How Reclaimed Bricks Help Achieve BREEAM Certification

Reclaimed Bricks Help Achieve BREEAM Certification

Why choosing reclaimed bricks can directly contribute to sustainability goals and earn valuable BREEAM credits.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the most widely recognised sustainability assessment methods used in the UK construction industry. It plays a key role in evaluating the environmental performance of new builds, refurbishments, and infrastructure projects — and it’s increasingly a benchmark for responsible construction.

At the heart of BREEAM is a drive to reduce environmental impact, use materials responsibly, and support the circular economy. That’s where Reclaimed Bricks come in — offering not only heritage aesthetics but genuine performance benefits that support multiple BREEAM credit categories.

What Is BREEAM and Why Does It Matter?

Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), BREEAM assesses buildings across multiple criteria such as energy use, health & wellbeing, pollution, transportation, materials, waste, water, and innovation. Each category carries potential credit points, and projects are rated from “Pass” to “Outstanding.”

In a construction landscape where sustainability targets are becoming mandatory — from government-led decarbonisation to local planning guidance — BREEAM ratings are now a key differentiator for developers, specifiers, and architects.

Why Reclaimed Bricks Are a Strong Choice for BREEAM Projects

Reclaimed bricks are salvaged from demolition sites, cleaned, sorted, and repurposed for new builds or refurbishments. Unlike new bricks that require raw material extraction and energy-intensive firing, reclaimed options are already manufactured and can be re-used with minimal additional processing.

Using reclaimed bricks offers a number of BREEAM-related advantages:

1. Lower Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon refers to the total carbon emissions generated during the production and delivery of a building material. New bricks often carry a high embodied carbon footprint due to clay extraction, firing, and kiln emissions.

By comparison, reclaimed bricks avoid most of this impact. They significantly reduce emissions related to production, and when sourced locally — such as from our Sheffield yard — they also help cut down on transportation emissions.

2. Supports the Circular Economy

Reusing bricks directly supports circular economy principles: keeping materials in use, avoiding waste, and reducing reliance on virgin resources. This has a positive impact on Waste (WST01) and Materials (MAT01) BREEAM categories.

BREEAM Categories Where Reclaimed Bricks Can Earn Credits

Here’s a breakdown of how reclaimed bricks can help earn BREEAM points:

Materials (MAT01 – Life Cycle Impacts)

Reclaimed bricks are considered low-impact due to their reused nature. If documentation such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or lifecycle assessments are available, credits can be earned under MAT01.

At Reclaimed Brick Company, we work with developers to supply batch-consistent reclaimed handmade bricks and reclaimed machine-made bricks that meet structural and aesthetic requirements. We can provide support documentation where available to help facilitate compliance.

Waste (WST01 – Construction Waste Management)

By choosing reclaimed over new, you are actively diverting materials from landfill and reducing on-site construction waste. This supports a core waste reduction principle in BREEAM assessments.

Management (MAN03 – Responsible Construction Practices)

Sourcing reclaimed bricks from reputable suppliers — such as our family-run team — contributes to responsible procurement and traceable material use.

Innovation Credits (INN01)

On some projects, using salvaged and heritage materials in a way that exceeds standard practice may be eligible for innovation credits — especially when paired with broader site sustainability strategies.

Additional Sustainability Benefits

Beyond direct BREEAM criteria, reclaimed bricks offer long-term environmental and performance advantages that align with broader sustainability goals:

Durability: Reclaimed imperial bricks have already proven their strength and longevity. Their long lifecycle adds to sustainability value.
Aesthetic & Heritage Integration: For projects in conservation areas, reclaimed bricks support both planning requirements and design integrity.
Low-VOC & Non-Toxic: Unlike some modern finishes, traditional bricks do not emit harmful volatile organic compounds.
Thermal Mass: Bricks help regulate indoor temperatures, contributing to passive energy performance.

Where to Source Reclaimed Bricks for BREEAM Projects

At Reclaimed Brick Company, we supply high-quality salvaged bricks ideal for residential, commercial, and public-sector BREEAM projects.

We regularly work with architects, sustainability consultants, and specifiers to help match the right reclaimed brick to each job — whether it’s a Grade II listed refurbishment or a new build targeting “Excellent” BREEAM status.

Sample Packs & Project Guidance

If you're planning a BREEAM-aligned development, we recommend starting with a brick sample pack to evaluate colour, texture, and compatibility with your design goals.

We’re also happy to provide quantity guidance, sourcing support, or collaborate with your environmental consultant during the materials selection process.

Real-World Applications

Reclaimed bricks are commonly used in:

Eco-conscious new builds aiming for low-carbon credentials
Commercial refurbishments that retain traditional features
Public sector housing and infrastructure projects where sustainability is a priority
Retrofit projects targeting Part L energy compliance

Final Thoughts

Choosing reclaimed bricks is not just about aesthetics or character — it’s about making a responsible and high-impact environmental choice. With growing pressure to build greener, smarter, and more sustainably, reclaimed bricks deliver on all fronts: beauty, performance, and genuine carbon savings.

Whether you're designing for BREEAM certification, Local Authority ESG goals, or your own company’s sustainability targets — reclaimed bricks can help you get there.

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