Biochar is the product formed when perfectly dry biomass is heated under a limited supply of air. Instead of burning to produce carbon dioxide, the carbon and other substances contained in the biomass undergo a thermo-chemical conversion into a tough solid material which is resistant to decomposition or mineralisation. The process therefore locks up carbon and prevents it from going back into the atmosphere where it would contribute to further global warming. Formation of biochar is one of the globally recommended forms of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere. Scientists and governments across the planet agree that in order to limit global warming to 2^oC, various processes or CDR will be necessary since the rate at which greenhouse gases are being emitted (about 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2022 alone) is much higher than the rates of removal (about 2 billion tons on carbon dioxide equivalent the same year 2022).

NBI has initiated a research backed initiative to invest in the production and utilization of biochar for applications that would ensure that the carbonized material remains stable in the environment for hundreds of years. This initiative involves using waste biomass as raw material to produce durable biochar for applications such as soil amendment and as additive to concrete. In both cases, the carbon remains tacked away for hundreds of years (five centuries or more) and the process has a measurable impact on reducing the levels of carbon dioxide in the air.