Qori Q’oncha Improved Cookstoves in Peru

SELLER

Microsol

PROJECT SUMMARY

In the high Andean regions of Peru, where temperatures can drop below 0°C, families use biofuels for cooking and heating their homes. Often, the only available technology is open fire. In response, the Qori Q’oncha Program was created in 2008 to provide families with clean cooking technology to improve their quality of life in an environmentally sustainable way. It is based on the Gold Standard methodology, which is periodically reviewed to assess its climate and social impact. 

The Qori Q’oncha Program, which means “Golden cookstoves” in Quechua, and is managed by the social enterprise Microsol, has achieved a total historical emissions reduction of 2,846,159 tCO₂e in the Peruvian Andes through 134,573 improved cookstoves. For over 14 years, Qori Q’oncha has benefited 601,325 people, which means thousands of rural families who do not have access to sustainable energy sources are now exposed to less indoor air pollution and have a better quality of life. 

Improved cookstoves allow women to breathe less smoke, give children more time to study and attend school, and reduce household fuel costs. These figures reflect that clean cooking solutions are not only a climate mitigation measure but also a direct tool for contributing to sustainable and equitable development. Funding is obtained, in part, through the sale of emission certificates, whose impact is documented transparently, traceably, and verifiably, undergoing rigorous auditing processes.  

In Peru, Qori Q'oncha demonstrably contributes to 7 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), certified by the Gold Standard Foundation, which recognizes contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable development in the region:   

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

Project impacts and benefits

In addition to the environmental impacts generated by the Program, Qori Q’oncha produces a profound social and economic impact, as it decreases the risk of heart and respiratory diseases, and reduces the time spent on stove-related tasks. The income from the sale of low-carbon contributions is fully reinvested in the programs. This includes awareness campaigns and capacity building activities that help encourage more members of vulnerable communities to adopt this technology.  

Emissions reductions

Qori Q’oncha delivers high-integrity, Gold Standard certified emission reductions by replacing traditional, inefficient wood-burning cookstoves in rural Andean households with clean, efficient technologies. By reducing fuel consumption and enabling cleaner combustion, the program cuts greenhouse gas emissions while supporting a credible transition to a low-carbon economy. 

Pressure reduction on forests

Traditional cooking practices drive deforestation and forest degradation near rural communities in Peru. By significantly reducing demand for firewood and charcoal, Qori Q’oncha lowers pressure on Andean forests, helping conserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and address one of the main drivers of land-use change. 

Additional time

Improved cookstoves reduce the time families spend collecting firewood and preparing meals. This creates meaningful additional time, particularly for women, unlocking opportunities for income-generating activities, education, entrepreneurship, and deeper participation in local economies. 

Better family health

By drastically reducing indoor air pollution, Qori Q’oncha improves household health and living conditions. Cleaner kitchens lead to fewer respiratory illnesses and better overall health outcomes, especially for women and children, who are most exposed to traditional cooking smoke. 

Overall well-being

Qori Q’oncha is more than a carbon project. It is a Gold Standard certified climate solution that combines verified emission reductions with forest protection, improved health, and social empowerment, delivering carbon credits with measurable, long-term environmental and community benefits.  

Verified Impact Results:

Enabled 601,325 families to gain access to these technologies. Reduced carbon emissions by more than 2.8 million tonnes of CO2

2 million tonnes of fuelwood savings, achieving an average 38% reduction in wood consumption per improved cookstove. By reducing pressure on forest resources, the project contributes to sustainable forest management and deforestation avoidance, in line with SDG 15.

Users report that respiratory illnesses have significantly decreased since adopting improved cookstoves, reflecting a substantial reduction in indoor air pollution and associated health risks.

For more information about this project please see the Gold Standard Impact Registry or contact Microsol>>

N.B.  Individual vintages cannot be selected for purchase. Purchases will include credits from the vintage range stated.