Ibstock launches A Place In History project

To mark the world’s first ever net zero brick factory at its Atlas site in the West Midlands, Ibstock plc is launching ‘A Place in History’. The project gives the general public the opportunity to personalise an engraved brick that will build the new factory’s kiln. All profits from the sale will go to the charity Shelter that supports people facing homelessness and poor housing. The limited-edition engraved bricks are available for purchase until May 2022, with construction of the new kiln commencing in June 2022.

More than 17,000 people are homeless in the West Midlands, including more than 8,000 children. Shelter’s frontline services are working to help people find a safe and secure home. The charity also campaigns to tackle the root causes of the housing emergency, including calling on the government to build a new generation of green, affordable social homes.

Joe Hudson, CEO of Ibstock, said: “Our partnership with Shelter is really important to us across the Ibstock Group. I hope the project at Atlas serves to raise further awareness of homelessness and remind us all; why we are building and how we go about our activities to serve a more meaningful purpose at the heart of building. Let’s engrave a mark that we are proud to remember.”

Andy Harris, director of income generation at Shelter, said: “Shockingly, the housing emergency means that thousands of people in the West Midlands don’t have a place to call home.

“Every day at Shelter we support people who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. We know all too well the stress and suffering that they face. The climate emergency is only making it worse – people who are rough sleeping are already feeling the awful effects of extreme weather like floods and heatwaves.

“That’s why we’re incredibly grateful for Ibstock’s ongoing support. By engraving your name on a brick, you can support Shelter’s work and be part of the building blocks towards a greener future where everyone has a safe and secure home.”