AS AT 31 MAY 2023:
53,796 LITRES BIOCHAR PRODUCED;
27.695 TONNES CO2 REMOVED.
TRAINING COURSES
We currently offer the following training courses:
Biochar Basics
Biochar Production
Setting up a Community Biochar Group
BIOCHAR BASICS
by
Brian Lewis
Prerequisites: Nil.
Age Range: Adult.
Course content: Biochar terminology; definition of biochar; how it differs from charcoal; Terra Preta soils; physical characteristics; chemical composition; types of biochar – raw, enhanced, activated; soil applications; special purpose applications; production methods; packaging and storage. Analysis of bulk density and composition. Introduction to carbon accounting & emissions trading.
Class size: Max. 20.
Course duration: 4 hours (2 sessions of 2 hrs).
Course location: Macclesfield Institute, Venables Strret, Macclesfield.
Brian Lewis has substantial experience in the design, manufacture and operation of a variety of biochar production methods; is the author of the book “Making Biochar – With Technical Manual”; and is currently the Chair of Maccy Biochar.
Course Fee: $20 per person payable at time of booking. Members FREE.
Contact Details: Email: maccybiochar@adam.com.au
Next Course Date: TBA
BIOCHAR PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
by
Kelvin Williams & Brian Lewis
Prerequisites: Biochar Basics.
Clothing Requirements: Sunhat, sunglasses; long-sleeved cotton trousers and shirt (NOT polyester); cotton or leather gloves; sturdy shoes..
Age Range: Adult.
Course content: Production methods – slow pyrolysis retorts, TLUD gasifiers, flame-cap kilns; continuous techniques; costs & benefits of each; operational risks; personal protective equipment; quenching v. snuffing; packaging & storage; demonstration of flame-cap kiln.
Class size: Max. 20.
Course duration: 8 hours.
Course location:
Morning session: Macclesfield Institute, Venables Street, Macclesfield.
Afternoon session: Macclesfield Biochar Centre.
OR by arrangement with your Group at your location.
Note: Your Group will be responsible for obtaining any fire permits needed for your area and for ensuring safety of participants at all times. We can assist with preparation of a Risk Management Plan.
Kelvin Williams is co-convener of Maccy Biochar and manager of Black Diamond Biochar, a supplier of enhanced biochar.
Brian Lewis has substantial experience in the design, manufacture and operation of a variety of biochar production methods; is the author of the book “Making Biochar – With Technical Manual”; and is currently Chair of Maccy Biochar.
Course Fee: $20 per person payable at time of booking. Members FREE.
For Group Arrangement at your location: The fee will be set by your group coordinator based on purchase of all biochar produced at 1.00/litre plus reimbursement of our volunteer travel costs.
Contact Details: Email: maccybiochar@adam.com.au
Next Course Date: TBA
SETTING UP A COMMUNITY BIOCHAR GROUP
by
Kelvin Williams & Brian Lewis
Course Content:
INTRODUCTION (Why start a community biochar group?);
BIOCHAR TERMINOLOGY;
DEFINITION OF BIOCHAR (feedstock; process; use)
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION (Public meeting; steering committee)
DRAFT BUSINESS PLAN (Objectives; Advantages; Markets; OHS&E; Financials)
COUNCIL INVOLVEMENT (Support in principle; volunteer insurance cover)
AUSPICING BODY (pending Incorporation eg local community association)
OPEN DAY (build community awareness; canvass possible operating sites)
OBTAIN OPERATING SITE (Crown land? Council land? Private property?)
OBTAIN FIRST KILN(S) (Community Grant? Build? Borrow? Hire?)
DESIGN & LAUNCH WEB SITE (Web site designer? Wix DIY? Other?)
EXPAND CAPABILITY (More kilns; more members; more funds)
VOLUNTEERS & SAFETY (Risk assessment; Job Event Registers)
EMISSIONS ESTIMATES (Petrol use; Electricity use etc)
CARBON CAPTURE CALCULATIONS (Biochar analysis; CO2 captured)
WOOD COLLECTION, STORAGE & PREPARATION
BIOCHAR PRODUCTION, PACKING & STORAGE (Safety aspects)
MEMBER BULLETINS (or Newsletters)
MARKETING & SALES (Customers; Product brochures; Payment methods)
Course location:
Macclesfield Institute, Venables Street, Macclesfield.
OR by arrangement with your Group at your location.
Kelvin Williams is co-convener of Maccy Biochar and manager of Black Diamond Biochar, a supplier of enhanced biochar.
Brian Lewis is co-convener of Maccy Biochar and has substantial experience in the design, manufacture and operation of a variety of biochar production methods; is the author of the book “Making Biochar – With Technical Manual”; and is currently Chair of Maccy Biochar.
Course Fee: By arrangement.
Contact Details: Email: maccybiochar@adam.com.au
Next Course Date: TBA
The Macclesfield Community Biochar Centre is a not-for-profit organisation set up to convert tree litter from local households, landowners and businesses to carbon-negative biochar (thereby reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere) and to sequester the biochar locally so as to improve local soils.