Turning industrial sidestreams into sustainable building materials
BioCarbonBuilds aims to reduce emissions from the built environment by developing novel biochar-based construction materials from Finnish industrial sidestreams. The project brings together research organisations, companies and cities to transform underutilised biomass and waste streams into low-carbon or even carbon-negative solutions for buildings and infrastructure.
About the project
BioCarbonBuilds is a two-year Business Finland project coordinated by VTT in collaboration with Aalto University. It focuses on developing carbon-negative and low-emission construction materials using biochar and other biogenic carbon materials.
By replacing part of conventional materials, such as cement and bitumen with biochar, the project aims to reduce emissions while improving material performance. The research combines material development with environmental, economic, and market assessments to support commercialization and adoption of these solutions on the market.
The project runs from March 2026 to February 2028 and is funded by Business Finland, research organisations and participating companies.
Topicals
From sidestreams to new materials
A key innovation of BioCarbonBuilds is its focus on heterogeneous industrial sidestreams, such as biorefinery residues, forestry by-products and municipal waste. These materials are currently underutilised due to variability in composition and quality.
BioCarbonBuilds develops tailored pretreatment and carbonisation methods that allow these sidestreams to be safely and effectively used in building materials, creating new value chains for both the bioeconomy and construction sectors.
Application areas
Cementitious materials
The project develops biochar-based mortars, concrete and 3D-printable composites. These materials are investigated for their potential to lower carbon footprints, improve material performance and store carbon in the built environment.
Asphalt and road construction
Biochar and other bio-based materials are investigated for use in asphalt to reduce reliance on fossil-based bitumen and improve performance. The research evaluates durability and suitability for Nordic climatic conditions.
Indoor building products
The project develops biochar-based panels and composites that combine sound absorption, thermal insulation and indoor air purification. The research also evaluates fire-retardancy properties to support the development of multifunctional alternatives to conventional materials.
Impact and business opportunities
BioCarbonBuilds aims to create new value from underutilised sidestreams and support the transition towards low-emission, circular construction.
The project helps Finnish companies, especially SMEs, develop solutions for international markets where demand for low-emission and circular products is increasing. Collaboration across the value chain supports the development of scalable applications and new business opportunities in the bioeconomy and construction sectors.
Collaboration
BioCarbonBuilds is a co-research project between VTT and Aalto University, supported by a wide industrial and municipal steering group covering the entire value chain from raw materials to end users.
The collaboration brings together expertise in biomass processing, biocarbon production, construction materials, product design and urban development.
