Mainstreaming the environment into humanitarian action

Fuel and energy

Decision Tree Diagrams on Factors Affecting Choice of Fuel Strategy
in Humanitarian Settings (IASC Task Force)

Diagram guides the decision maker in determining which fuel sources to use in humanitarian response. Environmental factors are considered along the way (i.e. environmental sustainability of option, different environmentally friendly choices).

Matrix on Agency Roles and Responsibilities for Ensuring Coordinated,
Multi-Sectoral Fuel Strategy in Humanitarian Settings (IASC Task Force)

Matrix outlines the roles and responsibilities in every phase of relief and recovery that each cluster has related to a fuel strategy. Environmental considerations are present throughout the phases and clusters.

ToolsBack to top

Cooking Options in Refugee Situations – UNHCR Handbook of Experiences
in Energy Conservation and Alternative Fuel (UNHCR)

Guide explains problems with traditional sources of fuel (firewood and charcoal) and importance of saving energy in a camp setting and offers alternative energy-saving methods such as grass, biogas, solar energy and more. Discuses when and how to supply fuel.

Climate-proofing Energy Systems (HELIO International)

Tool provides simple indicators that can be used to assess the vulnerability of energy systems to climate change impacts and identify appropriate adaptation measures. May be used by aid workers to ensure that emergency and temporary power systems are resilient and adaptive. May also be used for longer-term planning (i.e. selection and placement of energy systems).

Gender and Energy for Sustainable Development: A Toolkit and
Resource Guide (UNDP 2004)

Toolkit includes gender-specific questions to ask when designing energy programmes and case studies. Development specific, but some takeaways for humanitarian programmes.

Case studiesBack to top

Generating Opportunities: Case Studies on Energy and Women (UNDP 2001)

Case study is development focus, but energy and fuel methods apply to humanitarian emergency: battery-operated lamps, biomass briquette and rural stoves to be used in different countries and contexts on behalf of women.

Fuel-Efficient Smokeless Stoves (UNDP)

Technical guide and project description for using fuel efficient stoves to reduce negative environmental impacts and assist women.

Best practicesBack to top

Assessing the Effectiveness of Fuel-Efficient Stove Programming:
Darfur-Wide Review (ProAct)

Evaluation highlights gender and environment as the most relevant issues in stove programmes. Environmental effectiveness of stoves is deemed high, p 38-40. Evaluation includes two basic indicators from larger data collection to determine effect on energy consumption compared to traditional firewood.

Fuel Saving Tips (Freight Best Practices)

Pocket guide for managers and drivers with check lists and questions to ask when buying fleet vehicles.

The Fuel Efficient Truck Drivers’ Handbook (Freight Best Practices)

Handbook explains tips for drivers to increase fuel efficiency and explains daily vehicle checks.

UNHCR Partner Wins Green Award for Pioneering Ethanol Stove (UNHCR 2008)

UNHCR’s implementing partner, Gaia Association, in Ethiopia, distributed CleanCook stoves to refugee families and daily distributes molasses-based fuel. Lower emissions, increased female safety, decreased health risks and less time collecting firewood.

The ICRC and the Protection of the Environment (ICRC)

ICRC partnered with REDI to design fuel-efficient stoves to use in IDP/refugee camps to decrease the need for fire wood.

Fuel and energy

General information

Sectors / Clusters

Cross-cutting issues

Environmental issues

Training toolkit