Building With Energy Smart Bricks Could Cut Power Usage

A new type of brick made from glass and combusted solid waste that has insulation properties superior to conventional clay bricks has the potential to reduce manufacturing and household energy expenses and limit waste sent to landfills. Engineers from RMIT University in collaboration with recycling company Visy have created the so-called “smart bricks” that have the potential to significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings, contributing to a more sustainably built environment. The smart bricks have insulation properties that are superior to clay and the study suggests they may provide an up to 5 percent saving in energy costs for a single-story building. In addition, they need 20 percent less heat during the firing process, lowering the required temperature in the manufacturing process....