Bricks Cut Carbon Emissions

Article: Bricks Cut Carbon Emissions

Source: http://news.discovery.com/tech/bricks-cut-carbon-emissions-120503.html

Author: Jesse Emspak

(Discovery Channel)

Picture Sources:

Carbon-Negative Picture #1: http://news.discovery.com/tech/bricks-cut-carbon-emissions-120503.html

"Go Green" Picture: http://www.gogreenscene.com/

"Carbon-negative....Earth Positive" Picture: http://eclipseoh.com/gogreen.html

Carbon-Negative Picture #2: http://www.dothegreenthing.com/blog?tag=poo+bricks

Ceramic Brick Picture: http://www.easybizchina.com/

Current Event Summary-    

     This fascinating story is about a British company named Encos that makes bricks. This company is no ordinary brick-making company. As most us know, brick-making is carbon-intensive because lots of energy is needed while firing the bricks. Instead of taking this usual path of brick-making, Encos is "going green". Encos has found a way to build bricks that are carbon-negative. Because of Encos' effort to produce bricks without carbon, the company has become well-known throughout Britain. How were they able to develop bricks without emissions of carbon? Well, Encos says they use particlulate matter, waste from coal, and sewage slurry. These three matters are then mixed with vegetable oil. The interior of the vegetable oil consists of the molecules glycerides and triglycerides, which are essential for the making of carbon-negative bricks. Next, the mixture (not chemically combined) is heated, and as a result, a chemical reaction occurs. Basically, the heat forces the glycerides and triglycerides to bond, forming carbon atoms. These carbon atoms cause the particles inside a brick to come together.

       Well, what makes this process carbon-negative? In this process, old material is recycled and heat energy is not wasted. As a matter of fact, carbon-negative bricks use 1/5 the energy of a ceramic brick. This proves that carbon-negative bricks are more useful and efficent than ceramic bricks. Also, the making of carbon-negative bricks is taking place in Britain.(The exact location is uncertain.) Encos' production of the bricks was last noted on Friday, May 4, 2012, but it must've started months earlier. In addition, this carbon-negative brick-making process has started for the cause of reducing carbon emissions. Also, next week on May 9 and 10, Encos will be showcasing its sustainable bricks at the Greenbuild EXPO 2012 in Manchester, England.

         In my opinion, making carbon-negative bricks is a savior to our Earth. I indeed admire Encos' effort to save our planet. For example, Encos has been reducing carbon emissions in our atmosphere. As a greenhouse gas, carbon is released into our atmosphere and absorbs infrared radiation, which can harm us humans. Secondly, Encos is saving heat energy that would be used for a traditional ceramic brick. For these reasons, I agree with Encos' idea to make carbon-negative bricks. Finally, I feel that Encos' carbon-negative bricks will influence other companies to "go green" and recycle what is left on Earth.

So, what is the better option?





Ceramic





Carbon Negative













                    (or)