Two recent architectural grad students in the Netherlands are using recycled waste as a building material . Their start-up StoneCycling has created WasteBasedBricks, made from the waste from nearby glass, ceramics and insulation factories.The company also sometimes uses rejected clay from traditional brick factories, along with demolition waste.
There are a number of green benefits to using this type of recycled building material. It not only saves waste from ending up in a landfill, Manufacturing WasteBasedBricks also produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions and utilizes less energy, Similar to the USGS’s LEED certification program rules, the waste used for these remarkable bricks is collected within a 150 kilometer (93.36 miles) radius of StoneCycling’s factory, lowering both transporation costs and emissions.This all reduces its carbon footprint. And no new clay is excavated – reducing damage to the environment.
The company is working with legislators and the demolition industry to change the rules on how buildings are demolished so that waste material can be reused. And it’s working with architects around the world – especially the U.S. – on building projects. As the bricks come in all shapes and sizes (and a variety of colors) this is a great opportunity for a new kind of cool looking, eco-friendly home!