This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
FRASERS Property Australia, Cbus Property, Barangaroo’s International Towers and the Powerhouse Museum group have joined property giants Lendlease and GPT in a pledge to oust gas in favour of electric cooking.
The commitments – announced from the induction kitchen at the famed Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Sydney with a panel discussion featuring TV personality Melissa Leong, Icebergs head chef Alex Prichard and Asthma Australia CEO, Michele Goldman – take the combined assets and funds under management of property companies pledging off gas for cooking to at least $127 billion.
The organisations 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.
Leong joins a list of foodie favourites including Neil Perry, Palisa Anderson and Peter Gilmore in supporting the work of the GCC.
“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,” Leong 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.”
Adrian Pozzo, Cbus Property’s CEO, said the 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.”
Powerhouse Parramatta is currently under construction and is the largest cultural project being undertaken in Australia. Powerhouse Museum chief executive Lisa Havilah said that when it opens in 2025, it will be net-zero from day one of operations with gas-free cooking.
“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,” said Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia.
Last month, a new Stanford study found that a single gas burner can raise indoor levels of the carcinogen benzene above those in secondhand tobacco smoke.
Asthma Australia CEO, Michele Goldman said cooking with gas produces pollutants can both trigger asthma symptoms but also contribute to the development of the disease.
“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.”
