March Char Talk: Aligning Biochar & Synthetic Aggregates: Performance, Economics & Standards for Low-Carbon Construction
Fri, Mar 20
|Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/y83px2bs
This month’s Char Talk, hosted by the Minnesota Biochar Initiative, features Kevin Shepherd, who will explore how biochar producers and synthetic aggregate developers are converging to support the next generation of low-carbon construction materials.
Time & Location
Mar 20, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT
Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/y83px2bs
About the event
This month’s Char Talk, hosted by the Minnesota Biochar Initiative, features Kevin Shepherd, who will explore how biochar producers and synthetic aggregate developers are converging to support the next generation of low-carbon construction materials.
Drawing from direct engagement with multiple biochar and carbon-based material companies collaborating with the Synthetic Aggregate Association (SAA), Kevin will examine how variations in feedstock, processing methods, particle size distribution, surface chemistry, and post-processing influence material economics, handling, and performance in cement and concrete systems.
During the session, Kevin will discuss:
How biochar and carbon-based materials are being evaluated as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), sand replacements, lightweight fillers, and functional carbon additives
How material characteristics impact grinding, pelletizing, blending, dosing, and integration into existing concrete manufacturing processes
How the Synthetic Aggregate Association’s evolving approach to aggregate classification is creating new opportunities for collaboration across industries
Real-world examples of companies aligning material specifications, testing protocols, and performance benchmarks to accelerate adoption in precast, ready-mix, and infrastructure markets
How carbon-reduction goals and embodied carbon targets are shaping demand for biochar-enabled construction materials
Kevin will also discuss emerging standardization efforts, commercialization challenges, and opportunities for collaboration between biochar producers, aggregate suppliers, and concrete manufacturers as the sector moves toward scalable, low-carbon building solutions.
RSVP now by scanning the QR code or visiting mnbiocharinitiative.org/events to join us for this timely conversation—and bring your questions. If you can’t attend, a recording, transcript, and presentation materials will be shared afterward.
Zoom Link:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/2275941034?pwd=3KuoN7zccBTlbFDijCJ097HcyW5U56.1
Meeting ID: 227 594 1034
Passcode: qVA7pK
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