Operating across Ireland and Great Britain, AG supplies low-carbon walling, paving, and facing brick solutions to domestic, commercial, and merchant customers. The company is a pioneer in low-carbon product development, committed to reducing embodied carbon, enhancing circularity, and supporting climate-resilient construction. AG’s purpose is to create the most sustainable paving and building products available today.

About the product: Woodward Low Carbon Masonry Facing Brick

AG developed the Woodward Low Carbon Masonry Facing Brick as a next-generation alternative to traditional clay and concrete bricks. This product was designed to address environmental and social challenges in the construction industry, offering reduced embodied carbon, improved buildability, and affordability without compromising durability or aesthetics.

Key features and actions:

• Innovative Design: Woodward bricks feature a frog depression for improved stability and build speed and are manufactured using low-energy techniques and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce cement content
• Sustainable Materials: All aggregates are sourced from AG’s own quarry restoration project, reducing transport emissions. The bricks use 100% harvested rainwater and are fully recyclable
• Advanced Technology: Incorporation of Enduur 1 concrete technology enhances strength, UV resistance, and hydrophobic performance, while maintaining refined aesthetics
• Environmental Transparency: AG published third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 products, including individual EPDs for Woodward Smooth and Antique bricks
• Stakeholder Engagement: Development involved cross-departmental collaboration and consultation with architects, housebuilders, and clients through CPD sessions and on-site feedback
• Education and Advocacy: AG hosts CPD events and digital campaigns to promote sustainable construction and embodied carbon reduction

Key Impacts and Outcomes

• Woodward bricks use 46% less embodied carbon than traditional clay bricks
• 1,968 kg CO₂ saved per home using Woodward bricks (average 8,000 bricks)
• AG achieved a 47.8% reduction in carbon emissions since 2019
• Platinum status achieved in the 2023 and 2024 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey
• Over £9.3M worth of Woodward bricks supplied across UK and Ireland in 2024
• Reduced energy bills for end-users due to enhanced thermal performance
• Faster build times and minimal wastage improve construction efficiency and bricklayers report minimal wastage and improved build speed
• Developers cite carbon footprint reduction and affordability as key benefits
• Locally sourced materials support job growth and reduce environmental impact
• AG’s success enables charitable donations and sponsorships within the community
• Transparent EPDs empower responsible purchasing decisions
• CPD sessions and thought leadership campaigns promote sustainable construction practices

What the Judges said:

“The combination of innovation, commerciality and market interest in a uniquely sustainable product is driving carbon reduction in construction.”

 Highly commended in the Responsible Product/Service Award category: Suki Tea Makers