Supporting communities and the environment
Our commitment to achieving Toitū Envirocare Net Carbon Zero involves supporting impactful international carbon credit projects. In our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental footprint, we have selected initiatives that not only reduce carbon emissions but also contribute to global communities in meaningful ways.
Supporting clean energy and health in Bangladesh
One of the key projects we are supporting is the Bondhu Chula (Improved Cook Stoves) Project in Bangladesh. In many rural areas of Bangladesh, traditional “three-stone” cooking stoves are commonly used. These stoves are inefficient, produce harmful fumes like carbon monoxide, and contribute to poor indoor air quality. This results in serious health issues, particularly for women and children, who are most exposed to the toxic smoke.
By supporting the Bondhu Chula project, Te Pae Christchurch is helping to replace these traditional stoves with improved, energy-efficient cook stoves. These new stoves reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease the reliance on biomass fuels like wood and animal dung, and improve indoor air quality, contributing to better health for local families. In addition to environmental benefits, the project creates employment opportunities and reduces the pressure on Bangladesh's forest reserves, making a positive impact on both the community and the environment.
Empowering coffee farmers in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, where coffee was first discovered, we are also supporting the Cookstoves for Coffee Farmers project. This initiative provides energy-efficient cook stoves to coffee farming communities, helping to reduce deforestation and the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods. These stoves not only help reduce carbon emissions but also improve the health and well-being of the farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the land.
This project aligns with our values by promoting sustainable development in one of the world’s most important coffee-growing regions. By reducing fuel costs and supporting cleaner cooking methods, the project contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future for Ethiopia's coffee farmers.
Why these projects matter
By choosing to offset our carbon emissions through these projects, Te Pae Christchurch is making a tangible contribution to both the environment and the communities we support. They represent a real, positive impact that extends far beyond our local efforts to become carbon neutral.
We’re proud to lead the way in sustainability, not only by reducing our own environmental footprint but also by supporting global projects that make a difference. These initiatives embody our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for our local community and the world at large.