B4C PROJECT (2023)

The Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) is a concept that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change by reusing carbon in various forms. One of the most useful approaches to capturing CO2 emissions is sequestering carbon in BIOCHAR. Residual biomass (organic waste), e.g. biowaste from households, gardens and agriculture such as grass. woodchips and landscape materials are converted into biochar through a process called pyrolysis.

Biochar is a stable form of carbon that can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health, form substrates, support the cleaning of wastewater and eventually sequester carbon for hundreds of years. By creating a circular system where carbon is captured, reused, and sequestered, the biomass to biochar value chains contribute substantially to the Circular Carbon Economy and mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development and the Green Deal. Hence the Biochar based Circular Carbon Economy is a very diverse, versatile and attractive learning space for the VET sector. The CCE with Biochar is an extremely fast-growing sector providing versatile and future oriented learning opportunities for young people.

The B4C project aims to promote the Green Deal, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation through Biochar based practical learning applications and projects for the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) in the European VET Sector. Practical learning fields will be created through the use of biochar and its associated utilisation, conversion and product development processes. By learning, working, and reflecting in these learning areas, students will revisit the fields of natural and applied engineering sciences and acquire a broader spectrum of skills and competences to tackle future challenges related to the CCE. 

The B4C project hopes to:

• interlink natural sciences and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) with "biochar" as a practical, concrete and "living" lab and innovative learning field
• combine scientific knowledge and skills with state-of-the-art learning technology
• create an entrance into biochar and soil science in European VET institutions for both teachers and students
• provide joint learning opportunities on future projects where students from different regions in Europe work and learn together
• establish a growing open and cooperative learning and development space for teachers and learners on biochar and CCE