Improved Cookstoves in Laos

SELLER

Nexus for Development

PROJECT SUMMARY

In Laos, traditional cooking methods aren’t just inefficient—they’re deadly. Each year, 10,000 people lose their lives to air pollution-related illnesses, with nearly half of these deaths linked to indoor air pollution from burning solid fuels. Women and children bear the brunt of this crisis, facing severe health risks while cooking for their families over smoky, polluting fires.

The Improved Cookstove Program is bringing cleaner, greener cooking technology to rural Laos. Led by the Association for Rural Mobilization and Improvement (ARMI), the program is training over 20 local producers to manufacture high-quality, energy-efficient stoves that reduce wood and charcoal use by 20%. These stoves not only slash harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also save families money and protect their health by delivering cleaner air.

To ensure quality and durability, the program has established three testing agencies, guaranteeing that every stove sold makes a meaningful difference. Beyond health and environmental benefits, the program is driving rural economic development, creating jobs, and empowering local communities to build a healthier, more sustainable future.

• Lives saved: Cleaner air could prevent thousands of deaths annually, especially among children under five.
• Climate action: Cutting fuel consumption reduces deforestation and emissions, tackling climate change locally.
• Economic empowerment: Local producers are gaining skills and incomes, driving rural development.

Project Impacts and Benefits:

- 900,000+ total stoves installed
- SDG 13 Climate Action: 560,760 tonnes of CO2 avoided
- SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy: 50% reduction in household fuel costs

Project documentation can be found in the Gold Standard Impact Registry 

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