L2M – Developing a Sustainable, Carbon-Negative Construction Material Using Phase Change Materials (PCM) From Agricultural Waste

BioCCM is an innovative start-up focused on sustainable construction materials, transforming agricultural and forestry biomass waste into phase change materials (PCMs) for energy-efficient buildings. These advanced materials provide an environmentally friendly solution for maintaining thermal comfort in structures while reducing carbon emissions and improving resource efficiency. By utilizing biomass residues, BioCCM addresses key environmental and economic challenges. Biomass waste, when not properly managed, can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, as it decomposes in landfills. For instance, Alberta’s food processing sector generates around 500,000 tonnes of biomass waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills. Similarly, approximately 11 million tones of straw produced in Alberta each year remain underutilized. By converting such waste into PCMs, BioCCM supports the adoption and scaling of advanced manufacturing technologies in home construction, promoting greener, more efficient, and cost-effective building methods.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hector De la Hoz Siegler

Student:

Partner:

Edmonton Unlimited

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

University of Calgary

Program: