This April, vocational education and training (VET) professionals and practitioners from across partner countries gathered in Göttingen, Germany, to participate in the B4C/CASCADE Continuing Professional Development Programme — a dynamic, one-week training course focused on biochar and its role in driving the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE).

The training was hosted by blinc eG – the Blended Learning Institutions’ Cooperative, a key coordinator of the B4C project. Known for its innovative approaches to adult education and sustainability, blinc welcomed participants into an interactive learning environment that combined technical expertise with practical implementation.

The face-to-face course in Göttingen (7–11 April 2025) offered a well-structured blend of theoretical insights, practical application, and peer collaboration. Over five intensive days, participants:

🔹 Deepened their understanding of biochar production and its potential uses across various sectors.

🔹 Took part in hands-on design thinking workshops and collaborative prototyping sessions.

🔹 Visited inspiring real-world initiatives, such as urban biochar applications in Göttingen and the Biochar Techlab at Kassel University.

🔹 Developed and pitched their own innovative biochar projects in an international conference setting, with feedback from invited experts.

The learning experience does not end in Göttingen. A post-training support phase helps participants implement their ideas in their home institutions and regions. This includes:

-Monthly online helpdesk sessions for guidance and peer exchange.

-Continued mentoring by European experts.

-Access to a growing network of sustainability-driven professionals.

By the end of the programme, participants return home equipped with not only the technical knowledge and tools but also the confidence to lead local initiatives that contribute to the circular carbon transition.

🌐 Learn more about the project at: https://b4c.threec.eu/ 

For more information and participation opportunities, contact:

Ali Rashidi, The Head of International Cooperation Department at Folkuniversitetet Uppsala, ali.rashidi@folkuniversitetet.se

Kateryna Puhachova, Project Manager at Folkuniversitetet Uppsala, kateryna.puhachova@folkuniversitetet.se