In August 2025, Tasman Environmental Markets’ (TEM) improved cookstove project in Papua New Guinea became the first project globally to issue Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) under the new Verra VM0050 methodology – a milestone achievement for our project, raising the bar for cookstove projects globally.
There was an immense amount of work involved by the TEM International Project team in the lead up to this verification, including the completion of the first phase of the cookstove project with the successful delivery of 20,000 cookstoves at the end of 2024.
But what does the transition to this new methodology really mean for the project and what’s next? Our Director of International Projects, Dr Gabriel Machovsky-Capuska, our PNG In-Country Project Manager, Michael Kisombo and our Senior Carbon Projects Manager, Shameer Muhammed explain why the new methodology is so important and how TEM became the first.
From locals to locals: TEM’s Papua New Guinea Highlands Project
The VM0050: Energy Efficiency and Fuel-Switch Measures in Cookstoves methodology launched by Verra in October 2024, is a game-changer – it unifies a range of legacy methodologies into one high-integrity framework. Unlike some previous cookstove methodologies, VM0050 employs robust baseline settings, and conservative defaults to markedly redefine quality for cookstove projects around the world. It’s also eligible under the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s (ICVCM) stringent Core Carbon Principles (CCP) label, reinforcing its credibility in climate finance markets.
Our project team took the VM0050 methodology from theory to practice by applying it to TEM’s “Healthier Homes, Healthier Forests” cookstove project in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands which commenced as a pilot in 2023. Grounded in a robust community-led delivery model, the project was a strong case study to apply the methodology for the first time, setting a global benchmark.
“What sets TEM’s effort apart from other cookstove projects is its local execution, 100% of project activities are implemented by in country staff working closely with community leaders and PNG government representatives. This hands-on approach underscores the importance of local empowerment in authentic climate interventions.”
The project is expected to reduce nearly 3 million tonnes of CO₂ over 10 years, while scaling to deliver 200,000 cookstoves. The first phase saw the local team distributed over 20,000 cookstoves free of charge via a meticulous community education and registration process in which approximately 98% of the community opted in to receive a cookstove. The project also achieved strong engagement and gender-balanced employment outcomes in extremely remote and marginalised communities in the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea.
Many of the cookstove recipients have shared their story with our team on the ground and how the cookstoves have made huge improvements to their daily lives. Janet speaks of the money saved on from purchasing less firewood.
During the registration process we met many inspirational locals, including Tike, a blind Southern Highlands resident who explained that access to this cookstove will be life-changing, as he and his young family often struggle collecting enough firewood. Watch Tike’s story here.
Entering a new age of cookstove projects
TEM saw potential in the development of high integrity improved cookstove projects in Papua New Guinea in 2023 recognising the benefits they can provide communities across the country beyond carbon emission reductions. Following extensive research, the Highlands region was identified as an area that would greatly benefit from providing this technology to households, TEM then commenced a pilot project.
As the project full scale project expands and the new VM0050 methodology implemented, we have observed the following:
Providing credibility through integrity
Being the first to deliver verified carbon credits under the new methodology sets a market precedent proving that the highest standards can be met even in remote, resource constrained and marginalised regions.
A project rounded in measurable impact
The project shows how real climate finance – rigorously validated – can support genuine local benefits including: reduced indoor air pollution, saved time for fuel collection, improved health outcomes, and economic opportunities for women.
Building trust and transparency
As cookstove projects continue to evolve, TEM’s transparent, locally led execution under VM0050 offers a tangible benchmark. Inspiring confidence among buyers and stakeholders seeking to support projects with lasting integrity and impact.
Providing a scalable path for inclusive climate action
Enabled by VM0050’s strong methodology and TEM’s robust delivery model, this project is positioned to catalyse large-scale adoption showcasing that high integrity methodology and delivery provide trusted vehicles for sustainable development.
The future is community-focused development
TEM’s Highlands improved cookstove project is much more than just a success story – it’s a defining moment in the evolution of carbon finance. By pairing VM0050’s rigorous standards with locally grounded implementation, we demonstrate how carbon markets can evolve into channels of authentic, accountable, and scalable climate action, in which investors can be confident their contribution is delivering tangible and lasting impact.
If you’d like to learn more about this project and how your business can support, contact one of our carbon experts today.
Important information
This information has been prepared by Tasman Environmental Markets Australia Pty Ltd (TEM), a corporate authorised representative (ABN 97 659 245 011, CAR 001297708) of TEM Financial Services Pty Limited (ABN 58 142 268 479, AFSL 430036). This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide you with financial advice or take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. While we believe that the material is correct, no warranty of accuracy, reliability, or completeness is given, except for liability under statute which can’t be excluded. Before making an investment decision, you should first consider if the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional financial advice. Please note past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.