Bondhu Chula Stoves, Bangladesh

Less than 20% of the 35 million Bangladeshi households have access to clean cooking. The Bondhu Chula, which loosely translates as the ‘friendly stove’ in Bengali is solving this problem. Traditionally, cooking is done over an open firepit, releasing smoke and particulate pollutants. These pollutants contribute to nearly 50,000 premature deaths a year and cause millions in the country to suffer from lung, eye, or skin infections. 

The Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation is changing this through its Bondhu Chula, which is designed to ensure more efficient and cleaner home cooking. This project works with micro-entrepreneurs who receive training in stove production, sales and marketing and after-sales service. Carbon finance is used to subsidise 50% of the cost of stove installation, provide after sales services, as well as a seven-day training programme for the local entrepreneurs. This project has proved to be highly successful as over 5 million stoves have been installed to date.

In addition to delivering emissions reductions to take climate action (SDG 13), the project delivers additional benefits. The SDG contributions have been indicatively measured, and need to be confirmed:

• No Poverty: Fuel consumption is reduced by as much as 50%, saving money for families.
• Good Health and Well-being: The chimney design reduces harmful indoor air pollution.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth: This project is creating a market for fuel efficient stoves in Bangladesh, involving over 5,000 entrepreneurs in manufacturing and distribution.
• Gender Equality: Women and children benefit as the ones most often preparing food.
• Life on Land: Reducing wood fuel consumption reduces pressure on local forests and biodiversity.