What if a brick could absorb CO₂ instead of emitting it?

In this episode of The Heald Approach Podcast, I sit down with Mat Davies, National Specification Manager at Vandersanden, to explore Pirrouet – the carbon negative brick that is rewriting what’s possible in sustainable construction.

Together, we unpack:

Why Pirrouet sequesters 60kg of CO₂ per tonne and what that means for net zero constructionThe cultural and regulatory barriers holding back innovation in the UK

How Vandersanden’s family-owned ethos enables long-term, bold investments

Why architects, clients, and contractors must collaborate if sustainability is to stick

The importance of supporting future talent through the Vandersanden Academy and RIBA initiatives

This is not just a conversation about bricks. It’s about leadership, culture, and the choices we make today that will define the industry’s legacy tomorrow.

Guest Bio:

Mat Davies is the National Specification Manager at Vandersanden, Europe’s largest family-owned brick manufacturer. Since joining in 2020, he has been an advocate for sustainability, innovation, and collaboration in the built environment. Matt is deeply involved in introducing Pirrouet to the UK market and works closely with architects, clients, and students to raise awareness of sustainable design and construction.

Links and Resources:

Learn more about Pirrouet -

Discover Vandersanden’s Together to Zero sustainability strategy

Read the blog

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