Environmental

Better building, better planet.

AAC is one of the most environmentally responsible structural masonry materials available — lower embodied carbon, less construction water, and superior thermal performance across the building's lifetime.

01 · By the numbers

The data doesn't lie.

91%lower CO₂

Dramatically lower carbon footprint

AAC generates just 11 kg CO₂ per m² during manufacturing. Clay bricks produce 129 kg CO₂ per m² — AAC is 91% lower. For a typical residential project, this represents thousands of kilograms of avoided embodied carbon.

84%less water

Water-efficient construction

AAC requires only 0.39 litres of water per m² of wall, versus 2.4 L/m² for clay bricks and 0.9 L/m² for concrete blocks. Wastewater in the manufacturing process is fully recyclable.

30%energy saving

Reduces lifetime climate-control costs

AAC is 7.5× more thermally insulated than clay brick and 12.5× more than concrete brick. Buildings constructed with Aertec AAC Blocks typically see a reduction in HVAC energy costs of up to 30% over the building's lifetime.

3–5%site waste

Near-zero construction waste

Dimensionally accurate AAC Blocks reduce mortar waste and off-cuts to under 5%. Service chasing creates negligible debris with no structural damage, and all AAC waste material is fully recyclable.

02 · Material comparison

AAC vs clay brick & concrete block.

MetricAertec AACClay brickConcrete block
CO₂ / m²11 kg129 kg
Water / m²0.39 L2.4 L0.9 L
Density (kg/m³)400–6001,9001,400–2,200
R-Value0.7570.130.08
Fire rating4hrsModerateModerate
Site waste3–5%8–10%8–10%
03 · Health & occupant comfort

Built for people, not just structures.

Non-toxic manufacture & use

AAC produces no toxic gases during manufacturing or in service — safe for workers and occupants throughout the building's life.

Condensation & mildew resistance

AAC's humidity diffusion properties actively prevent condensation and mildew formation, supporting better indoor air quality.

Superior acoustic performance

AAC is highly sound-absorbent, effectively dampening airborne noise between rooms and from external sources.

Moisture & mould resistance

AAC's closed-cell structure and humidity diffusion properties resist mould formation, improving long-term indoor air quality and reducing maintenance requirements.

Non-combustible fire resistance

AAC is non-combustible with a superior 4hr fire rating compared to other common masonry materials — it does not contribute to fire spread.

Seismic performance

Lightweight with a high strength-to-mass ratio — superior seismic tolerance than dense conventional masonry, important for Cape Town and Western Cape builds.

AAC Environmental Credentials | Carbon & Water Savings | Aertec