Institute offers environmental benefits to firms

The Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University is offering an opportunity which could provide a range of commercial and environmental benefits to organisations at no cost.

Aston University has been conducting extensive research into biochar, a form of sustainable charcoal, for decades. It is produced by thermally converting organic material, such as tree and agricultural waste, into three useful and valuable byproducts - gas, oil and biochar, by a process known as pyrolysis.

The biochar has a variety of uses, including carbon capture, carbon credits, water treatment, soil improvement, construction industry applications, odour control, plus a whole host of other commercial uses.

The rising demand for this material could open up a range of opportunities for local organisations looking to improve their carbon footprint, diversify into new markets, or to be connected to the expanding biochar supply chain.

EBRI is now running one-to-one 'Biochar Insights ' for organisations based in the Birmingham and Solihull area to help them discover how they can benefit from this multi-purpose, carbon-capturing material.

These online events are being offered as part of the 'Urban Biochar and Sustainable Materials Demonstrator ' project being led by EBRI and is funded by the Local Growth Fund (LGF) from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), as well as the EU European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Tim Miller, director of engagement at EBRI, said he hoped many companies would enrol for a Biochar Insight to help entrepreneurs and business owners move towards their own sustainable standards.

“The insights will demonstrate how biochar can be used for practical purposes, for decarbonisation and for work to improve the land as a soil amender. For instance, it can be used in green roofs and green walls. We can help organisations explore other possibilities including how it can be used in property development, tree planting and landscaping, ” he added.

The project is being led by EBRI and is being funded by the Local Growth Fund (LGF) from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), as well as the EU European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The sessions are being held online and take approximately 30 minutes. To book a session interested parties are invited to email or call 0121 204 3383.