Biologic

Advancing the Field of Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage

Biological processes like photosynthesis efficiently remove carbon from the atmosphere, but the majority of this carbon is released back into the atmosphere over relatively short timescales. Biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) approaches aim to use plants or algae to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it underground or in long-lived products without damaging, and ideally while enhancing, social-environmental values. While some BiCRS approaches utilize use technologies that promote both energy and carbon storage (e.g., bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, BECCS), other non-energy approaches focus on carbon storage as the product (e.g., biomass burial, biochar storage, bio-oil injection).

As a nascent field, it is difficult to ensure rigorous quantification and durability for many biomass storage approaches. Our Biologic Program aims to build trust and quality in BiCRS by conducting foundational science and economic analyses, forming cross-stakeholder networks, involving local community and stakeholder voices, and developing solutions to industry-wide bottlenecks, including tools that empower decision-makers to make scientifically and economically informed decisions.

How we're scaling Biologic solutions:

Building trust in the biomass system

Scientists, policymakers, and practitioners need to work together to ensure Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) approaches are rigorous, safe, and viable. Through research partnerships, workshops, and cross-industry initiatives, we foster trust and collaboration within the BiCRS ecosystem.

Post

CC Lab Co-Organizes BiCRS Workshop in Washington, D.C.

December 4th, 2023

Conducting foundational science

Science is the cornerstone of high-quality carbon removal. Right now, many fundamental questions about the behavior of biomass in storage remain open. We’re collaborating with leading researchers and developers to answer them.

Study

What are the true costs of pile burning practices?

September 24th, 2025

Creating a toolkit for implementation

From rigorous MRV protocols to optimal site selection and sustainable feedstock sourcing, nascent biomass storage solutions face many implementation challenges. We’re developing the open-source solutions required to translate science into real-world carbon removals.

Whitepaper

Opportunities for Forest Restoration and BECCS in the Western U.S.

July 14th, 2023

Our Projects at a Glance

Delaying Wood Decomposition

The CC Lab is conducting several nationwide field experiments to explore simple, cheap, and scalable treatments for delaying the decomposition of wood. We’re testing methods including submersion, above-ground suspension, and physical encasement (e.g. limewash coasting). Currently in Year 3 of these six-year experiments, we have been periodically analyzing samples from the field to determine rates of decomposition and the efficacy of each treatment.

Project

Delaying Wood Decomposition

April 8th, 2026

Carbon Vaults

With partners including University of Maryland Professor Jana VanderGoot and California-based startup Kodama Systems, we are piloting research on above- and below-ground wood storage structures we call “Carbon Vaults.” Vaults can be constructed for burial, where the wood is packed permanently underground in anaerobic conditions, or for above-ground storage, where wood is stockpiled in aerobic, dry conditions. This leaves the option to later access this above-ground vault to use the wood as a ready-made feedstock for carbon negative processes, such as gasification and carbon dioxide injection and storage.