Char-Wall, the precast cement-and-biochar module that Nina Energy developed with PUCE, received a recognition in the Materials category of the 4th Sustainability in Construction Award (Premio a la Sostenibilidad en la Construcción), from the Ecuadorian Sustainable Building Council (Consejo Ecuatoriano de Edificación Sustentable, CEES) and Ekos. The ceremony took place on 25 September 2026. It was not our first time in this category.
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What we presented
Char-Wall is a precast cement-and-biochar module designed for green façades: walls where plants grow. We developed it with the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). It is moulded and cured at room temperature, without a kiln.
In the award's previous edition we entered the same category, also with PUCE, with biochar mixed into concrete for planters. This year we brought something different: a module designed for façades.
What is still missing
A recognition does not replace a test. Char-Wall does not yet have mechanical tests under INEN standards. If they are carried out, we will publish the results, whatever they are.
We say this because it is what we would ask of any materials supplier: before you buy, ask for the test.
Frequently asked questions
What is Char-Wall?
A precast cement-and-biochar module designed for green façades, developed by Nina Energy with PUCE. It is moulded and cured at room temperature, without a kiln. The details are in our Char-Wall article.
Does Char-Wall have mechanical tests under INEN standards yet?
Not yet. If they are carried out, we will publish the results, whatever they are.
Is this the first time Nina Energy has entered this award?
No. In the previous edition we entered the same category, Materials, also with PUCE, with biochar mixed into concrete for planters.
Thank you
To PUCE, with whom we developed Char-Wall. To CEES and Ekos. And to the people at our plant.
Sources and methodology
· Ecuadorian Sustainable Building Council (Consejo Ecuatoriano de Edificación Sustentable, CEES) — cees-ecuador.org (accessed 6 Oct 2026)
· Nina Energy, Char-Wall article, in Spanish (7 Oct 2026) — nina.energy/char-wall-modulo-fachada-biochar/
· Photographs of the 4th edition ceremony, 25 Sep 2026.
