BRICKWORKS LTD .
CONSTRUCTION with innovations such as brick packaging , computer controls and the introduction of efficient , natural gas-fired tunnel kilns .
Over the past decade , Brickworks Building Products has conducted a concerted program of reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions . On a large scale , this is evident in the Austral Bricks super-plant in Victoria , a state-ofthe-art operation that consumes an astonishing 65 percent less energy than a conventional brick plant .
On a micro level , all existing plants and processes have been subjected to incremental improvements such as the replacement of old-technology pneumatic , or hydraulic , drives with more efficient and reliable variable-speed electric drives .
Water harvesting has also been introduced into a number of plants .
These , and other , initiatives were costly but have resulted in a remarkable reduction of 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions since 2000 .
Carbon-neutral Bricks An interesting and globally-unique initiative has been instituted at the Austral Bricks plant at Longford , Tasmania , just outside Launceston . Kilns at this plant have long been fuelled by sawdust , a waste byproduct of the local timber industry . Natural gas is only used to initiate the firing cycle .
This plant was subjected to a rigorous review , and update , that has allowed it to make carbonneutral bricks , certified under the
“ Despite its reputation and heritage , Brickworks Limited is a highly diversified company with operations in property , waste management and a substantial investment portfolio which has helped the company weather the inevitable troughs of the building market .”
– Brett Ward www . brickworksbuildingproducts . com . au 91