Melissa Leong Adds Voice to Global Cooksafe Coalition

Television personality Melissa Leong has joined property and culture leaders Frasers Property Australia, International Towers, Cbus Property and Powerhouse Museum Group in pledging for the future of electric cooking.

The Global Cooksafe Coalition hosted an exciting announcement from Frasers Property Australia, International Towers Cbus Property and the Powerhouse Museum group, pledging to exit gas in favour of safe, sustainable electric cooking.

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

Together they 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.

The announcement was made from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Sydney, and including an exclusive panel discussion with Icebergs Executive Chef Alex Prichard as well, food communicator and television personality Melissa Leong and Asthma Australia CEO, Michele Goldman.

Melissa Leong joins a prestigious list of food culture leaders, including Neil Perry, Peter Gilmore and Palisa Anderson, in supporting the work of the GCC, inspired by 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 Leong.

“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,” said Felicity Armstrong, General Manager of Assets at Frasers Property Australia.

“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.”

“Powerhouse Parramatta is currently under construction and is the largest cultural project being undertaken in Australia,” added Powerhouse Museum Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

“When it opens in 2025, it will be net-zero from day one of operations with gas-free cooking. Our Powerhouse Food program will connect industry leaders and enable cultural connections with food, featuring learning and community led programs, cultural exchange and culinary industry events.”

Chef Peter Gilmore has also joined 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 performance-wise and environmentally,” he said.

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

More information: cooksafecoalition.org