UK · Updated 2026 · Explainer
Part Z & Embodied Carbon: Using Surplus Reclaimed Bricks in Plymouth
Whole-life carbon assessments are becoming mandatory on Plymouth projects. Reclaimed and surplus bricks is the fastest lever for reducing A1–A3 embodied carbon in South West. This 2026 guide shows the numbers and the evidence you need.
Embodied carbon savings
Reclaimed bricks typically avoids 60–95% of the A1–A3 embodied carbon of a new equivalent. On a mid-size Plymouth project this can equal 4–12 tonnes CO₂e avoided.
Part Z timeline and what it requires
- Whole-life carbon assessment on all major projects
- Reporting to a central UK register
- Alignment with RICS WLCA methodology
- Evidence of material provenance
Building a compliant evidence pack in Plymouth
- Yard invoice with weight/quantity
- Photos and batch references
- Manufacturer EPD comparison for baseline
- Site delivery notes
Cost of bricks vs carbon benefit
| Grade | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Job-lot / bulk | £480 per 1,000 | Merchant clearance, palletised |
| Standard graded | £1,290 per 1,000 | Sorted, ready-to-fit stock |
| Heritage / premium | £2,100 per 1,000 | Character grade, hand-picked |
Frequently asked questions
+Is Part Z law yet?
Not yet fully — it's a private-members bill and industry alignment. Adoption on public and BREEAM projects is already widespread.
+How is carbon quantified for surplus?
A1–A3 emissions are usually set to zero for genuine reclaim; A4 (transport) uses actual distance.
+How many bricks per m² of wall?
~60 per m² for a single skin, 120 per m² for a full brick wall, allow 5% waste.
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