JAUE2024-059: Unfired Bricks as High-Performance, Low-Carbon Interior Finishing Materials

Abstract

Unfired bricks are gaining increasing attention as a low-carbon and environmentally friendly sustainable building material. This study extensively evaluates the thermal and moisture buffering performance of unfired bricks for interior wall finishing materials. A series of experiments were conducted under various environmental conditions to test the heat storage and moisture regulation capabilities of unfired bricks, thereby identifying their optimal usage range. Moreover, a comprehensive LCCO₂ assessment was performed for unfired bricks, covering all stages from production, use phase, to eventual recycling and disposal. This was compared against the life cycle carbon emissions of other commonly used natural building materials. The results revealed that unfired bricks have significantly lower embodied carbon across, owing to the avoidance of high-temperature firing during manufacturing. In addition to the environmental benefits, the thermal mass and moisture buffering properties of unfired bricks were found to be advantageous for regulating indoor temperatures and humidity levels within a specific range of conditions suitable for passive climate control in buildings. Overall, this study demonstrates the great potential of unfired bricks as a high-performance, low embodied energy, and carbon-efficient alternative to conventional fired masonry products for sustainable construction practices.