Enhancing Integrity in Biochar Production through Unannounced Audits
At Biochar Life, our teams are committed to the highest standards of quality and ethics, which is evident in our approach to monitoring operations. Alongside our multiple site visits per farmer as part of our standard verification process, we have recently also introduced unannounced audits. These surprise inspections, paired with regular checks, are critical in ensuring that our biochar production meets and exceeds industry standards, maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers. This comprehensive approach helps us continuously monitor and refine our practices, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Unveiling Our Kenyan Production Hub
Working with farmers in rural areas, agricultural areas, our Kenyan sites are the cornerstone of our biochar production and carbon removal. Our farmers utilize residual crop materials to produce high-quality biochar, turning agricultural waste into a valuable resource for enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.
The Artisan approach adopts a community-centric focus in biochar production. Working closely with farmers, this method facilitates hands-on training sessions that empower them with the skills to produce biochar effectively. This collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and pride in contributing to environmental sustainability. The biochar that is produced, when integrated into agricultural practices, not only revitalizes soil health but also enhances water retention and nutrient availability, leading to resilient crop systems.
Transitioning to Unannounced Audits
Our audit strategy revolves around scheduled reviews by third-party auditors, which plays a significant role in maintaining baseline compliance and pinpointing areas requiring enhancements. While effective, these planned audits only provide a snapshot of our operations on an annual basis. Recognizing the growing needs of buyers to have more regular updates on our work in the field, we have added unannounced audits as part of our operational process.
This shift was driven by our commitment to capturing a more authentic and comprehensive picture of our daily operations. Unannounced audits offer the dual benefit of observing regular practices without the veneer of preparation that can accompany scheduled audits, thus giving us deeper insights into the true state of our operations. These audits have also proven to be a robust tool in our quality assurance arsenal, reinforcing accountability and promoting a culture of continuous improvement among our staff.
Goals of Surprise Audits
The spontaneous nature of these audits aims to:
- Verify Authenticity: Random checks help confirm the consistency and accuracy of our reported practices.
- Assure Quality: We evaluate the application of biochar production techniques and their adherence to quality standards.
- Validate Processes: Direct assessments at the production sites ensure that all reported data, like trench dimensions and moisture content, accurately reflect our operations.
Audit Dynamics
- Team Composition: Our audit teams consist of local country managers, coordinators, and occasionally, external experts to maintain an objective perspective.
- Selection Process: We randomly select sites for auditing, focusing especially on those with previous outstanding performances or discrepancies.
- Execution: Conducted without prior notice, our audits involve comprehensive site inspections, staff and farmer interviews, and meticulous record reviews.
The unpredictability of unannounced audits can lead to logistical challenges, particularly with travel and site access. We address these by maintaining audit teams that are adaptable and can mobilize at a moment’s notice.
Insights from Recent Audits
During our most recent audit at the Kenyan production sites, our team conducted thorough evaluations and made several critical observations. These insights provide a valuable snapshot of the current operational status and help identify both strengths and areas for potential improvement. Below are some of the key findings:
Trench Dimensions and Biochar Production: The trenches used for biochar production generally conformed to specified standards, which is critical for both the efficiency and safety of the production process. However, we observed minor deviations in the dimensions of some trenches, primarily due to environmental factors such as rainfall, which slightly altered the trench floor length from standard measurements.
Moisture Content and Biomass Quality: The moisture content of the biomass used was consistently within the ideal range (under 25%?), indicating meticulous preparation and storage. Specifically, moisture readings varied from 10.4% to 13.0%, affirming that the biomass was optimally dry for high-quality biochar production.
Quality of Biochar Produced: Visual inspections during the audits confirmed that the biochar was free from impurities and contaminants when created through pyrolysis. Maintaining such high standards in biochar quality is essential for its effectiveness as a soil amendment
Biochar Storage and Handling: In most instances, biochar storage met our stringent guidelines, with bags properly labeled with unique identification codes for traceability. Nonetheless, we have made recommendations to further enhance storage conditions, aiming to prevent moisture absorption, decomposition, and contamination that could compromise the biochar’s quality.
Biochar Application Process: The application of biochar in the fields adhered to our best practices, with biochar being effectively mixed with manure or compost at recommended ratios and applied at appropriate depths. This meticulous process ensures optimal integration of biochar for soil enhancement, with thorough mixing to guarantee even distribution in the soil.
Safety and Operational Efficiency: Our audit also underscored the need for improved safety measures during the production and application processes. Recommendations include the adoption of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and boots, to enhance safety for all personnel involved. These improvements are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and adhering to health and safety regulations.
Concluding Thoughts
Our recent audits have highlighted two major areas for improvement that are essential for enhancing both our operational integrity and environmental sustainability:
- Enhanced Safety Measures: By bolstering safety protocols and ensuring the availability of proper personal protective equipment, we can better protect our workforce and adhere to health and safety standards.
- Optimised Storage Solutions: Improving storage practices will not only safeguard the quality of biochar but also streamline operations.
In summing up, unannounced audits at Biochar Life are more than just a regulatory compliance tool; they are a key aspect of our commitment to quality and transparency, ensuring that every batch of biochar we produce is crafted under the most stringent standards. Through these audits, we not only uphold our integrity but also reinforce our dedication to sustainable and ethical agricultural practices.
To learn more about how you can contribute to our mission, please visit our Wefunder page: https://wefunder.com/biochar.life.
