The ecological footprint of brick
We use only natural and inexhaustible raw materials in the production of our bricks, plus we produce almost zero waste. In addition, the end product can be reused or recycled. Read more about the ecological footprint of brick.
Only natural raw materials
Only natural elements are needed to produce our bricks: clay, sand, water, air, and heat. No synthetic products or chemical treatment techniques are used.
Discover our range of bricks, made with 100% natural raw materials.
Very little waste
A brick consists entirely of raw materials.The efficiency of the production of bricks is therefore 100%. The ground water used circulates in a closed circuit and no industrial waste water is discharged. The only waste is limited waste from packaging.
Energy-efficient firing process and purified air emissions.
We fire our stones in energy-efficient, computer-controlled tunnel kiln ovens running on gas. They operate on clean and environmentally-friendly natural gas. Flue gas filters purify the combustion gases that are released. Air emissions are far below the stringent standards in place.The warm air from the kilns is recovered to help dry our stones.
Lower CO2 emissions
An above-ground rail system in Spouwen ensures optimal efficiency in the loading and unloading of brick packages. The rail system transports the packs of bricks from the plant to the correct stacking area. This reduces for klift traffic, in turn reducing noise and exhaust gases.
CHP for sustainable energy
Our combined heat and power plant is responsible for half of our electricity requirements in the Vandersanden plants in Spouwen and Lanklaar. This16-cylinder gas motor is connected to an alternator which produces electricity.The hot air that is released dries the stones in the drying rooms and heats workplaces.This virtually eliminates energy losses.
Solar panels for green electricity
The solar panels on our plants in Spouwen and Lanklaar help to create even more sustainable energy. All solar panels together account for an annual production of green energy totalling 360 MWh. This way, we generate even more of our own electricity and contribute to an improved environment with reduced CO2 emissions.The additional electricity that we use is derived from wind energy, hydro power, or solar energy.
A second life
Many older buildings are demolished as their structure no longer meets present-day requirements. In that case, people often choose to rebuild.They can do that with the same bricks, as bricks can be recovered and reused after demolition. This helps to reduce the ecological footprint of brick even further.
Reusing bricks
After removing the mortar residues, the bricks can be reused for restoration or new-build projects. Recovered brick can give a building an exceptional appearance and character.
Recycling brick
Bricks from demolition sites can be used after recycling for:
- Filler and stabilising material in infrastructure projects.
- Aggregate for poured and prefabricated concrete and mortar.
- Aggregate for bricks made from calcium silicate.
- Red ‘crushed brick’ as the surface for a tennis court.
- Plant substrates.
Vandersanden, a sustainable company
At Vandersanden ,we have for many years devoted our attention to minimising the ecological footprint of our bricks. This involves all of our locations.
How does Vandersanden handle sustainability?
Our bricks
Our bricks are made from 100% natural raw materials.
You’ll no doubt be interested to know that every Vandersanden brick is also available as a brick slip. Don’t forget to check out our range of ECO brick slips. For our ECO brick slips, we use 70% less raw material than for sawn brick slips.Discover the best bricks for your project with our handy colour selector.
Everything you need to know about bricks
Get in touch with an expert
Customer Service
Advice on bricks, brick slips and pavers
+44 (0)1954 268 075 sales@vandersanden.com Ask your question
Technical support
Technical advice on bricks and brick solutions.
01954 770465 inspiration@vandersanden.com Ask your question