Developers dump gas stovetops for induction

“They’re coming for your gas stoves!” screamed the dog-whistlers and rabble rousers in the USA media, although it turns out it was just a typical right-wing over-reaction to anything that might help the environment.

In fact, moves in the US and Europe to limit the introduction of gas cooktops in new homes are just a belated response to strong evidence that gas stovetops not only add to Greenhouse gasses (obviously), they actually introduce health-damaging benzene fumes into homes.  Benzene is known to trigger and exacerbate asthma attacks, at the very least.

And that’s why there’s a global campaign to first of all reduce the number of gas appliances in new homes, especially apartments – with electric-powered induction stovetops being the preferred alternative – and then take them out of the equation when people renovate their kitchens.

And it’s a real challenge – some local councils still insist that new homes MUST have gas appliances fitted ignoring the fact that, if more people turn to electric power and more electricity is generated by renewables, then the whole planet benefits as fossil fuel use is reduced.

That’s one of the reasons television personality chef Melissa Leong this week joined representatives from apartment developers Frasers Property Australia, Cbus Property, Barangaroo’s International Towers and the Powerhouse Museum group as they pledge to exit gas in favour of safe, sustainable electric cooking.

Along with existing commitments from property giants Lendlease and GPT, this takes the combined assets and funds under management of property companies pledging to walk away from installing gas for cooking to at least $127 billion.

The announcement was made from the induction kitchen at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Sydney, and included a panel discussion with Melissa Leong, Icebergs head chef Alex Prichard and Asthma Australia CEO, Michele Goldman. 

The organisations featured have signed on as partners of the Global Cooksafe Coalition (GCC), making a commitment in OECD countries to phase gas out of kitchens in new developments by 2030 and all-electric retrofits of existing properties by 2040.

Melissa Leong is joins an impressive list of food culture leaders, including Neil Perry and Palisa Anderson, in supporting the work of the GCC, touting the superior performance of induction cooktops and the health and sustainability benefits of electric cooking.

“The way we’re cooking both in the home and commercially is rapidly changing. Induction cooking provides spectacular control as well as being a clear winner when it comes to health and environmental considerations,” said Melissa.

Renowned chef Peter Gilmore also joins the list of GCC supporters voicing their support for an electric cooking future. 

“I personally believe that cooking with electricity through the use of induction technology is the future for both commercial and domestic kitchens. It just makes sense environmentally and performance-wise,” he said. 

Felicity Armstrong, General Manager Assets, Frasers Property Australia said: “We’re proud to commit to the transition away from gas as part of the Global Cooksafe Coalition as it’s a partnership which naturally aligns with our own ESG strategy. It means working collaboratively with the retailers in our centres, while ensuring the homes we create in the future integrate the best quality, sustainable all-electric solutions. We know our retail and residential customers want to reduce their footprints and this is another way for us to take the journey together.”

Cbus Property’s Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Pozzo, said: “The Global Cooksafe Coalition is actively demonstrating how our industry is changing. We are proud to support our partners and customers in the transition to a net zero carbon future by ensuring we are delivering office buildings, retail centres and residences that are healthy, safe, efficient and sustainable.

“Our future-ready developments are designed with next-generation technology in response to dynamic and evolving customer requirements, showcasing the enduring certainty of the Cbus Property brand and creating sustainable returns for Cbus Super members.”

Powerhouse Museum Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said: “Powerhouse Parramatta is currently under construction and is the largest cultural project being undertaken in Australia. When it opens in 2025, it will be net-zero from day one of operations with gas-free cooking.”

Steve Ford, Head of Sustainability at The GPT Group said: “Having been the first property company to partner with the Global Cooksafe Coalition at its inception, GPT is committed to the electrification of kitchens in our assets to help reduce the use of fossil fuels by our tenants which plays a role in bringing us all closer to a 100 per cent renewable energy future.

This aligns with GPT’s commitment to the reduction of energy consumption and emissions in our portfolio, as part of our target to operate a carbon neutral portfolio of assets within our ownership control by 2024.”

Ann Austin, Head of Sustainability, Lendlease Australia said: “As a founding partner of the Global Cooksafe Coalition, we’re calling for universal access to safe, sustainable cooking that is free from gas as we work with our partners to drive and accelerate industry change.

“We’ve already committed new apartment developments to include induction cooking, and we’re seeing a real shift in interest among food and beverage retailers for electric kitchens – at our recently opened Sydney Place precinct, five of our retail tenants have elected to fit all-electric kitchens as the industry starts to embrace the move away from gas.” 

Historically, this marks a defining moment in Australia’s electric cooking future,” said Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia. “With property players standing next to top chefs saying electric technology is safer, cleaner and offers a superior cooking experience, it’s clear that market leaders have called time on gas in our kitchens.”

Asthma Australia CEO, Michele Goldman said: “The science is really clear that cooking with gas is harmful to health. It produces pollutants that can both trigger asthma symptoms but also contribute to the development of the disease.

“We know that it contributes to 12% of the asthma childhood burden. And this is a really big concern. Australia already has one of the highest incidences of asthma in the world. It’s one of the eighth leading causes of disease burden in Australia, and it’s moving in the wrong direction.”

Evidence about the negative health impacts of gas cooking is mounting. Last month, a new Stanford study found that a single gas burner can raise indoor levels of the carcinogen benzene above those in second-hand tobacco smoke.  

According to their press release, the Global Cooksafe Coalition (GCC) is an unprecedented alliance of public health, climate, aid and development organisations, multi-billion dollar property companies and leading chefs, joining forces to call for universal access to safe, sustainable cooking, including the phase-out of gas from our kitchens. 

The GCC is funded by philanthropic grants from charitable foundations. In order to maintain independence we do not accept money from governments or companies. This event has been supported by the European Climate Foundation.