
Preserves Architectural Character
Matching brick types during extensions or renovations helps retain the historic look of a street or neighbourhood. This matters to communities and conservation officers alike, especially in heritage zones. Reclaimed Handmade Bricks are especially useful in these contexts.
Promotes Traditional Craftsmanship
Projects that use reclaimed bricks often require lime mortars and traditional laying techniques. This helps support local trades and skills that would otherwise be lost.
Reduces Site Disturbance
Many reclaimed bricks are delivered pre-cleaned and sorted, which reduces cutting and on-site processing. This can minimise noise and dust, which benefits both workers and neighbours.
Strengthens Local Supply Chains
Working with UK-based reclamation yards supports the regional economy and lowers supply chain emissions. Visit our Sheffield Yard to explore our range.
Governance: Traceability, Transparency, and Responsible Sourcing
Governance in ESG means more than just ticking boxes. It reflects the values and systems behind procurement, sourcing, and documentation. Reclaimed bricks can improve governance scores by:
Offering Traceable Provenance
Quality suppliers can often confirm the general origin, type, and previous usage of reclaimed bricks. Some include batch records, dimensions, and photographs for specification files.
Supporting Ethical Procurement
Reclaimed brick avoids the risks associated with international manufacturing (e.g. modern slavery, unregulated kilns, excessive shipping). It shows due diligence in material selection and sourcing.
Aligning with BREEAM, LEED, and RIBA 2030
Using reclaimed bricks supports compliance with broader standards and initiatives, including:
-
BREEAM: Credits under Materials (MAT01), Waste (WST01), and Management (MAN02)
-
LEED: Material Reuse and Construction Waste Management
-
RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge: Lowering embodied carbon in materials
Practical Examples: ESG in Action with Reclaimed Brick
Heritage Extension in London
A residential extension used Reclaimed Handmade Bricks to match 19th-century stock brick. The result preserved the street's architectural character and passed conservation approval without revisions. See the full project
Eco-Retail Fit-Out in Manchester
A sustainable retail brand used reclaimed facing bricks on internal feature walls to reduce carbon and connect with the local industrial aesthetic. The slip format reduced material weight and avoided cutting waste. View this project case study
Community Garden Walls in the Midlands
Reclaimed bricks were donated and reused to construct low garden walls in a community garden, demonstrating circular reuse and involving local volunteers in traditional skills. Read more about this community initiative
ESG: Not Just a Checklist—A Statement of Values
Using reclaimed bricks is more than just a construction decision—it signals intent. Whether for a school, housing development, or public realm scheme, this choice tells funders, planners, and communities that sustainability is being taken seriously at every level.
And as reporting requirements tighten across the built environment sector, visibly low-carbon materials like reclaimed brick will be among the easiest ways to demonstrate ESG commitment in real, verifiable terms.
Ready to Build Better?
We supply high-quality reclaimed bricks nationwide from our Sheffield-based yard. Whether you’re working on a retrofit, new build, or commercial project, our team can help you choose bricks that meet your sustainability goals—and look the part too.
Contact Us to discuss your ESG-focused project or Order a Sample today.
