CCA Launches Interim Code of Conduct to Ensure Responsible Carbon Finance in Clean Cooking
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 5, 2025 – The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) today announced the launch of the Interim Code of Conduct for Responsible Carbon Finance in Clean Cooking, a landmark framework designed to ensure integrity, transparency, fairness, and sustainability in carbon finance initiatives that support access to clean cooking solutions worldwide.
More than 2.1 billion people still lack access to clean cooking solutions, with many relying on traditional fuels that pose health risks and contribute to climate change. Carbon finance has emerged as a critical tool to drive investment in cleaner, more efficient cookstoves and fuels, but ensuring that these markets operate with the highest standards is essential to achieving long-term impact.
To that end, the Code of Conduct outlines the actions that project developers must take to fulfil the Principles for Responsible Carbon Finance – a set of values developed collaboratively in 2023 and 2024 by CCA and the Responsible Carbon Finance Advisory Board, with input from hundreds of organizations across the clean cooking sector. This subsequent Interim Code of Conduct was informed by consultations with working groups, interviews with experts, and research.
“The Code of Conduct is a critical step in building trust, accountability, and transparency in the clean cooking carbon market,” said Feisal Hussain, CCA Senior Director of Innovative Finance. “By setting clear expectations for project developers and carbon credit buyers, this framework ensures that carbon finance is delivered responsibly. We warmly welcome all stakeholders to review the Interim Code of Conduct and work with us to create as impactful a resource as possible.”
The Code of Conduct is intended for two key audiences:
- For carbon project developers, the Code of Conduct outlines the actions needed to meet each Principle. By adopting the Code of Conduct, carbon project developers can demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices. The framework establishes clear mechanisms for compliance, with project developers expected to undergo regular reporting and audits to maintain adherence to its principles.
- For carbon credit buyers, the Code of Conduct provides guidance on what to look for in practice when supporting impactful clean cooking projects. project developers that meet the Principles for responsible carbon finance.
The Code of Conduct complements existing efforts, including the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s (ICVCM) Core Carbon Principles, while addressing the unique challenges of the clean cooking sector.
CCA invites public feedback on the Interim Code of Conduct as part of an open consultation process from February 5 through April 9, 2025. Stakeholders can review the framework and submit comments by filling out the feedback form and emailing it to carbon@cleancooking.org.