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Biochar Innovation Reduces Cement Use in Construction

Singapore Polytechnic students explore low-carbon construction with biochar integration.

Date: August 25, 2024

Singapore Polytechnic students showcasing biochar cement samples used in sustainable construction research.

Overview
Singapore Polytechnic’s Civil Engineering students have demonstrated a new approach to lowering carbon emissions in construction — by partially replacing cement with biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from organic waste. This student-led initiative explores how biochar can be used in mortar mixtures to enhance sustainability while maintaining the structural performance required for building materials.

Why It Matters
Cement production is responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions. By integrating biochar into cementitious materials, Singapore Polytechnic’s project shows how carbon can be stored within construction materials instead of being released into the atmosphere — a key step toward sustainable urban development under Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.

How Biochar Works in Construction
Biochar’s unique structure makes it lightweight and highly porous, enabling it to:

  • Sequester carbon within building materials.
  • Improve porosity control and thermal insulation.
  • Enable waste valorization — turning organic residues into green construction materials.

This research highlights the potential of biochar as an environmentally friendly alternative additive in cement-based applications.

Gee Hoe Seng’s Role in Advancing Circular Materials
At Gee Hoe Seng Pte Ltd, we believe that innovation and collaboration are vital in driving sustainability forward. Through partnerships with educational institutions such as Singapore Polytechnic, we actively support research that explores biochar’s role in construction, urban agriculture, and resource recovery. As Singapore’s leading biochar producer with EBC-certified operations, GHS continues to supply high-quality materials for carbon-negative building applications.

Moving Forward
The Singapore Polytechnic project underscores a growing trend: the use of biochar as a key enabler of circular construction. Gee Hoe Seng remains committed to working with academia, industry partners, and policy stakeholders to unlock new pathways for low-carbon building materials in Singapore and beyond.

This article references reporting from Lianhe Zaobao, published on August 25, 2024.