PhD Policy and Regulatory Pathways for Sustainable Building Materials – A Focus on ‘Biochar’

About the Project

The aim of this PhD is to examine the regulatory and policy processes that govern the approval of emerging sustainable materials. The research will assess how these processes could be streamlined to support the adoption of carbon-negative technologies, such as biochar. It will also draw on international best practices, particularly from countries like Germany.

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, making it essential for building professionals to consider the environmental impact of their projects. The UK’s net-zero strategy places strong emphasis on carbon dioxide removal technologies, among which biochar is considered a viable option.

Biochar is a circular and ecological solution for managing non-recyclable waste. It is produced as a by-product by heating organic biomass from biodegradable municipal, agricultural, and forestry waste in the absence of oxygen—a process known as pyrolysis. Incorporating as little as 1% biochar as a replacement for fine aggregate in cementitious composites has been shown to increase compressive strength by nearly 10%. In addition, it offers excellent insulation properties, improves air quality, absorbs moisture, and provides protection from radiation. Biochar enables buildings to act as carbon sinks: with extremely low thermal conductivity and the capacity to absorb water up to five times its weight, it can be used to insulate buildings and regulate humidity. Every tonne of biochar used in a building envelope can store up to three tonnes of CO₂ and prevent it from re-entering the atmosphere.

Innovation in the built environment is shaped by a complex network of policies, building codes, urban regulations, market mechanisms, and financial incentives. These elements can either enable or constrain the adoption of novel low-carbon materials. This research will use qualitative methods—including interviews, workshops, and focus groups—to map this regulatory landscape and identify key barriers to implementation. The methodology will involve a broad range of stakeholders, such as government officials, policymakers, industry professionals, energy ministries, and representatives from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Discussions will address themes such as technology readiness, economic feasibility, social acceptance, and voluntary carbon markets. The study will explore how existing regulatory pathways—such as those provided by the British Research Establishment (BRE) and the British Board of Agrément (BBA)—can be adapted to reduce the time between innovation and commercialisation.

Ultimately, this research seeks to inform policy development and industry practices in support of sustainable materials like biochar. Collaboration with industry practitioners will ensure that the findings have both practical relevance and long-term impact across the policy and construction sectors.

This PhD is a part of the UKRI Cross Research Council Responsive Mode funded interdisciplinary project, which aims to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions in the UK building sector—and globally—by exploring the potential of biochar as a sustainable construction material. The successful candidate will play a key role within this interdisciplinary project team.

Timeline

The closing date for applications is 21/11/2025. We expect interviews to take place by 30 November. Applicants will ideally be available to start in January 2026 but must be available to start by May 2026 at the latest.