CHARBLOCK aims to develop carbon-negative lightweight clinker blocks (LWCB) by replacing conventional lightweight clinker with biochar. Building on the CHARBUILD project, which demonstrated biochar’s viability in concrete with only 5% lightweight clinker, we now target LWCB containing approximately 40% lightweight clinker. We hypothesize that biochar can replace a significant portion of lightweight clinker while maintaining mechanical properties and fire resistance, creating carbon-negative building materials.
Our methodology combines laboratory optimization with industrial implementation. We will characterize biochar types to understand their effect on LWCB performance, develop processing techniques, and determine optimal replacement rates. Promising formulations will be scaled to industrial production at FC Beton’s facilities. CEBRA Architecture will create digital models showcasing architectural applications and a physical demonstrator. Life cycle assessment will quantify environmental benefits.
CHARBLOCK will deliver environmental benefits by creating carbon-negative building materials. With lightweight clinker comprising 40% of LWCB volume, and biochar’s carbonnegative footprint (-2.35 CO2 eq./kg), implementation could reduce emissions by approximately 70,000 tons of CO2 annually in Denmark. The project will yield optimized biochar-enhanced LWCB prototypes, industrial production protocols, architectural models, a physical demonstrator and comprehensive documentation. By offering a carbon-negative alternative to conventional LWCB, CHARBLOCK will help the construction sector meet environmental regulations while maintaining material performance.
