Nordgau Carbon
Profile
In a nutshell
Nordgau is a biochar producer from Bavaria, Germany. Its biochar is produced from wood chips originating from sustainably managed PEFC-certified forests no more than 15km away. The enterprise provides sustainable solutions for modern agriculture through its high-quality biochar products. The application of biochar on the land protects groundwater and biodiversity by reducing nitrate leaching and the use of fertilizers while improving the nutrient retention of the soil. In parallel, the CO2 captured in the biochar production is stored in the ground for centuries.
Founded
operational since 2020
Location
Germany
Method
Biochar
Co-benefits
In addition to reducing CO2 from the atmosphere, the project generates extra benefits for the communities and the environment.
CO2 Removal
Our partner Nordgau uses wood chips from PEFC certified local forestry to produce biochar. The CO2 is initially captured during the growth of the tree. Maintaining the forest creates biological waste with low economic value that would else be combusted or left to decompose. Instead, Nordgau transforms the waste in the form of wood chips into biochar, thus, safely capturing CO2 that would otherwise be released. Said biochar is the result of a process named pyrolysis, closer explained in the methods section. Through pyrolysis, the carbon inside the timber waste is brought into a stable form and can consequently be stored in the ground for centuries.
Find out more on the CO2 capture and storage method here.
Nordgau’s biochar production is certified with the European Biochar Certificate (EBC).
Background
The use of modern agricultural methods has caused various problems in local ecosystems. One example with far-reaching consequences is the excessive manuring of fields and meadows. It leads to increased nitrate concentrations in groundwater, lakes, and streams, as well as a decline in the biodiversity of meadows, nearby forests, and moors. These developments ultimately result in reduced drinking water quality and contribute to the decline of biodiversity in fauna and flora.
This is precisely where Nordgau comes in with its Biochar products. The use of biochar reduces nitrate leaching and nutrient losses from the soil. Due to its vast surface area and porous structure, biochar is ideal for absorbing nutrients and nitrates and preventing their leaching. This significantly reduces the use of fertilizers, protects groundwater, and sustainably improves soil fertility.
These impressive benefits are achieved by the biochar while at the same time sequestering CO2 in the soil for centuries.
Finally, Nordgau biochar production is certified with the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) from the independent international Ithaka Institute. The guaranteed permanence of the carbon stored in the soil is >1000 years. As part of the certification, the CO2 removal potential of the biochar is quantified using life cycle analysis done by Norwegian LCA provider Accend. The analysis also includes the subtraction of any CO2-Emissions occurring during production. Subsequently, the traceability from production to the place of application and final storage in the soil, as well as the total amount of CO2 permanently removed, is certified by Puro.Earth.
Team
Our primary project contact is Paul Ferguson from Accend. Nordgau has appointed Accend to carry out the certification process and organize the certificate distribution. Paul is a very communicative person and does not hesitate to go the extra mile to satisfy his customers. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Paul and Nordgau.
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