As part of the research project, two different composting facilities will be set up at the Environmental Education Center Berlin (Umwelt-Bildungszentrum Berlin) and the Gutsgarten Hellersdorf. In addition, the researchers will use the existing composting and pyrolysis plant in the Botanic Garden Berlin. They will compost regional plant residues – foliage, green waste, vegetable and fruit waste – with biochar. “This procedure will close regional material cycles, save enormous disposal costs, make efficient use of resources, and prevent CO₂ emissions,” explains program coordinator Dr. Bianca Schemel. The scientists will investigate the potential this process has for environmental relief by means of data including carbon and nutrient balance, life cycle assessment, and the study of substrate quality and plant growth. They will monitor the starting materials and end products of composting and pyrolysis to comply with the quality criteria and quality guidelines of the BundesGüteGemeinschaft Kompost e. V. nonprofit organization. The PrinzessinnenGartenBau company will found an earthworks in the Gutsgarten Hellersdorf and, in cooperation with the local horticultural farm Bebra and the Berliner Tafel food redistribution organization, will compost the plant residues of both. They will use the resulting biochar substrate to test marketing and sales and the economic potential.

To provide information about the great potential of biochar and biochar substrate and their positive effects on climate and soil, the researchers will design educational materials and hold workshops in the composting facilities in the Environmental Education Center Berlin, the Botanic Garden, and the Gutsgarten Hellersdorf. Classes will be offered for apprentices at the Environmental Education Center Berlin and the Peter-Lenné-Schule (secondary school for nature and environment, State Technical School for Horticulture Berlin). In addition, workshops will be developed for individuals working in horticultural and landscaping sectors, resource management, and park departments, as well as climate officers or farmers.