Nyhetsbrev

Newsletter 1

The goal: to integrate practical learning fields centered around biochar into the european vocational education and training (vet) sector b4c will result in: 
• implementation of an awareness campaign on the importance of the green deal 
• introducing new vet learning fields in the framework of a circular carbon economy (cce) approach focusing on biochar product and value chains 
• an innovative training for professionals for agri- and horticultural and construction sector and piloting the resulting vet courses 
• a comprehensive b4c platform with online learning areas and an exhibition for the vet learners’ experiences

June 2024: 
The kick-off meeting on the 23-24 of january. 2024. 
United partners from various backgrounds to deliberate on the project's objectives, management strategies, and the practical incorporation of biochar into vocational training curricula. A key achievement of the meeting was the collaborative development of a research framework, laying the groundwork for comprehensive stocktaking.

Newsletter 2

Wp2 has two main objectives: firstly, to gather innovative educational formats related to the circular carbon economy and sustainable development projects, including biomass-biochar chains, to explore existing projects, approaches, tools, materials, and pilot initiatives. Based on these findings a pan-european survey involving both quantitative and qualitative methods will be conducted. Secondly, wp2 aims to develop a fully functional taxonomy-based competence framework, which can be used directly for the competence-based planning and validation of learning outcomes.

Collection of innovative learning formats and competence framework development of blended courses and modules on b4c

The b4c project is progressing well, with strong collaboration between partners producing positive results. In recent months, the focus has been on data collection and the conducting of interviews to gather valuable insights into the needs of stakeholders in the project. Partners have already collected a substantial number of questionnaires and the interviews are proceeding as planned. These results will play a key role in shaping the next work package, which will focus on developing blended learning courses and modules on b4c. Additionally, a standardised template for the interview reports is being used to help to structure the evaluation of the collected data. In the coming weeks, the project will focus on completing the data collection and then to analyse the results to help inform us in the next project phase. We remain confident that the b4c project will continue to progress successfully, and look forward to the next steps.

Newsletter 3

Empowering Professionals through Biochar Training and Circular Carbon Strategies The B4C Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program was held from 7 to 11 April 2025 in Göttingen, Germany. Designed as an immersive and cross-sectoral training initiative, the program brought together professionals from agriculture, horticulture, construction, and environmental sectors.

Over the course of five days, participants engaged in an intensive exploration of biochar and its potential to drive sustainable local and regional development within the framework of the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE). The program offered a dynamic combination of theoretical insights and applied learning. Through expert-led sessions, participants deepened their understanding of biochar’s role in carbon retention, soil regeneration, and material innovation. A series of hands-on workshops—structured around Design Thinking methodologies—encouraged the development of actionable project ideas tailored to diverse regional contexts.

One of the highlights of the week was a field excursion to the Eichenberg Biochar TechLab, where participants experienced real-world applications of biochar technologies and had the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with leading practitioners. This on-site learning complemented the thematic sessions and fostered a deeper appreciation of how circular strategies can be implemented at scale. The agenda progressed from foundational concepts to collaborative project development. Early sessions introduced the core principles of biochar and its relevance to the CCE. Midweek, the focus shifted to thematic deep-dives and collaborative ideation. The final days were devoted to refining prototypes and presenting project concepts, fostering a constructive environment for peer feedback and professional growth.

To ensure continued engagement and support, participants remain connected through a dedicated virtual helpdesk. This ongoing platform enables monthly exchanges, mentoring, and follow-up on the development of local pilot projects, extending the impact of the training well beyond the event itself.

Biochar and Sustainable Cities : Luxembourg Hosts B4C Event | 18–19 June 2025

Following the successful training in Göttingen, the next B4C event will take place in Luxembourg, offering two days of exchange, insight, and hands-on learning focused on biochar and the Circular Carbon Economy. The program opens on 18 June at the IFSB in Bettembourg with the conference “Biochar and Sustainable Cities – Innovations and Feedback.” European experts will examine biochar's potential in construction, climate adaptation, and urban sustainability. Keynotes will include Tim Scholze (Blinc) on B4C’s systems approach, Dr. Ines Juvan-Beaulieu (Novocarbo) on biochar production and business models, and Silvia Venditti (University of Luxembourg) on biochar in wastewater treatment. Companies like Karp-Kneip and Contern SA will present applications in asphalt and concrete. The morning concludes with a site visit to a biochar-asphalt pilot project. In the afternoon, a workshop co-led by B4C will focus on raising public awareness around biochar and CCE through participatory tools and community engagement strategies. On 19 June, the event continues with a visit to Karp-Kneip’s asphalt plant in Cents to observe biochar integration in road infrastructure. The day concludes with a hands-on workshop in Ettelbrück, embedded in the LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden exhibition. This outdoor session will demonstrate biochar solutions in an urban sustainability context. These two days will connect research and practice, supporting climate-positive innovation across Europe’s cities and regions.

🌿 What is LUGA?

Luxembourg Urban Garden: A Living Lab for Urban Sustainability LUGA (Luxembourg Urban Garden) is a six-month open-air exhibition, running from 7 May to 18 October 2025, across five urban and peri-urban sites in Luxembourg, including Ettelbrück and key green spaces in the capital. Conceived as a transdisciplinary platform, LUGA serves as a living laboratory for applied research and education in urban sustainability. It integrates landscape architecture, ecological engineering, and public engagement to explore nature-based solutions, circular practices, and resilient urban design. Through thematic installations, demonstrator projects, and interactive learning spaces, LUGA offers public visitors and educators a real-world environment to test and communicate sustainable urban strategies. The exhibition supports pedagogical activities, field-based research, and knowledge transfer between academia, practitioners, and the broader public.

Newsletter 4

From pilots to practice: biochar in action across europe

The B4C project demonstrates how biochar and Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) concepts can move from theory into real educational and professional practice. Across Europe, partners have implemented pilot activities engaging learners, professionals, and communities in exploring sustainable carbon solutions.

At IFSB, biochar was introduced in the construction sector through a combination of theory and hands-on experimentation. Participants worked with biochar-based concrete, gaining practical insights while addressing the challenge of balancing sustainability with material performance.

ASTREDHOR brought biochar to a wider professional audience through an open-day event in France, raising awareness among landscapers, municipalities, and environmental experts. The interactive format successfully introduced biochar as a nature-based solution for urban and green environments.

In agriculture, DEULA focused on slurry management, combining Design Thinking with experimentation. Learners explored nutrient cycles, tested biochar applications, and developed practical solutions, strengthening both technical and problem-solving skills.

At Folkuniversitetet, the VET EDU pilot focused on empowering VET teachers by supporting them in integrating biochar into curricula through collaborative activities, module development, and methodological recommendations, strengthening the long-term impact on vocational education. In parallel, the Biochar Awareness Hub added a strong community dimension, with students designing interactive learning spaces and engaging the public.

Empowering Carbon Managers for the Circular Economy

Alongside these pilot activities, the B4C Carbon Manager Course plays a central role in building the competences needed to implement circular carbon systems in practice. The course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of biochar, carbon management processes, and regional value chains. It combines theoretical sessions with collaborative work, where participants develop real-life cases and calculate the carbon impact of different solutions.

Through this process, learners gain the ability to design integrated systems that transform residual biomass into long-term carbon sinks and valuable products, while connecting environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

B4C at the THREE C Network Conference 2026 The project’s momentum was further strengthened through participation in the THREE C Network Conference in Kassel, Germany, held in April 2026. This event brought together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from across Europe to explore how circular carbon solutions can be implemented at regional level. The conference combined workshops, site visits, and networking activities, allowing participants to engage directly with biochar production processes, agricultural applications, and innovative construction solutions. By connecting different sectors and perspectives, the event created a platform for developing concrete ideas and partnerships that can drive the transition toward circular carbon economies.