Ecological concrete cookers have been developed to solve the problem of traditional cooking with open fires or rudimentary stoves, which cause the premature death of four million people annually in developing countries.
The US$2m (£1.3m) social business is being carried out by Cemex as part of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves. The initiative was launched in 2010 by former US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton to foster the adoption of clean stoves and fuels in 100 million households globally by 2020.
"Cemex has been working during the last four years in the clean cookstoves field, developing and providing sustainable solutions for people at the bottom of the pyramid," said Fernando  Gonzalez, CEO of Cemex.
As well as the safety benefits, the technology allows a reduction of up to 75% of wood used as fuel. It also contributes to reduce CO2 emissions and that of other short-lived greenhouse gases. Other potential benefits of are the preservation of the environment, a lower incidence of respiratory diseases and a reduction in accidents from burning. In addition, the use of the cookstoves improves the finances of families, thanks to a significant reduction in the consumption of wood as fuel.
The announcement was made at The Cookstoves Future Summit, held in New York City, where Cemex reiterated its commitment to the Alliance, together with other companies, governments, universities and NGOs.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk