Their products have cut global CO2 emissions by 26.2 million tonnes, and saved 14.7 million tonnes of wood. Their impact includes reducing the time women and children spend cooking or foraging for firewood, sometimes by several hours a week.  

BURN’s clean cookstoves tackle an urgent global challenge

2.3 billion people worldwide cook on open fires or basic stoves, threatening their health and increasing pressure on local forests. The smoke they inhale contributes to millions of premature deaths every year, with women and children most at risk. The success of BURN’s wide range of cookstoves – all safer and more efficient than traditional stoves and fires – shows the power of bringing tailored solutions to different consumers and communities, from cities to rural villages.  

BURN’s commitment to research and consumer engagement, and its team of more than 40 designers, ensure it meets the varied needs of buyers with a range of electric, ethanol, LPG, charcoal and wood-burning stoves. 

The monitoring technology in BURN’s new range of electric induction cookstoves is also bringing finance into the clean cooking sector. The stoves produce real-time data showing exactly how often each device is used. This helps BURN generate robust carbon credits. When businesses or other organisations buy these credits to offset their own emissions, the money raised can cover about one third of the cost of a new electric induction stove. 

This lowers the price paid for each stove by customers, who will also cut their cooking energy costs by between 40 and 60%. Technology also enables the company’s pay-as-you-go sales model, which lowers up front costs for consumers – while warranties and after-sales care bring more financial security.  

The Kenya-based company employs 3,500 staff, mostly young people, and 50% of its workers are women. Roles in engineering and product design have helped created opportunity for local graduates. In total, BURN  makes 400,000 stoves a month, with factories or assembly lines in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania.  

In 2025 the company is planning major expansion with new factories in Ethiopia, Madagascar and Malawi – where the national government has signed an agreement with BURN to distribute one million stoves to low-income households. This could see its workforce grow by 70%. The company is also nurturing more advanced manufacturing techniques in the countries where it operates, in areas like electronics and metalworking. 

How has Ashden accelerated BURN’s growth?

BURN won its first Ashden Award in 2015. At the time, the company offered a single model of stove, with 62,000 sold – its total sales today are 5 million a year. Founder and CEO Peter Scott says: “Winning the Ashden Award marked a pivotal moment for BURN. The recognition enhanced our credibility, positioning BURN as a leader in clean cooking solutions in Africa. The award validated the impact of our work, attracting new partners, funders and investors who helped drive growth and diversification.” 

Visit BURN’s website here.

Check out the rest of our fantastic winners from the 2025 Ashden Awards here.