A New Step Toward Decarbonization in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making the reduction of greenhouse gases a pressing challenge. Addressing this issue requires collaboration across different disciplines, where architects, product manufacturers, and builders work together to create sustainable materials that consume less energy and are easily integrated into construction projects.

DUAL concrete brick prototype, Metric Norman format, Zurich colour
Photo credit: Virginie Gosselin

With this in mind, Canadian architecture firm NEUF architect(e)s has taken a significant step toward carbon neutrality by launching DUAL, an environmentally responsible concrete brick. This innovative product is the result of a strategic partnership with two major players in Eastern Canada’s construction industry—Webster, a leader in masonry distribution, and Permacon, the country’s largest manufacturer of concrete products. Now available on the market, DUAL sets a new standard for sustainable construction.

Manufacturing processes for the DUAL concrete brick at PERMACON plants
Photo credit: Virginie Gosselin

The Partnership

The collaboration began in 2022 with the goal of rapidly reducing the environmental footprint of the construction sector. By rethinking traditional brick design, the partners sought to create an environmentally and socially responsible product that remains economically competitive and universally accessible to architects, developers, contractors, and decision-makers alike. Following two years of research at Permacon’s state-of-the-art Anjou plant, the DUAL concrete brick is now market-ready. Product experts optimized its composition and physical properties to enhance both performance and sustainability. Research is already underway to further reduce the carbon footprint of future concrete products, reinforcing the partners’ shared commitment to a more sustainable future.

William Webster, President Webster & Fils, Lucas Vallon, President Permacon and Hugo Gagnon, Partner Architect and Sustainability Manager at NEUF (from left to right)
Photo credit: Virginie Gosselin

Features of the DUAL Concrete Brick

The DUAL brick reduces material use by nearly one-third compared to conventional concrete blocks, thanks to its innovative honeycomb structure. This design ensures easy handling during construction, leading to improved efficiency. It meets CSA standards for concrete masonry and carries an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certifying a more than 20% reduction in life-cycle carbon emissions, primarily due to the inclusion of recycled materials.

Color Variants & Sizes

• Colors: Zurich (Gray) / Petra (Yellow) / Belfast (Red)
• Sizes: Metric Norman (57×90×290mm) / Metric Jumbo (90×90×290mm)

Each block features two finish options—smooth and grooved—offering flexibility for various design applications. The optimized honeycomb dimensions and strategic arrangement enhance handling on-site, enabling faster and more efficient installation. With its distinctive design and ecological benefits, DUAL establishes a new benchmark in sustainable construction by combining aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.

DUAL Concrete brick, Metric Jumbo format, Zurich / Petra / Belfast colours
Photo credit: NEUF architect(e)s

DUAL Concrete brick, Metric Jumbo format, Zurich colour
Photo credit: NEUF architect(e)s

DUAL Concrete brick, Metric Jumbo format, Zurich / Petra / Belfast colours
Photo credit: NEUF architect(e)s

DUAL Concrete brick, Metric Jumbo format, Petra / Belfast / Zurich colours
Photo credit: NEUF architect(e)s

About NEUF architect(e)s

Founded in 1971, NEUF architect(e)s is one of Canada’s largest and most diversified architecture firms, with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. The firm’s collaborative approach has led to over 10,000 projects worldwide, serving a broad range of communities. NEUF is known for delivering exceptional design solutions across multiple sectors, with a diverse portfolio that includes projects for iconic Canadian institutions, real estate developers, and cutting-edge industrial facilities.

About Webster & Sons

Webster & Sons is a family-run company with locations in Montreal and Mississauga (Toronto). For decades, the company has played a key role in the construction industry of Eastern Canada, supplying high-quality materials to clients in Quebec, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces. By fostering open dialogue and building trust with suppliers, employees, and industry partners, Webster & Sons continues to add value through meaningful collaboration.