Low carbon bricks developed using construction and demolition waste for energy-efficient walling envelopes

What is the News?

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science(IISc) have developed an energy-efficient carbon brick called ‘Low-C Bricks’.

What are Low-C Bricks?

Low-C Bricks are low carbon bricks developed using construction and demolition waste (CDW) and alkali-activated binders.

These bricks do not require high-temperature firing. They also avoid the use of high-energy materials such as Portland cement.

Note: Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general use around the world as a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar etc.

Why were Low-C Bricks developed?

Conventionally, building envelopes consist of masonry walls built with burnt clay bricks, concrete blocks, hollow clay blocks, fly ash bricks, and lightweight blocks. Most of these technologies spend energy during their production, incurring carbon emissions.

Similarly, the masonry units are manufactured either through the process of firing or using high-energy carbon binders, mainly Portland cement. Further, the annual consumption of bricks and blocks in India is about 900 million tonnes.

What are the benefits of Low-C Bricks?

Low-C Bricks solves the disposal problems associated with the construction and demolition waste (CDW).

These bricks also use very low energy in producing them when compared to the high energy used in producing burnt clay bricks.

Source: This post is based on the article “Low carbon bricks developed using construction and demolition waste for energy-efficient walling envelopes” published in PIB on 16th September 2021.