Achieving net zero for clamp kiln fired brick production: A case of Uganda

Globally, the concentration of emissions in the atmosphere keeps increasing, exacerbating climate change. This study leverages the concept of net zero to examine the impact of thermal insulation (mud slurry) thickness on emissions associated with clamp kiln brick firing. The methodology involved experimental set-ups of clamp kilns and field observations. Correlation and regression analysis was used to determine the extent of influence of thermal insulation on the concentration and type of emissions. Results showed that CO2, CO, SO2 and NO were the major types of emissions, with CO2 presenting the highest concentrations. A negative correlation was identified between the mud slurry thickness and the concentration of emissions, suggesting that increasing the insulation's thickness to 150mm can mitigate emissions concentrations. It is possible to achieve net zero clamp kiln-fired brick production whereby, in addition to using optimum thickness of mud slurry, emission reduction measures such as fuel switching are employed. These initiatives do not only encourage the brick-firing industry to follow a path to net-zero emissions but also have implications towards the role of construction management in responsible material sourcing.