Sustainable Brickmaking for a Greener Future
Exploring our commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Brickmaking and the Environment
Renewable Energy in Brickmaking
Brickmaking requires significant amounts of heat for drying and firing, traditionally using fossil fuels. At H.G. Matthews, we address this challenge by using renewable energy sources, primarily wood, as a fully renewable, locally available fuel. Wood not only provides the heat we need but also contributes to a rich habitat while growing, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
Reducing the Impact
Clay Extraction and Land Reclamation
Clay extraction can impact the landscape, but we take measures to turn this impact into an environmental benefit. Where our clay pits are not restored to agriculture, we create ponds or wooded dells, enriching the ecosystem in the long term.
Rainwater Harvesting
We collect around a million litres of rainwater annually from the roofs of our brickworks, which is reused in the brickmaking process, further reducing our environmental footprint.
Reforestation Efforts
To date, we have planted over 25 acres of native broad-leafed woodland, under the supervision of the Chiltern Woodlands Project, on land previously used for clay extraction. This enhances the local environment and contributes to sustainable forestry.
Biomass Innovation
Looking for Alternatives
We are proud to be the first brickmaker to use biomass for brick drying. Our ten biomass boilers are powered by wood from local Chiltern woodlands, much of which is felled from our own land and chipped onsite. This innovation has saved the equivalent of 360,000 litres of diesel annually, significantly reducing our carbon footprint while supporting the local wood fuel economy.
Sustainable Wood Sourcing
Our biomass driers and wood-fired kilns make us a major user of wood. However, we only source wood from strictly controlled forestry operations licensed by the Forestry Commission, ensuring trees are replanted and the woodland is sustained for future generations.
At H.G. Matthews, our commitment to sustainability drives us to continuously seek ways to reduce our environmental impact. From renewable energy to land reclamation and reforestation, we are dedicated to preserving the environment for future generations.
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