Biochar explained
What is biochar carbon removal?
Biochar carbon removal turns suitable biomass into a stable, carbon-rich material and stores it in an eligible long-term use. The climate claim depends on the complete project, not the material alone.
Reviewed September 2026
A plain-English definition
Carbon stored in a stable material
Plants draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. Pyrolysis can convert suitable biomass into biochar while retaining part of that carbon in a more stable form.
When the biochar is produced responsibly and placed in a qualifying long-term application, the activity may support a carbon removal claim. The amount claimed is not simply the weight of the material. It must be calculated under an applicable methodology using evidence from the project.
Three different things
Do not confuse the product with the claim
Biochar
The carbon-rich solid material produced when biomass is heated in a limited-oxygen environment.
Biochar carbon removal
The net climate outcome after eligible storage and relevant project emissions have been accounted for.
Biochar carbon credit
An issued unit representing a verified quantity of carbon removal under a specified programme and methodology.
Project integrity
What needs to be true
Suitable feedstock
The biomass must meet the methodology's eligibility rules and have a documented source and previous use.
Controlled production
The process needs reliable operating records, suitable emissions controls and measurable outputs.
Stable product
Sampling and laboratory analysis support the carbon content and stability calculations required by the methodology.
Documented end use
The project must show where the biochar went and that its application is eligible.
Lifecycle accounting
Relevant emissions across sourcing, production, transport and application are included in the net result.
Independent assurance
Project design and monitored outcomes are reviewed through the applicable validation and verification process.
End use
More than one route to durable storage
Biochar can be applied to eligible soils and, under some methodologies, incorporated into qualifying non-soil products such as building materials. Suitability depends on the current methodology, product characteristics and traceability of the final use.
Develop a biochar project
Bring the project evidence together
CO2balance supports feasibility, methodology selection, project design, monitoring systems and preparation for independent validation and verification.