Construction industry

Innovation for Sustainable Construction

The construction industry faces the challenge of developing more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient methods. With its ability to bind CO₂, while enhancing the material properties of concrete, bricks and insulation, biochar opens up completely new possibilities for sustainable building. It not only reduces the ecological footprint but also increases the efficiency and longevity of buildings. Whether reinforcing materials or lowering emissions, biochar is a key solution for climate-friendly construction and a more sustainable future.

BIOCHAR IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Diverse application options

Biochar is used in various areas of the construction industry. In concrete mixtures, it enhances stability, with studies showing up to a 30% improvement in compressive strength and a 40% reduction in thermal conductivity (from 1.4–3.6 W/m*K to 0.03–0.06 W/m*K). At the same time, it reduces material weight, with some studies indicating a 30% weight savings (source to be added). In the production of bricks and composite materials, biochar improves insulation and lowers energy consumption during manufacturing. It also proves beneficial in road construction, where it reduces asphalt’s thermal conductivity, thereby extending the lifespan of road surfaces.

BIOCHAR AS A CO2 STORAGE SYSTEM

Building with a Clear
Conscience: Carbon-Neutral Concrete

A particularly valuable property of biochar is its ability to sequester carbon over the long term. By incorporating biochar into building materials, CO₂ can be stored permanently, which enables the production of CO₂-neutral concrete and significantly reduces the ecological footprint of the construction industry. This approach makes it possible to produce climate-friendly concrete that is not only sustainable but also economically viable. At the same time, the use of biochar supports the reuse of organic waste, which contributes to more efficient and environmentally friendly use of resources.

Advantages of Biochar in the Construction Industry

Climate-positive construction methods that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and permanently store it in buildings and materials help reduce the carbon footprint while creating structures that actively contribute to climate stabilization.

Thermal efficiency is improved by biochar’s low thermal conductivity, leading to better thermal insulation and reducing energy requirements for heating and cooling.

Its porous structure allows biochar to absorb excess moisture and release it in dry conditions, helping to maintain a healthy indoor climate and prevent mold growth.

Recycling and waste utilization: Biochar can be produced from residual materials, reducing waste generation and promoting resource conservation. This enables the construction industry to promote a sustainable circular economy.

After being used in building materials, biochar can be safely recycled or disposed of without environmental risks. In many cases, it can even be reused in soil as a nutrient carrier and soil enhancer, further contributing to sustainability.

More resilient structures with less maintenance needs - especially under extreme climatic conditions.

Using biochar in construction projects can help meet environmental certification standards such as LEED or DGNB, which promote sustainable building materials and carbon reduction.

Because biochar is climate-friendly, it can help construction companies reduce their CO₂ emissions and meet legal or corporate climate goals.

JEC Award Winner 2024!

Together with Techno Carbon Technologies, we’re overjoyed to claim the JEC Award 2024! Our CFS (Carbon Fiber Stone) – a pioneering mix of carbon-negative stones and bio-based fibers – is transforming material technology while championing sustainability.

CFS presents an ecological alternative to conventional, CO₂-intensive concrete used in house walls. Each square meter of CFS wall captures 59 kg of CO₂, whereas a traditional cement wall emits 98 kg.

Stone panels reinforced with carbon fibers made from green PAN derived from algae oil create highly carbon-negative house walls. This innovation incorporates multiple new materials and structural improvements. The design includes reinforcement structures forming a stable intermediate layer, which is filled with carbon-negative biochar pellets for insulation. The use of deep rock residues, which promote particularly accelerated weathering reactions, addresses pressing challenges in construction: improving energy efficiency while ensuring access to more cost-effective and highly scalable materials.

The ability of these combined materials to generate a negative CO₂ footprint is crucial in the fight against the climate crisis, turning walls into efficient carbon sinks.