CarNe – Carbon Negative Biochar-based Building Insulation Materials
At a glance
- Project leader : Prof. Dr. Luca Baldini
- Project team : Hanna Kröhnert, Dr. Hans-Joachim Nägele, Michèle Nathalie Senn, Matthias Stucki, Dr. Jannis Wernery
- Project status : completed
- Funding partner : Federal government (Bundesamt für Energie BFE / Projekt Nr. SI/502522)
- Project partner : Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt EMPA
- Contact person : Luca Baldini
Description
This research project proposes the development of bio-based, carbon negative building insulation material building upon a successful previous feasibility study. The material development is based on the use of organic waste material which is further processed using natural binders and a subsequent carbonization step. Beyond the mere tuning and upscaling of the insulation material to macro-scale insulation boards the project systematically screens for potential raw materials, evaluating their availability as well as eventual competition with other uses. Further, a full cradle-to-grave analysis of the insulation material is being performed, identifying the carbon dioxide removal potential along with the environmental impact with reference to standard fossil-based insulation materials. Research is carried out in an interdisciplinary team including experts in the domain of building application, material science, chemistry and life cycle assessment.