A new generation of eco-friendly bricks made from recycled demolition and construction waste is gaining attention as a game-changing solution for sustainable building. Scottish clean-tech company Kenoteq has developed the K-Briq, a brick composed of over 90% recycled materials, primarily construction rubble. Unlike traditional bricks, which require high-energy kilns and release significant carbon dioxide during production, the K-Briq is created without firing, resulting in up to 95% lower carbon emissions. It also uses less than a tenth of the energy needed to produce standard clay bricks. Recently certified for commercial use in the UK, these bricks also offer enhanced thermal insulation, making them a smart option for reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Beyond the UK, the innovation is inspiring global efforts to reduce the environmental toll of the construction sector, which is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions. Organizations like Recycle Rebuild are using locally sourced plastic waste to make affordable and sturdy bricks in areas recovering from disasters, including Haiti and parts of East Africa. These bricks can be assembled and disassembled easily, supporting modular construction and reducing material waste. As climate change pressures mount, materials like the K-Briq are poised to play a vital role in transforming one of the world’s most polluting industries into a force for sustainability and circular economy practices. More