BioLite committed to a carbon neutral future after an analysis of its operations showed it its cook stoves and other products reduced 16 tons of carbon emissions for every ton the company generated from 2012 to 2014.
BioLite, which is a Brooklyn-based social enterprise, made the discovery through an internal carbon analysis, which evaluated the organization's operations from 2012 to 2014. The analysis identified an aggregate emissions footprint of 2,921 tons, looking at both manufacturing and operations.
BioLite will use the data to identify opportunities to streamline logistics, packaging, and other areas that can utilize less carbon intensive methods.
“When we make products, we produce carbon, and that affects us all,” said Jonathan Cedar, BioLite co-founder and CEO. “It was time for us to take responsibility for our own practices and follow the same calls to environmental stewardship we ask of our customers every day.”
Virtuous cycle
To complement these reduction efforts, the company will offset its emissions through a solution truly unique to BioLite replacing smoky open fires with clean cook stoves. Forty-three percent of the planet still cooks over open wood fires, creating CO2 and other toxic emissions that are harmful to both public health and the climate.
When BioLite replaces a fire with the BioLite HomeStove pictured to the left, CO2 emissions are cut in half and smoke is reduced by up to 94 pecent. The emission reductions from using these stoves are registered by the Gold Standard Foundation, the leading carbon accreditation body; for every ton of CO2e reduced, BioLite will receive a carbon credit.
BioLite anticipates that for every ton of carbon the company has emitted through 2014, it has avoided sixteen tons through HomeStove distribution and use. The first of these credits are then retired to offset emissions from BioLite’s product manufacture and operations. The balance of remaining credits present an interesting opportunity for BioLite in the future.
“Our carbon credits enable BioLite to partner with other like-minded companies and institutions looking to create accountability for their carbon footprint,” said Cedar. “Sales of those credits can help us reduce the cost of HomeStove ownership in emerging markets, create easier access for low income customers and, in turn, prevent even more carbon in the future. It’s a really exciting cycle of impact, but before asking others to join our mission, it’s critical that we address our own carbon footprint first and foremost.”
As COP21 approaches, with world leaders discussing the challenge of lowering carbon emissions while meeting increased global energy demand, BioLite aims to serve as an example of market-based solutions that can inspire actionable change.
“We are small today, but if we start with the right practices now – along with the wave of B Corps, social enterprises, and mission minded companies out there – our impact can be felt at scale within a matter of years that’s hope for the future,” Cedar said.
BioLite is the recipient of numerous awards including the St. Andrews Prize for the Environment, Popular Science Best of What’s New, Nokia Health Tech Awards, and Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards. Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, the company was founded in 2009 by Jonathan Cedar and Alec Drummond. It is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves. The Biolite Corporate Sustainability Report 2012-2014 can be viewed online.
