Today, that same commitment is being applied to lowering the carbon intensity of Brickworks' operations and building a sustainable future. They are doing this by implementing energy efficiency opportunities and investing in the transition to the hydrogen fuel economy.

Brickworks has partnered with Murdoch University — leaders in renewable energy research, to investigate the transition to the hydrogen fuel economy through the ‘Brickworks Hydrogen Feasibility Study’. The study will span over two years, and will explore the use of hydrogen as a kiln fuel in the manufacture of clay bricks, through desktop and lab-scale trials.

Brickworks kicked off its Hydrogen Feasibility Project in December, inviting representatives from Murdoch University’s Environmental Engineering Team and ATCO to a site tour of Austral Bricks Cardup.

Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in the decarbonisation of sectors such as the replacement of natural gas. Renewable hydrogen, produced through electrolysis from water using renewable electricity can provide industry with emission-free energy. As a large gas user, this fuel may help Brickworks to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.