Our Methodology
Transparent approach to carbon sequestration through biochar-enhanced concrete.
Last updated: October 16, 2025
Launch Chapel Hill Pilot Results
Concrete Placed
31,000
pounds
CO₂ Sequestered
10,138
pounds CO₂
Food Waste Diverted
12,110
pounds
Data from our initial pilot in Charlotte, NC with Launch Chapel Hill accelerator program
How It Works
Food Waste Collection
Organic waste from cafeterias, restaurants, and food processing facilities is collected and prepared for conversion. This diverts material that would otherwise decompose in landfills, releasing methane—a greenhouse gas 25x more potent than CO₂.
Pyrolysis & Biochar Production
Through controlled heating (400–600°C) in low-oxygen conditions, organic matter undergoes pyrolysis. This process breaks down the waste into biochar—a stable, carbon-rich material. The carbon that was originally in the food waste is now locked in a form that won't decompose for centuries.
Key insight: Biochar is essentially charcoal with a highly porous structure. Its carbon content (typically 70-80%) remains stable for 100+ years when incorporated into concrete, effectively sequestering atmospheric CO₂.
Concrete Integration & Testing
Biochar is integrated into concrete mixes as a partial cement replacement or additive. The material undergoes rigorous testing per ASTM standards (C39 for compressive strength, C231 for air content) to ensure it meets structural requirements. Our pilot achieved target strength of 4,000 psi—suitable for many construction applications.
Verification & Carbon Accounting
All carbon sequestration claims are based on measured biochar carbon content and concrete volumes. We're working toward third-party verification through established carbon registries (Verra, Gold Standard) to issue tradable carbon credits.
Carbon Accounting
Our carbon sequestration estimate is based on the following approach:
1. Biochar Carbon Content
Biochar produced through pyrolysis contains 70-80% elemental carbon (verified through lab analysis like ASTM D5373). This carbon is in a stable form that resists decomposition.
2. CO₂ Equivalency
When carbon is locked in biochar, it prevents that carbon from entering the atmosphere as CO₂. The molecular weight of CO₂ is 44, while carbon is 12, giving a ratio of 44/12 = 3.67. This means 1 lb of sequestered carbon prevents 3.67 lbs of CO₂ emissions.
3. Permanence
Once embedded in concrete, biochar is protected from oxidation and biological decomposition. Studies show biochar in construction materials remains stable for 100+ years, making it a reliable carbon sink.
Our Pilot by the Numbers
- ✓ 31,000 lbs concrete placed with biochar integration (Charlotte, NC)
- ✓ 10,138 lbs CO₂ sequestered (based on biochar carbon content)
- ✓ 12,110 lbs food waste diverted from landfills
- ✓ 4,000 psi target strength (ASTM C39 testing in progress)
Note: Numbers are approximate and will be refined as additional testing and verification is completed.
Interactive Carbon Calculator
See how much CO₂ and food waste we can sequester with your project
How we calculate
CO₂ per lb concrete: 0.327 lbs (based on our Charlotte pilot)
Food waste per lb concrete: 0.391 lbs (from pyrolysis process)
These ratios are derived from our verified pilot data: 31,000 lbs concrete → 10,138 lbs CO₂ sequestered → 12,110 lbs food waste diverted
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What's Included
- Carbon sequestered in biochar (stable, non-labile fraction)
- Food waste diverted from landfills (preventing methane emissions)
- Structural performance validated through ASTM testing
What's Not Yet Included
- Process energy for pyrolysis (under evaluation)
- Transportation emissions (collection to production)
- Upstream cement production offsets (from replacement)
These factors will be incorporated into a full lifecycle analysis (LCA) as we scale and pursue carbon credit verification.
Ongoing Research
We're actively collaborating with materials science researchers through the Launch Chapel Hill accelerator to:
- Optimize mix designs for various strength requirements
- Measure thermal and durability properties
- Quantify full lifecycle environmental impacts
- Develop scalable production methods
Questions About Our Methodology?
We're committed to transparency in our carbon accounting and technical approach. Reach out with questions or to discuss collaboration opportunities.