Environmental assessment of brick production in Greece

Abstract

Brick constitutes one of the major materials used for the construction of buildings. The present study analyses the different stages followed during brick production and the materials and energy used in each stage. The purpose is to identify ‘hot-spots’, i.e. parts of the life cycle that are important to the total environmental impact. The analysis is performed using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, which is a method used to identify and quantify the environmental performance of a process or a product from “cradle to grave”. LCA methodology provides a quantitative basis for assessing potential improvements in environmental performance of a system throughout the life cycle. The system investigated includes raw material acquisition, industrial production, packaging and transportation. Energy use and emissions are quantified and the potential environmental effects are assessed. The main energy inputs to the production system are electricity, diesel and solid fuel (Pet-Coke). The environmental burdens that arise from the operation of a brick industry are mainly due to air emissions derived from fossil fuel utilization.