Reclaimed Brick Company Help Architect Meet Net Zero

When architect Anna Roberts set out to design her own eco-conscious self-build home in Derbyshire, achieving net zero carbon emissions was a top priority. To reach her ambitious sustainability targets, she partnered with Reclaimed Brick Company, specialists in supplying high-quality salvaged materials.

A major part of the design focused on reducing embodied carbon — the emissions associated with material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation. By choosing reclaimed bricks for the entire external envelope of the house, Anna was able to drastically cut the carbon footprint compared to using new-build bricks.

“Working with Reclaimed Brick Company made a real difference,” Anna explains. “They supplied locally sourced, reclaimed materials with full traceability, which helped us meet the strict environmental criteria for our project.”

The bricks, salvaged from a demolished Victorian mill just 20 miles from the site, not only aligned with the net zero targets but also gave the home a rich, characterful appearance that blended perfectly with the rural surroundings.

By reusing existing materials, Anna avoided the high energy costs associated with manufacturing new bricks. Combined with renewable energy systems, superior insulation, and airtight construction, the project achieved full net zero certification.

“Using reclaimed bricks was a win-win,” Anna says. “They supported the building’s energy performance goals and added an authentic, tactile quality to the design.”
For self-builders and architects aiming for sustainable design, Reclaimed Brick Company offers a crucial solution: genuine materials that look beautiful, perform excellently, and make hitting ambitious environmental targets far more achievable.

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