Biochar
A Product of the Future for Climate Change Mitigation
GRK produces biochar, which we use in our own infrastructure and landscaping projects, for example as a soil amendment in growing media.
We also offer biochar and carbon credits sold on the voluntary carbon market to our customers.
The Biochar Cycle: How It’s Made
Biochar is produced through a pyrolysis process, where organic material is heated to high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment. The excess heat from production facilities can be utilized, for example, by feeding it into a district heating network.
GRK’s first biochar plant started operations in 2023 in Utajärvi. The plant has a capacity of approximately 2,500 – 3,000 tons of biochar annually. The raw materials include various biomasses, such as by-products from the sawmill industry. The excess heat in Utajärvi is used to dry sawdust for pellet production.
What Is Biochar?
Benefits and Properties
Biochar is a highly porous material, which:
- Improves the soil’s water retention and nutrient-holding capacity
- Binds moisture and heavy metals in the soil
- Enhances the physical properties of soil: increases porosity and drainage capacity
Biochar does not contains harmful substances, and the carbon stored is in a stable form.
Dozens of Applications
Biochar has been verified for dozens of different uses, and new ones are constantly being developed. It can be used, for example, in:
- Construction, in green areas of infrastructure projects and various environmental projects
- Stormwater treatment or purification of runoff water
- Soil improvement in green areas – nutrients can also be added to it
- Cleaning soil or water bodies from nutrients and heavy metals
GRK’s Biochar References
From Kalasatama to Pasila
GRK participated in an urban development project in Helsinki, building a new tram line from Nihti to Pasila. The project also included the construction of numerous streets, green lanes, pedestrian and cycling routes, ground reinforcement, and municipal infrastructure.
Biochar was used in the green tracks of Hermannin rantatie and Vallilanlaakso, and in the planting beds of the Kumpulantaipale overpass. It was also used in the filtration layer of stormwater pressures along Hermannin rantatie.
Lampen Interchange
GRK implemented a bridge project for Trafikverket on the E4 road in Sweden – the “Lampen Interchange.” The E4 is the most important heavy traffic route in Norrbotten for both domestic and cross-border transport.
In late summer 2023, 40 tons of biochar were delivered to the project area, and used as a carbon sink and soil conditioner in the green areas around the bridge.
We at GRK are pleased that Trafikverket decided use biochar to reduce emissions from reinforcement and concreting by 50%.
Börjelslandet Road Project
GRK’s first biochar deliveries to Sweden were for the E4 Börjelslandet–Persö project in 2022. About 16 tons of biochar were used in growing media and as a soil amendment.
The project was designated by Trafikverket as a development initiative to encourage contractors to reduce their climate footprint by lowering CO₂ emissions during construction.
How Can Biochar Be Used in Landscaping?
GRK has created a guide on using biochar in growing media. The guide includes information on:
- The quality and properties of biochar
- The benefits and application methods of biochar
- Usage instructions, such as mixing ratios, irrigation, and fertilization needs
GRK’s biochar also has an RT card available through the Rakennustieto service.
High-Quality and Certified Biochar
GRK’s biochar plant is registered under the Finnish Fertilizer Product Act and it has a product specification sheet.
The biochar produced by GRK meets the requirements for the EBC-Urban class and will be soon certified according to the European Biochar Certificate (EBC).
GRK’s biochar is also REACH-registered.
Carbon Credits
The voluntary carbon market has guidelines stating that to offset emissions, one must purchase climate units that have not been counted toward any country’s climate targets.
The production of biochar generates CO₂ reduction units, which can be sold on the voluntary carbon market.
Life-Cycle Assessment of the Utajärvi Plant
According to life-cycle assessment, GRK’s biochar binds approximately 2.7 tons of CO₂ equivalent per ton of biochar.
You can explore the LCA calculations related to biochar production at GRK’s Utajärvi facility.