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GRAIN, USBI and the Biochar Carbon Revolution

 

From left to right Chris Wedding (Terraset), Nina Dali (US Bank), Tom Montag (Rubicon Carbon), Robert Höglund (CDR.fyi) and Ryan J. Letourneau (GRAIN)

During New York City’s Climate Week in late September 2024, the US Biochar Initiative and Grain Ecosystem presented an impactful biochar event titled the Biochar Carbon Revolution – Innovative financing, products and partnerships to reduce value-chain emissions. The conversations brought together industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates. The program highlighted real-world case studies, powerful testimonials, and actionable strategies, all aimed at demonstrating how biochar can be effectively integrated into corporate value chains. With a strong focus on funding and optimizing the structuring of the funding sources for biochar projects, the event provided invaluable insights into advancing biochar’s role in sustainable business. If you follow the world of biochar, the US Biochar Initiative or USBI (link) is a cornerstone organization in the field. GRAIN (link) focuses on simplifying profitable decarbonization projects, particularly in biogenic and organic waste facilities, as well as regenerative farming. The organization integrates waste-to-value solutions, such as biochar, into supply chains using a digital-first platform. This method facilitates financing options that streamline carbon certification, validate business economics, and promote collaboration. By managing risks and identifying new opportunities, GRAIN seeks to address global climate goals and support producers in executing projects more efficiently.

From left to right Michael Merz COO of Pyreg and ARTi CEO Dr. Bernardo del Campo

Innovative Financing, Product Solutions, and Strategic Partnerships for Reducing Value-Chain Emissions

The USBI and Grain Ecosystem teamed up for a panel in New York, bringing together USBI’s biochar expertise with Grain Ecosystem’s focus on innovative carbon financing, sustainable food and agriculture systems. Together, they provided a well-rounded perspective on integrating biochar into corporate value chains and exploring diverse funding mechanisms to help scale biochar projects for maximum environmental impact. At the event, several speakers from various companies and organizations participated in panels addressing key topics that align with the initiatives of the USBI and GRAIN. These discussions included strategies for integrating biochar into supply chains, innovative financing mechanisms for decarbonization projects, and best practices for utilizing biogenic and organic waste. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and expertise, fostering a rich dialogue around the challenges and opportunities within the biochar sector and regenerative agriculture. This collaborative approach highlighted the collective effort to advance sustainable practices and meet global climate goals. The panellists included:  Jason Dodier (GRAIN) co-founded GRAIN Ecosystem in 2022, aiming to accelerate carbon dioxide removal projects and provide carbon offsets and raise awareness about the circular economy. Myles Gray (USBI) is the Program Director for the US Biochar Initiative and is focused on advancing biochar as a sustainable carbon dioxide removal solution as well as leveraging his expertise in green infrastructure and soil science. Chris Wedding (Terraset), a climate tech leader, heads Terraset, a 501(c)(3) organization leveraging philanthropic capital to accelerate carbon removal, pooling donations for high-quality, permanent carbon removal projects. Ryan J. Letourneau (GRAIN) is the CEO & Co-Founder of GRAIN Ecosystem. Ryan has extensive industry experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business Marketing, Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance, and two Master of Business Administration degrees. Nina Dali (US Bank) is an executive with the U.S. Bank’s New Energy Team and leads efforts within the Climate Fund and Infrastructure Office. Tom Montag (Rubicon Carbon) is the CEO of Rubicon Carbon, a carbon market supporter aiming to end the climate crisis through market-driven solutions. He oversees Rubicon Carbon Capital and has previously held positions at Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and Goldman Sachs Group. Robert Höglund (CDR.fyi) is a climate policy advisor and CDR expert and manages the Milkywire Climate Transformation Fund, co-founded cdr.fyi, and serves on the Mistra Sustainable Consumption research project. Karl Strahl (Oregon Biochar Solutions) is the Chief Operating Officer of Oregon Biochar Solutions, a company specializing in sustainable technologies, sourcing its biochar from local forestry operations and maintaining strict standards for quality production. Chad Massura (Rosy Soil) is the CEO of Rosy Soil which promotes sustainable gardening solutions, including biochar, which enhances plant growth and reduces landfill waste by repurposing green and wood waste.

Biochar front and center in the Carbon Revolution

  Along with a lineup of thought-provoking panellists, the event featured several firms, each of which added their own viewpoints and areas of expertise to the conversations. These businesses enhanced the discussion on incorporating biochar into corporate sustainability goals by contributing real-world examples of biochar applications and practical knowledge. What follows are the firms that were in attendance with all of them pursuing in various permutations of the key theme the event. Davey Tree Expert Company, founded in 1880 by John Davey, is a North American employee-owned corporation offering tree services, grounds maintenance, and environmental consulting. As the 9th largest employee-owned company in the U.S., Davey Tree has been involved in environmental initiatives like the i-Tree software and disaster cleanup efforts. The company operates in residential/commercial and utility services and is currently building a new research and training facility, the Davey Science, Employee Education and Development (SEED) Campus. CarbiCrete, a Montreal, Canada-based carbon removal technology company, is developing low-cost building solutions using patented technology to produce cement-free concrete, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing strength to concrete products. Mangrove Systems offers a digital platform for carbon dioxide removal and carbon capture and storage projects, streamlining development, de-risking compliance, and measuring CO2 flow. It aggregates data, optimizes outcomes, and provides transparent digital measurement, reporting, and verification. The company claims to be trusted by industry leaders and has tracked over 5 million tonnes of CO2e to date. Carbonfuture offers infrastructure and services for the carbon removal market, including due diligence, tracking, third-party verification, and portfolio access. They aim to promote transparency and confidence through rigorous processes and partnerships with top climate organizations. PYREG is a German company specializing in carbonization technology that converts organic waste into biochar. PYREG’s technology is noted for its scalability. PYREG has introduced a “PYREG Climate Finance Solution” (PCFS) to reduce emissions across value chains. The solution allows customers, particularly in agriculture, to access biochar carbon removal systems with a 20% down payment. PYREG accepts BCR credits generated by biochar production, reducing financial barriers and supporting renewable energy generation and soil enhancement. The US Biochar Initiative and Grain Ecosystem organized a significant event during Climate Week NYC 2024 that highlighted the application of biochar in carbon reduction and sustainable value-chain management. Through interactive panels, practical case studies, and expert testimonies, participants investigated the transformative potential of biochar in sectors such as concrete, horticulture, and agriculture. The seminar highlighted practical methods for cutting Scope 3 emissions and forming meaningful alliances, highlighting biochar’s expanding contribution to the battle against climate change. Participants were enthused and educated by this event, which represented an exciting advancement for sustainable business. We can lower emissions throughout value chains by encouraging creative financing, creating sustainable product solutions, and through forming strategic alliances. This will open the door to a more resilient and sustainable future that is in line with international climate targets.