Plant-based insulation materials as CO2 sinks?
Empa researchers want to develop a novel type of insulating material from plant-based raw materials or waste products that can permanently bind the CO2 it contains by means of a special heat treatment – and thus act as a CO2 sink. What's more, once the buildings have been deconstructed, this "biochar" and the CO2 it contains can be used in agriculture to increase soil fertility. The promising idea convinced several funding institutions, which are now supporting the concept financially.