Biochar utilization and small-scale pyrolysis systems for decentralized use: Research cooperation with Ghanaian University
Researcher Michael Commeh from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, visited us in October on an ETH4D Visiting Scientist Grant for collaborative research on the valorization of biochar in building materials and sustainability assessment of small-scale pyrolysis systems in decentralized context.
How time flies!
This October, we had the pleasure of hosting Michael Commeh from the Technology Consultancy Centre (https://tcc.knust.edu.gh ) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. His visit was made possible through the ETH4D Visiting Scientist Grant (https://eth4d.ethz.ch/funding-opportunities/ETH4D-exchange-grants/ETH4D-faculty-exchange-grants/application-form--eth4d-faculty-exchange-grants.html ), supporting his ongoing collaboration with Mareike Thiedeitz at CSC.
Over the past month, we discussed and investigated intensely how to build in ways that are more climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and affordable. Michael, who began developing small-scale pyrolysis systems for waste management and clean energy in Ghana many years ago, brought his expertise from process engineering and renewable energy research.
Together with Mareike, he explored how biochars from different biogenic waste origins in Ghana can be used for carbon sequestration in building materials, whether mixed into cement and concrete or applied as stabilizers in laterite or clay blocks. In our laboratories at ETH, they investigated the microstructural properties of biochars and evaluated the performance of the resulting building materials.
Our collaboration will continue, focusing on small-scale pyrolysis systems as a pathway for efficient waste valorization and sustainable construction materials in both Ghana and Switzerland.
The exchange has been very inspiring, not least because of the shared vision for future projects, such as the early-stage planning of a school in Mole National Park, built using locally available resources and supported by sustainable material valorization strategies.
A heartfelt thank you, Michael, for this month of rich discussions, and thank you to ETH4D for making this research exchange possible. We are already looking forward to the next steps together!
The chair of Sustainable Construction intends to embed sustainability in all aspects of the built environment. For more information, please visit our website.