Nordgau Carbon. Biochar, SE Germany
Carbon Removal Information
Year of first issuance : 2021
Description
Nordgau Carbon is a privately owned biochar producer located in the village of Wernberg-Köblitz in South-Eastern Germany. Production commenced in April 2020 using untreated wood chips from local PEFC-certified forestry operations. The production facility lies in the heart of the forest region, the average transport distance for the feedstock to the facility is only 15km.
Nordgau's high-quality biochar contains 89% carbon. Each metric ton of sequesters 2,8 tons of CO2 for centuries. Their biochar enables the responsible farmer to make an essential contribution to climate and environmental protection.
Using the oxygen to carbon ratio, the stability of the carbon can be estimated. Puro.earth and the EBC use the O/C value, 0.4, as an upper threshold, which indicates a half-life of 500 years. Nordgau's laboratory analysis consistently shows a value of 0.024, which is very low, indicating a very high level of stability and, therefore long duration of sequestration.
Nordgau Carbon produces biochar for mixing with manure or compost for use as a soil improvement medium. They are certified by the EBC (European Biochar Certification). The biochar is delivered to customers from the kiln without further treatment other than moisturization.
Nordgau Carbon sells most of its biochar to the local farming industry but also to customers in neighbouring countries. Nordgau Carbon holds the European certificate of sustainably produced biochar (EBC).
All upstream emissions from harvesting, transport and production have been accounted for in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which determines the net CO2 capture of each ton of biochar. The facility, LCA and supporting documentation are currently being audited by bio.inspecta against the Puro methodology.
Examples of usage
Soil improvement
Soil remediation
Co-benefits
Puro.earth CORCs quantify only the net removal and storage of emissions, not reduced or avoided emissions, increased biodiversity or other positive benefits. Nonetheless, here are co-benefits related to Nordgau Carbon's biochar.
- Harvesting and forestry management sustainably decreases the risk of forest fires, insect damage and diseases.
- Biochar is deployed directly or indirectly for soil improvement. It dramatically increases water and nutrient retention in the soil leading to yield increases.
- Biochar reduces nutrient leaching, which has caused damage to waterways and seas.
- Biochar reduces the need for artificial fertilizers, which are typically energy-intensive to produce.
- Green jobs: The production of biochar creates green jobs throughout the value chain from harvesting to distribution and usage.
- The use of biochar as an animal feed additive has well-documented health benefits and reduces methane emissions.
Economic acceleration impact
Nordgau Carbon has invested in production technology specifically for biochar and carbon capture. Revenue from the sales of CORCs is an important part of their business case for future investment. Given successful sales of CORCs, the company has real opportunities to expand its production and sequester more carbon.
Audit Information
Independently verified by : bio.inspecta
Buy CORCs from:
Email address: post@accend.no
Location: Nygaardsgata Fredrikstad, Norway
Website: http://nordgau-carbon.de/
