Projects
Dark Earth Carbon
Dark Earth Carbon is a leading company in East Africa that produces Biochar - a carbon rich, environmentally friendly soil enhancer. The Biochar is made from organic farm waste, such as corn stalks or tree thinnings, and are burnt in the absence of oxygen. This process is called pyrolysis.
When I first joined the project, I helped scope a suitable site for the first Biochar production facility in Mafinga, Tanzania. Following that, I provided operational support during the construction phase.
Currently, I'm developing a comprehensive 'playbook' for Dark Earth Carbon, designed to streamline the process of replicating, and establishing new facilities across various locations. This playbook will encompass every detail from initial planning and site setup to the specifics of operational needs.
RICS Practice Information Paper
I authored a Practice Information Paper for the RICS, exploring the influence of emerging UK and international carbon markets on the British agricultural sector, valuation practices, and the finance industry, and the broad implications for stakeholders.
Moreover, the document suggests that acknowledging the value of sequestered carbon in agricultural soils within loan security valuations could create a synergy between the agricultural and financial sectors, fostering both improved soil health and efficient removal of atmospheric carbon - a double win.
Off the back of this paper, I hosted a panel at the World Built Environment Forum, and will be speaking at the Royal Agricultural University for the RICS Rural Conference in June.
Natural Capital
Natural Capital refers to the elements of the natural environment, such as geology, water, flora and fauna, which offer economic benefit to society. This concept, though well established, has received renewed attention in the UK following the Environment Act of 2021. This legislation requires new land developments in England to achieve a biodiversity net gain (BNG) of 10%. That is to say, not just replacing but enhancing the natural habitat affected by development. This requirement opens up opportunities to transform underutilised rural land into 'habitat banks,' or areas dedicated to conserving and improving biodiversity.
I spent a year with the Natural Capital team at Carter Jonas LLP's developing services for the emerging BNG market. My work involved creating models to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of habitat restoration projects, contributing to the sustainable integration of natural capital considerations into land development practices.
