The property professionals’ solution

With construction still accounting for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, the transition to low-carbon materials is more than just a trend: it is a necessity. Two solutions stand out today in this race for sustainability: biochar, a material used as a carbon sequestration medium, produced from biomass, and circular concrete, designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining maximum technical efficiency.

Biochar: a carbon-negative solution with multiple benefits

Historically used to enrich soil, biochar is now incorporated into building materials such as concrete, asphalt, and even polymers. Produced from organic waste through pyrolysis, it enables the long-term sequestration of carbon, with multiple benefits:

• It reduces CO₂ emissions by up to three times its own weight.
• It improves the mechanical properties and thermal insulation of materials.
• It extends the life of structures thanks to its effects on moisture and durability.

In construction, this translates into enriched concrete capable of storing CO₂, while remaining as effective as traditional materials. Several pilot projects in Switzerland and Europe demonstrate its potential as a key component of the concrete of tomorrow.

Circular concrete: a second life for resources

Circular concrete, meanwhile, is part of a reuse approach: rubble, excavated material, and demolition concrete are processed, recycled, and then reintegrated into new construction cycles.
This material offers concrete advantages:

• A significantly reduced carbon footprint.
• Quality equivalent to primary concrete.
• Controlled ecological traceability thanks to a transparent impact barometer.

This type of concrete is already being used in many Swiss projects for slabs, load-bearing walls, and facades. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it enhances the value of projects for buyers who are increasingly sensitive to sustainability issues.

A brief comparison

To help you quickly visualize the advantages of these two innovations, below is a comparative table of the environmental and technical benefits of biochar and circular concrete.

Why is this interesting for real estate professionals?

Whether you are a developer, broker, or project manager, integrating or simply knowing about these materials has several advantages:

• You enhance the value of your properties for customers who are concerned about environmental impact.
• You anticipate future low-carbon construction standards.
• You could benefit from greater local and political acceptance for large-scale projects.

Above all, you are investing in a long-term vision for construction, in line with major climate issues and market expectations.

Biochar and circular concrete offer concrete ways to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings while maintaining high technical performance. Their development should be closely monitored by real estate players wishing to anticipate changes in the sector.


Sources
admagazine.fr - Article
swissclimate.ch - Article
jord.one - Article
zirkulitbeton.ch - Article
beton2030.ch - Article