Carbon offset sales fuel project growth
Clean, efficient cookstoves not only reduce fuel use and toxic emissions, but also the amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gasses that are released into the atmosphere. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that each stove achieves can be quantified in the form of a carbon offset, which is equal to one metric tonne (a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms or 2,204 pounds) of CO2. The number of carbon offsets generated by the use of a stove (and/or many stoves) can be quantified and verified by United Nations-sanctioned independent auditors, much like financial auditors verify a company's books.
Once these auditors quantify the offsets and certify that our work has indeed reduced a specific number of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon offset serial numbers are issued and the offsets can be sold to environmentally conscious businesses and consumers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The sale of carbon offsets generated by our social enterprise programs allows us to scale and expand our work around the globe, provides a return to our investors and lenders, and funds other innovative forms of sustainable community development.
