Biochar in Switzerland and the EU

Biochar production provides a valuable tool to create durable carbon sinks and battle climate change and can be used within multiple industries.

Project standard: The projects are certified according to the methodology of the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) C-Sink.

Project description

Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) is a way to create carbon sinks (anything that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases, like plants, ocean, or soil) by incorporating biochar into a stable matrix, such as soil or durable construction materials, thereby creating a durable carbon removal from the atmosphere.

Biochar is made by heating biomass, such as residual wood or crop waste (which has removed CO₂ from the atmosphere during plant growth), at high temperatures (500 - 700 °C), and in an oxygen-limited environment through a process called pyrolysis. Unlike in a “standard” burning process, i.e. combustion, a portion of the carbon of the parent material remains as biochar after the pyrolysis process and is not released to the atmosphere as CO₂.

The projects compiled in this portfolio have been expanding their operations for years and are experts in producing high-quality carbon-preserving biochar.

Social and economic benefits

• The projects contribute to the local development of innovative technologies in Switzerland and the EU.
• The projects require the expertise of specialists, which supports the local job generation.
• The projects promote regional economic development.
• The projects contribute to regional integration and strengthen the exchange with other sectors.
• The projects enhance food security and provide an additional source of income for local farmers.
• The projects increase awareness for environmental concerns.

Environmental aspects

• The projects sequester carbon by turning organic waste into biochar. This process removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and stores it in the soil permanently.
• The projects improve soil health by enhancing the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.
• The projects generate green energy by using pyrolysis processes. This can reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and provide income and energy security for rural communities.