NZBRC biochar training course

The New Zealand Biochar Research Centre is planning to organise a Professional Development Course in Biochar Training for Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development to be held at Massey University (Palmerston North) by the end of summer (Feb-March 2015).

This course intends to provide an in-depth understanding of biochar for the target audience of entrepreneurs, financiers, researchers, government officials and policy makers in New Zealand. The course will provide an introductory high-level overview of biochar and biochar systems, covering production through to utilisation. Specifically, the course will focus on production technologies; biochar characterisation, standardisation and certification; ability to address specific soil constraints and use in agricultural systems; biochar in soil remediation; biochar systems; biochar carbon accounting and climate change; commercialisation and economics; and potential risks and research gaps.

The course will last 2.5 days and an optional exam will be offered to those interested in achieving academic credits and a certificate from Massey University (the exam could be taken a week later so that people had time to prepare for it).

Those interested in attending the course should contact Marta Camps (M.Camps@massey.ac.nz) before the 19 December 2014 at which time a decision will be taken whether there is sufficient numbers to allow a course to be held.

The cost of it would be ~ NZ$1000 + gst. This would include the daytime catering and the guide notes with a colour reprint of all ppts.


Comments

NZBRC biochar training course — 1 Comment

  1. Marta has advised that she is circulating the following email to the 9 folk who have expressed interest in this course… (still time to sign up),

    Thank you for your interest in attending the professional development course in biochar training for environmental sustainability and economic development. We have received expressions of interest from 9 other people. Despite the low numbers of potential attendees, we are still thinking of going ahead. However, in order to make it viable, a minimum of 8 people would need to confirm their interest and agree with the following changes:

    – Shortening the course to two days (e.g., a Thursday and a Friday).

    – Moving the course to the 19th and 20th of March, once the semester at Massey University has started, so that postgrad students are able to attend.

    Please let me know if you are considering attending the course and if so, whether a more concentrated 2-day course and the new proposed dates 19-20 March would suit you.

    Kind regards,
    Marta Camps Arbestain
    New Zealand Biochar Research Centre
    Massey University

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