Environmental Product Declaration

EPD Introduction

Understanding the true environmental impact of the materials we build with has never been more important, and reclaimed bricks offer one of the most effective ways to reduce embodied carbon in construction. Our Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) provides independently verified, transparent data on the life-cycle performance of our reclaimed bricks from recovery and processing to transportation and end-of-life potential. As the first reclaimed brick supplier in the UK to publish a third-party-verified EPD, Reclaimed Brick Company is proud to lead the way in bringing scientific clarity and accountability to the reuse sector. This declaration quantifies the substantial carbon savings achieved by choosing reclaimed bricks over newly manufactured alternatives and demonstrates how reuse plays a vital role in circular construction. For architects, specifiers, contractors and environmentally conscious clients, the EPD serves as a trusted resource for Whole Life Carbon assessments, sustainable procurement, and compliance with emerging low-carbon standards. By making this data publicly accessible, we aim to support informed decision-making and promote the environmental, social, and economic value of reusing high-quality materials. Explore our EPD to understand the measurable difference reclaimed bricks can make to the sustainability of your next project.

Our Environmental Impact and Carbon Savings

Every reclaimed brick we save from landfill has a ripple effect — reducing the demand for new materials, cutting emissions, and preserving valuable resources. In 2024 alone, our efforts contributed to:

• ♻️ Over 1,657,000 bricks salvaged, cleaned, and reused
  
• 🪨 5,800+ tonnes of material diverted from landfill
  
• 🌍 Estimated 85% lower embodied carbon compared to equivalent new bricks
  

Independent analysis shows reclaimed bricks typically reduce embodied carbon by around 85% — and in optimal reuse scenarios, that figure can reach up to 95% depending on transport, processing, and material lifecycle factors.

These savings don’t just represent numbers — they reflect a real shift toward more responsible construction practices. They support greener homebuilding and help commercial projects meet environmental assessment criteria such as BREEAM and LEED.

If you’d like to explore how reclaimed bricks support sustainability targets in practice, check out these detailed articles:

• How Reclaimed Bricks Help Achieve BREEAM Certification
  
• How Reclaimed Materials Reduce Embodied Carbon in Construction
  
• The Environmental Benefits of Reclaimed Bricks

Supporting BREEAM, LEED & Green Building Standards

Reclaimed bricks do more than just reduce waste — they help modern construction projects meet ambitious sustainability goals.

Whether you're working towards BREEAM certification in the UK or following international frameworks like LEED, using reclaimed materials can contribute towards multiple assessment credits. This includes areas like:

• Materials and lifecycle impacts (e.g. MAT01 in BREEAM)
• Waste reduction and resource efficiency (WST01)
• Sustainable construction practices (MAN02)
• Embodied carbon reduction (LEED v4 – Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction)

Because our bricks are salvaged, cleaned, and reused — without the need for new clay extraction or kiln firing — they offer a low-carbon, circular alternative to new-build products. Many specifiers use our documentation to support their evidence packs during planning or post-construction review.

Want the full picture?
📖 Read: How Reclaimed Bricks Help Achieve BREEAM Certification
📖 Read: How Reclaimed Materials Reduce Embodied Carbon in Construction

Need help choosing the right stock for your sustainable project? Contact us

The reclaimed bricks we supply are already being used to support sustainable building certifications across the UK and beyond. Here’s how we align with three of the most important frameworks in the industry:

Circular Construction in Practice

Circular construction is about more than just recycling — it’s about designing, building, and sourcing in a way that keeps materials in use for as long as possible. Reclaimed bricks are an ideal example of this principle in action.

Rather than extracting new clay or producing energy-intensive new stock, we recover high-quality bricks from buildings that have reached the end of their lifecycle. After being carefully cleaned, sorted, and quality-checked, these bricks go straight back into circulation — ready to be reused in a wide range of construction projects.

By reintroducing existing materials into new builds and renovations, we help reduce waste, preserve natural resources, and significantly lower the environmental cost of construction. Whether you're restoring a heritage property or designing a low-carbon home, reclaimed bricks support a circular economy — where nothing is wasted and every material has a second life.