PROJECT BUHAY

Changing lives through improved cooking

Auditor/s: Carbon Check
Standard: Verra
Inception: 2022
First Issuance: 2025

Registration: VCS 3356
Status: In Progress
Households: 115,144
Support: ~30 households per Advocate

Sustainable Development Goals:

Project Buhay is the first clean cooking project in the Philippines

BACKGROUND

77% of households cook inside where smoke exposure from cooking is greatest

Health

Indoor air pollution is the 4th largest health risk globally, with over 4 million deaths each year
Open fires are dangerous, leading to burns, accidental fires, and scalding, especially in homes with small children
The Philippines ranks among the highest in Asia-Pacific for deaths due to household air pollution at 8.4 deaths per 10,000 people

Gender

Foraging long distances to collect wood exposes women and girls to the risk of harassment or assault
Women and children under 5 years old, who spend the most time near cooking fires, are the most affected by the associated health risks
Women and girls are disproportionately responsible for gathering fuel and cooking, reinforcing gender inequalities and limiting their opportunities for education or economic participation

Environment

Burning wood releases greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming
Open fires are highly inefficient, with much of the heat energy lost instead of being directed toward cooking
Open fires require large amounts of firewood, contributing to deforestation and the depletion of natural resources in rural areas
Project areas are in proximity to important biodiversity and watersheds areas
Areas have up to 97% deforestation from logging and farming activities

Education

60% of the population have at most an elementary education
Poverty significantly impacts education, with many children dropping out to work in farming
Secondary education is often inaccessible to remote and isolated areas

Buhay Stove Features

Simple to Use

Easy to use and doesn’t require significant habit or cultural changes

Fuel Efficient

3-4x more thermal efficient compared to traditional cooking methods resulting in up to 70% less woodfuel used

Cleaner Air

Reduces Particulate Matter* 2.5 by up to 90%

Long-Lasting

Built to last 7–10 years using proven materials for the Philippines

OUR IMPACT

Project Buhay’s Impact in Numbers

115,114

Households

Among these households are 30,342 Indigenous Peoples, 11,729 solo parents, and 17,560 living within conflict hotspots.

90%

Reduced PM 2.5

Particular matter is a type of air pollutant that is extremely small (< 2.5 µm) and harmful to human health.

7,305

Employed

Of those employed, 80% are women, 60% are youth, and 20% are seniors.

70%

Less Woodfuel Used

Our stoves are 3-4x more thermal efficient compared to traditional cooking methods.

Data last updated December 31, 2024. Data is audited annually for accuracy by an independent firm.

TRANSPARENCY

How we manage our projects

Ongoing Engagement

Youth Education

We regularly visit rural schools to introduce essential topics such as climate change, clean cooking, and the transformative role of education in creating opportunities for a better future.

Fiesta Cooking Contests

To foster community spirit and engagement, we organize events such as cooking contests during Fiestas. Channeling our inner Gordon Ramsay, we host lively cooking competitions where participants from various villages showcase their culinary skills, competing for the title of "Best Dish." These events combine education, fun, and community support, making them a unique platform for learning and celebration.

Implementation Partners

Let's Chat

We love forging new partnerships. If you’re interested in learning more about our projects, supporting our mission by purchasing carbon credits or exploring collaboration opportunities, we want to hear from you.

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