Energy efficiency research by Think Brick

New research undertaken by Think Brick Australia, in collaboration with the University of Newcastle’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, has proven that clay brick produces superior, energy-efficient, sustainable environments in which people can live, work and play.

In 2002, Think Brick embarked on a 10-year thermal research program to understand how clay masonry can best achieve sustainable design. The first phase was completed this year and shows that, in terms of energy efficiency, cavity brick is Australia’s best building material by far.

The findings showed that the thermal mass of cavity brick levels out temperature swings during the heat of summer and the cold of winter, meaning clay brick housing does not need the same level of artificial cooling as other forms of construction during peak electricity demands in summer.

The full report and summary document, entitled Energy Efficiency – A Study of the Thermal Performance of Australian Housing, can be downloaded from the Think Brick website.