To assist Montreal residents in easily and economically participating in building decarbonization efforts, BRIQUE RECYC and Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) are launching the WEB-RECYC platform, enabling the recovery and reuse of bricks in various residential and industrial renovation projects in the city. The platform is a first of its kind in Quebec, and is part of a circular economy approach in the construction industry. The new platform fills a gap in the market by connecting offers and demands for used bricks. On one hand, it allows individuals to donate bricks, rather than throwing them away during demolitions. On the other hand, it facilitates the purchase of quality bricks at affordable prices.

An eco-friendly, economical, and solidarity-based option for masonry

Financially supported by the Government of Quebec's Fonds d'initiative et de rayonnement de la métropole (FIRM), this circular economy initiative is made possible through an innovative process developed by BRIQUE RECYC. As a result, brick donors receive a turnkey service from the company. BRIQUE RECYC now makes it possible to recover used bricks at a high-volume cleaning site that uses unique containers specifically designed for dismantling operations and transportation. The result is an alternative, environmentally-advantageous service that avoids sending bricks to landfills, and one that is economically beneficial for donors, who receive a charitable tax receipt as an incentive.

A simple gesture for the environment

Considering that the construction, renovation, and demolition sectors generate 41% of Quebec's residual waste, WEB-RECYC will contribute to reducing the sector's environmental footprint by diverting thousands of bricks each year from landfills. Through the integrated impact calculator within the user experience, every donor and buyer can measure the environmental impact of their actions. WEB-RECYC is simple and effective for eco-friendly masonry and renovation, while also preserving the value, heritage, and authenticity of bricks.

The 'Une brique, un geste, un impact!' campaign

• The WEB-RECYC application connects individuals who want to dispose of their bricks after renovation work with those who need bricks for their own renovation projects.
• Property owners can offer brick donations on the platform, even before starting their construction work.
• This brick donation campaign is economically advantageous, as owners who donate $500 or more to ASFQ will receive a charitable tax receipt, compensating them for part of the costs associated with brick dismantling, recovery, and transportation.

Quotes

"The City of Montreal is delighted to support Architecture Without Borders and BRIQUE RECYC, whose partnership is a concrete example of the innovation that can result from strong collaboration. The WEB-RECYC application contributes to making Montreal a leader in the circular economy and ecological transition, as it will enable Montrealers to maximize brick reuse during renovation work. This is a significant step forward, and we are very proud to be the first city in Quebec and Canada to benefit from this service, which we hope will soon inspire other cities."

- Marie-Andrée Mauger, responsible for ecological transition and the environment, Executive Committee of the City of Montreal

"Thanks to the vision, creativity, and leadership of BRIQUE RECYC and Architecture Without Borders Quebec, Montreal residents will be able to access viable materials at lower costs, while making an eco-friendly choice. Our visions are directly aligned, and our goals of reduction and innovation are the same. Ultimately, the new WEB-RECYC platform will help avoid landfilling and facilitate reuse, taking another step towards a real circular economy. It's exceptional."

- Emmanuelle Géhin, CEO of RECYC-QUÉBEC

"WEB-RECYC represents a significant step forward in terms of material circularity. Thanks to the collection bi,ns combined with BRIQUE RECYC's technology, approximately 90% of bricks in good condition can be reused, rather than being sent to landfills. By expanding access to the program through WEB-RECYC, we are proud to contribute to reducing construction waste and preserving the built heritage."

- Tommy Bouillon, President of BRIQUE RECYC

"AWBQ is proud to launch the 'Une brique, un geste, un impact!' campaign, along with the WEB-RECYC platform, which aims to become a true intermediary for used bricks. Such innovation would not have been possible without an innovative company like BRIQUE RECYC, with whom AWBQ combines the charitable component of its activities. Unprecedented in the construction industry, this partnership will help mitigate the ecological impact of demolition, while contributing to financing ASFQ's social mission. It is a perfect model of circular and solidarity economy."

- Bruno Demers, General Director of Architecture Without Borders Quebec

An explanatory video about the platform's operation can be viewed here.