About IBI
Catalyzing biochar’s global impact for climate, environment, and communities
“Biochar is a system; it embodies the interconnectedness of market demand, carbon credits, and the diverse benefits and applications of biochar itself. Biochar is produced at many scales, from large industrial plants that generate clean energy to small kilns that help farmers transform crop residues and reduce burning practices. This adaptability allows biochar systems to address various climate challenges.”
— Lucia Brusegan, IBI Board Chair
Vision
A thriving, healthy planet for all.
Mission
Empower communities and inspire industries to integrate biochar-based solutions towards healthier ecosystems and economies worldwide.
IBI’s mission is to scale biochar to reach its full potential and achieve global net zero targets by empowering communities and industries. Through strategic partnerships, innovation, education and advocacy, we aim to accelerate and scale the adoption of biochar technologies worldwide, fostering sustainable business models, and facilitate community-based action that combats climate change and create a resilient future for generations to come.
What We Do
Meet the Team
Our passionate and multi-skilled team has decades of experience and is highly connected globally. We’re supported by a strong expert Board of Directors.
IBI History
2024
The second Biochar Academy is hosted in Thailand, in partnership with ECHO Asia, for 70 biochar practitioners from 18 countries. IBI co-hosts the second Biochar Malaysia Association International Conference and the German Biochar Forum. In partnership with HAMERKOP, IBI released the Manual for Biochar Carbon Removal. The US Biochar Initiative and IBI partnered to conduct and release the 2023 Global Biochar Market Report. The fourth Study Tour program was hosted in Italy in partnership with the Italian Biochar Association.
2023
IBI launches the Biochar Academy program, designed by Board member Kathleen Draper, in New York, seeing attendance from 37 professionals representing 20 countries. IBI attends the UNFCCC’s COP28 conference in the United Arab Emirates. IBI launches a new brand and logo to align with the modern needs of the growing, vibrant global biochar community. The organization hosts its third Annual Symposium, themed “Scaling the Biochar Industry to Cool a Boiling Planet.” The third Study Tour program was hosted in Switzerland, in partnership with Carbon Standards International.
2022
IBI hosts 10+ webinars & the second virtual Annual Symposium, connecting with over 2,500 stakeholders. IBI attends the UNFCCC’s COP27 conference in Egypt.
2021
IBI hosted the first virtual Annual Symposium with the theme "The Business of Biochar." IBI attends the UNFCCC’s COP26 conference in Scotland.
2018
The inaugural IBI Study Tour, a program created by Board member Kathleen Draper, took place in Austria with participants from 15 countries. IBI attended the UNFCCC’s COP24 conference in Poland, hosting a biochar side event.
2016
Nanjing University hosts the IBI Board of Directors for a planning meeting. Board members presented at the Asia Biochar Workshop.
2015
The IBI Board of Directors gathered for an organizational strategy meeting in the United Kingdom. The Biochar for Sustainable Soils (B4SS) project, a global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), was launched and led by IBI Board member Annette Cowie. IBI attended the UNFCCC’s COP21 conference in Paris.
2014
In partnership with Johannes Lehmann, IBI hosted the Biochar Seminar at the Soil Science Society of America. The second version of the IBI Biochar Standards was published, and a Biochar Certification program was launched. IBI began collaboration with the UK Biochar Research Center, Fraunhofer Institute, and Cornell University to establish a standard for laboratory biochar samples. IBI hosted its first course, “Biochar Training for Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development”, which formed the basis for the flagship online course (from 2012 through 2023).
2012
The first version of the IBI Biochar Standards was published.
2010
In 2010, the organization’s third international conference was held in Brazil for approximately 200 attendees, featuring 85 presentations and poster sessions.
2009
IBI co-founders Johannes Lehmann and Stephen Joseph published “Biochar for environmental Management.” IBI also attended the UNFCCC’s COP21 conference in Copenhagen to conduct a biochar side event.
2008
In 2008, the second international conference, “Biochar, Sustainability and Security in a Changing Climate” was held in the United Kingdom. The conference had over 225 attendees from 31 different countries with over 70 presentations.
2007
IBI organized the first international biochar conference, the International Agrichar Initiative, held in Australia, in spring 2007. The event attracted the participation of 107 attendees from 13 countries, representing a spectrum of backgrounds. By unanimous consent at the 2007 Conference, the International Biochar Initiative was established as a non-profit 501(c)3 in the US.
2006
IBI was formed in July 2006 at a side meeting held at the World Soil Science Congress (WSSC) in Philadelphia, PA. During the meeting, global individuals and representatives from academic institutions, commercial ventures, investment bankers, non-governmental organizations, federal agency representatives, and the policy arena acknowledged a common interest to promote the research, development, demonstration, deployment (RDD&D) and commercialization of the promising technology of biochar production.
Join Us
Become a member of IBI today!
Be part of a worldwide network driving innovation, education, and practical applications of biochar for a sustainable future.
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