Carbon Negative Construction: Holcim’s new biochar technology locks in CO₂, turning buildings into long-term carbon sinks.
First Full-Scale Application: Technology debuts in a Basic Services Unit prototype developed with Pritzker Prize-winner Alejandro Aravena.
Sustainable and Scalable: Integrates recycled aggregates and low-carbon cement formulations without compromising performance.
Holcim, in collaboration with renowned architect Alejandro Aravena and his firm ELEMENTAL, has introduced a breakthrough in sustainable construction: a biochar-based concrete mix that actively removes carbon from the atmosphere. Launched at the 2025 Architecture Biennale in Venice, the innovation is showcased in a full-scale Basic Services Unit housing prototype.
“Holcim is the leading partner for sustainable construction, and we work with stakeholders across the value chain to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers,” said Miljan Gutovic, CEO of Holcim. “Through our partnership with Alejandro Aravena and the ELEMENTAL team, we have demonstrated how Holcim’s new carbon sink technology can shape the future of construction.”
The prototype reflects ELEMENTAL’s principle of incremental design, offering essential infrastructure that residents can build upon. It uses precast panels to deliver core housing functions quickly and efficiently—ideal for scaling solutions to meet housing demand without environmental compromise.
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“In Venice, we are bringing incremental housing to its core: a structural sanitation unit using precast panels takes care of the basic needs of inhabitation,” said Alejandro Aravena, Founder of ELEMENTAL. “Holcim’s new decarbonization technology allows us to address the scale and speed of the housing crisis’ demand without putting a strain on the environment.”
Biochar, the core of this innovation, is a charcoal-like substance made by stabilizing organic matter. Typically, this matter would decompose and emit CO₂; instead, converting it into biochar sequesters the carbon permanently. Each kilogram of biochar prevents the release of up to three kilograms of CO₂. When used in Holcim’s low-carbon cement, mortars, and concrete, the result is a construction material with significantly reduced carbon impact.
The material integrates 100% recycled aggregates, aligning with Holcim’s circular construction goals. It complements Holcim’s other sustainability innovations, such as ECOPact, ECOPlanet, and ECOCycle® technologies.
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