Low Carbon Bio + Synthetic Fuels

Sustainable reforestation

THE PROBLEM

In North America, the cultivation of 1.6 billion tree seedlings annually relies heavily on peat moss, sparking significant environmental challenges. Canada, a global steward of a quarter of the world's northern peatlands, saw its GHG emissions from peat extraction reach 2.1 million tonnes in 2021.

While peat moss is effective under moderate conditions, it struggles during droughts. Drying out, peat moss becomes resistant to rehydration, pushing moisture from seedling roots and increasing mortality. This is particularly severe in Southern BC’s Interior, where rising droughts and wildfires demand frequent replanting, escalating emissions, and operational costs. Currently, there are no large-scale viable alternatives for growing these seedlings. Additionally, biochar by-product from biomass-powered energy facilities, instead of being utilized sustainably, is predominantly relegated to combustion or landfilling. This practice overlooks biochar’s potential as a stable, long-term carbon sink, inadvertently turning a potentially valuable resource into an environmental liability.

THE SOLUTION

Innovatree Carbon Group, pioneering a sustainable future, presents a groundbreaking solution for forestry operations: a proprietary-amended biochar, derived from bioenergy facilities across BC as a large-scale replacement for peat moss. This innovative substitute for peat moss is crafted from waste material, boasting exceptional moisture and nutrient retention increasing seedlings resilience. It’s not just a growth medium – it’s a climate warrior, one of the most robust carbon sequestering materials on the planet with a lifetime of hundreds to thousands of years in the soil.

Imagine the impact: 1.6 billion trees nurtured annually in North America with ICG’s biochar mixture could reduce GHG emissions by 283,574 tCO2e per year. Beyond numbers, it’s about adaptation to the changing climate – increasing seedling survival in drought-hit or fire-scarred landscapes, accelerating reforestation, and nurturing a healthier planet.

PROJECT STATUS
Active
PROJECT CATEGORY
Low Carbon Bio + Synthetic Fuels
FUNDING RECIPIENT
Innovatree Carbon Group
CICE FUNDING AMOUNT
$492,153
PROJECT VALUE
$650,833

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Announcements
November 14, 2023

CICE Supports Innovation for Forest Residue Management

B.C. clean energy innovators secure secure a total of $2.6 million to support the advancement of new approaches to manage wood waste and increase wildfire resiliency for B.C. communities
CICE Supports Innovation for Forest Residue Management
  • "Innovatree Carbon Group is a First Nation owned SME that is working to improve sustainability and identify climate adaptation strategies in the forest industry. CICE is providing us with the funding to commercialize our product so that it can be incorporated into reforestation projects sooner, producing more robust forest ecosystems for future generations."
    Garrett Whitworth, PhD, PChem, Director of Canadian Operations at Innovatree Carbon Group VISIT INNOVATREE CARBON GROUP