Project overview

BURN’s clean cookstove project in Somalia is a long-standing initiative focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving household air quality, and decreasing reliance on unsustainable biomass fuels. By distributing energy-efficient cookstoves that reduce firewood consumption by up to 60 percent, the project addresses environmental degradation and public health challenges, particularly those affecting women and children. According to the Clean Cooking Alliance, traditional cooking practices contribute to approximately 2 to 3 percent of global GHG emissions and are responsible for nearly 4 million premature deaths annually due to indoor air pollution (Clean Cooking Alliance, 2022). In Somalia, where access to clean cooking solutions remains limited, the widespread use of inefficient stoves leads to significant deforestation and health risks. Given the project's strong foundational methodologies, rigorous monitoring systems, and measurable climate and social impact, it is now being elevated under the CCP labeling standard. This CCP certification recognizes high-integrity clean cooking interventions and is designed to improve the credibility and accountability of carbon-financed cooking projects. The transition to CCP labeling reflects the maturity and quality of the BURN Somalia project and positions it among the leading clean cooking carbon projects globally.

The project involves the large-scale distribution and sustained use of high-efficiency biomass cookstoves, tailored to local cooking needs in Somalia. These stoves significantly reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve cooking safety and efficiency. Since its launch, the project has worked through local distribution partners, community networks, and training programs to drive adoption and ensure long-term stove use. BURN integrates a digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system to track stove performance, usage, and emissions reductions. This includes GPS-tagged data on stove deployment, household surveys, and in some cases, sensor-based usage monitoring. These practices ensure the reliability of carbon credit calculations and support full transparency across the project lifecycle. As the project transitions to CCP labeling, its monitoring and data reporting processes are being further aligned with the standard’s requirements. This includes enhanced stove usage tracking, stricter durability and performance benchmarks, and improved user engagement protocols. The result is a verified, high-integrity carbon project that delivers real and lasting climate and development outcomes in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Somalia faces urgent challenges from deforestation, indoor air pollution, and limited access to clean, efficient household energy. BURN’s high-efficiency Kuniokoa stoves tackle these issues head-on, reducing fuel use by up to 50%, cutting harmful smoke in homes, and creating sustainable livelihoods through local distribution and after-sales support. By delivering a practical, immediately impactful solution at scale, BURN sets a new standard for clean cooking in Somalia, demonstrating that climate action, community health, and economic empowerment can advance together.