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Cherokee Brick: Building a Brighter Future

by Anna Dunstan

Posted on March 28, 2025 7:02 AM

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the choices we make in construction carry significant weight. We seek materials that not only stand the test of time but also minimize their impact on the planet. Cherokee Brick understands this responsibility, crafting its time-honored building blocks with a deep commitment to sustainability. From sourcing natural materials to minimizing waste and reducing carbon footprint, Cherokee Brick exemplifies how tradition and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Augusta- Georgia Classic Collection

Nature's Building Blocks: A Chemical-Free Foundation

Cherokee Brick's story begins with the earth itself. Sourced from abundant clay and shale deposits in Georgia and Mississippi, the raw materials are inherently natural and chemical-free. This direct connection to the earth ensures that the bricks are inert and endlessly recyclable, reducing the need for continuous resource extraction and minimizing landfill waste. Choosing Cherokee Brick means choosing a material that returns to the earth gracefully, completing a sustainable cycle.

A Model of Efficiency: Waste-Free Production

Cherokee Brick's production process is a testament to modern efficiency. Strategically located facilities source raw materials on-site, drastically reducing transportation emissions. Even the energy used in the kilns reflects this commitment to sustainability. Fueled by methane gas and sawdust reclaimed from nearby landfills and furniture manufacturers, the firing process minimizes reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the company operates on a zero-waste philosophy. Every byproduct is recycled and repurposed, ensuring that nothing goes to waste, a remarkable feat in modern manufacturing.

Naples- Georgia Classic Collection

Reducing Our Footprint: Lowering Carbon Impact

Beyond material sourcing and production, Cherokee Brick contributes to sustainable building practices through the inherent properties of the brick itself. Brick possesses exceptional thermal mass, the ability to absorb and slowly release heat. This translates to significant energy savings for homeowners. In summer, brick walls keep interiors cool during peak temperatures, while in winter, they store and radiate heat, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. This natural insulation contributes to a lower carbon footprint for buildings constructed with Cherokee Brick.

Andersonville- Georgia Handcrafted Collection

The Green Choice: Sustainability in Every Brick

Buildings play a significant role in energy consumption, making material selection a critical component of any green building strategy. Cherokee Brick offers a compelling solution, embodying sustainability in several key aspects:

  • Endless Recycling: Brick's inherent recyclability extends beyond the manufacturing process. Salvaged bricks can be crushed for sub-base materials or repurposed as landscaping mulch, further minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.
  • Low Embodied Energy: Embodied energy, the total energy required to produce and transport a material, is remarkably low for brick. Combined with its exceptional longevity, this means less energy is needed for replacements, making it a truly sustainable choice. Building codes even recognize this by allowing the reuse of brick meeting ASTM standards.
  • Waste Minimization: From mining the clay to the final product, Cherokee Brick operates with minimal waste. Virtually all mined clay is utilized in the manufacturing process, setting a high standard for resource efficiency.
  • Certified Green: Cherokee Brick goes beyond claims, offering verifiable proof of its commitment to sustainability. It's the first masonry material eligible for a "Certificate of Environmental Claims" from a third-party source. Developed by the National Brick Research Center at Clemson University, this certification validates recycled content, renewable energy use, and resource reduction in brick manufacturing.

Cherokee Brick isn't just building structures; they're building a more sustainable future. By choosing Cherokee Brick, you're not just choosing a beautiful and durable material, you're investing in a greener tomorrow.