Heriot-Watt University are holding an online stakeholder engagement event on 12 May as part of their project “Advancing the Use of Biochar in the Building Industry”.
This study explores the development and potential adoption of biochar-based concrete as a sustainable construction material. As this is an emerging area, it is important to consider not only the technical performance of the material but also the perspectives of key stakeholders involved in its development, specification, regulation, and implementation.
The workshop will bring together experts from diverse backgrounds to identify key performance requirements, sustainability priorities, adoption barriers, and enabling conditions for the future use of biochar-based concrete. Your expertise would be valuable in helping us understand what matters most in practice and how to assess, improve, and implement this material.
Workshop details:
Date: 12 May
Time: 10:30 – 12:00 and 13:30 – 15:00 (BST / GMT+1)
Format: Online (MS Teams)
Link: This will be provided upon your confirmation
Workshop programme:
10:30 – 12:00 | Session 1
Introduction to the study and the multi-stakeholder approach, followed by completion of a short survey.
12:00 – 13:30 | Break
Lunch break (the research team will review survey responses during this time).
13:30 – 15:00 | Session 2
Focus group discussions to explore key themes in more depth.
During the focus group session, participants will be grouped based on their expertise and stakeholder background. For example, some participants may focus on material performance indicators (e.g., mechanical, physical, and durability properties), while others may explore aspects such as sustainability, policy, adoption barriers, market readiness, and implementation.
Your contribution will help them gain insights into:
The most important technical and non-technical indicators for evaluating biochar-based concrete
Key trade-offs, risks, and uncertainties affecting its adoption
The evidence, guidance, and enabling conditions needed to support its use in the construction sector
If you would like to join this event or have any further questions, please contact Rosie Sadraei (r.sadraei@aston.ac.uk).