Driving Confidence in Biochar:

IBI and CSI Merge Standards for Industry Growth

Good day

Carbon Standards International (CSI) and the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) are deeply pleased to announce a new partnership to create stronger standards and certifications to meet the needs of a rapidly scaling biochar industry.

An expert group led by the biochar researcher and IBI Founding Member Dr. Johannes Lehmann of Cornell University will be installed to be consulted in the future on further developments of the standard, including consideration of elements of the legacy IBI Standard.

To further support this work, IBI will develop a suite of education materials to increase understanding for CSI certification applicants about how to prepare for certification, and how to best prepare for future recertification. These education materials will include online courses and cover different CSI’s certification standards, including the World Biochar Certificate, the Global Artisan C-Sink, among others.

Ensuring the highest quality and safest biochar has been the hallmark of the IBI Standard since its launch in 2015. Through merging this legacy with CSI’s updated World Biochar Certificate, the industry will create increased assurance regarding the reliability and safety of biochar, both as part of carbon markets and for the physical biochar itself.

IBI Board Chair, Lucia Brusegan, affirms, “As the biochar industry scales, IBI continues to work to support it with partnerships that create confidence in biochar systems. Merging IBI’s legacy standard with the World Biochar Certificate, and creating new education programs to support the companies seeking certification, creates new value for the entire biochar ecosystem, from producer to buyer.”

IBI members can also receive discounts on education programs, expected to launch later in 2024, creating a pathway to certification that is cost effective and accessible. There will be additional benefits for IBI members, which we will be happy to inform you about later.

Carbon Standards International CEO, Ueli Steiner, affirms: “In the last years, biochar production has developed rapidly all over the world. In this partnership with IBI we want to offer modern standards and supporting services for the biochar industry, but also for all producers worldwide.”

About Carbon Standards International

Carbon Standards International (CSI) is at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future by setting carbon standards for biochar production and ensuring its quality (EBC, WBC). We also encompass carbon sinks with multiple novel methodologies as example EBC C-Sink, Global Biochar C-Sink and Global Artisan C-Sink. Whether you're involved in industrial or artisanal biochar, we've got you covered. Moreover, with our World-Climate Farm Tool , we offer a comprehensive solution for calculating the carbon footprint of farms or projects and their corresponding products.

About the International Biochar Initiative

Founded in 2006, the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) provides a platform for fostering stakeholder collaboration, good industry practices, and environmental and ethical standards to support biochar systems that are safe and economically viable. As the global network for a rapidly-scaling biochar industry, IBI supports its 600+ members across 70 countries through networking, education, and demonstration initiatives.

Kind regards

Carbon Standards International AG

Ueli Steiner
CEO

International Biochar Initiative

Lucia Brusegan
IBI Board Chair