Global Cooksafe Coalition

What’s new at GCC: Exciting new members, plus: big news from Sydney to San Francisco

Announcing our new members!

We’re thrilled to announce two new members have joined the GCC: the Global Electric Cooking Coalition (GeCCo) and Mums for Lungs!

GeCCo aims to scale up electric cooking worldwide, with a goal to drive a mass shift in at least 10 countries in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean within seven years.

Mums for Lungs is a UK-based organisation  campaigning for cleaner air for everyone. They are focused on improving air quality in areas where children are most vulnerable.

Welcome, both!

Cleaner air for Westminister

Our Europe Programme Manager Tushar Nair recently participated in the launch of the Westminster City Council’s Air Quality Action Plan in London. The action plan is a roadmap for achieving World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines by 2040.

The event brought together local partners, residents, and leading voices to celebrate the work done so far and build momentum for collective action across the city. Tushar spoke on a panel moderated by Professor Frank Kelly from Imperial College and discussed the importance of kitchen electrification in the overall shift towards better air quality.

Chef videos are heating up online

We’ve produced some fantastic video content with our chef ambassadors this year, from Santiago Lastra demonstrating how to make a traditional Oaxacan tetela using his induction plancha at the Michelin-starred KOL and UK restaurateur Ellen Chew sharing her journey of integrating induction into her restaurant empire.

This content has found a warm response on our social media accounts, with engagement from within and outside the industry–we’ve gained over 1500 followers in the last few months! We still have many videos left to premiere, so make sure to follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

Above, check out one of our most recently released videos, a short documentary featuring star Melbourne chef Victor Liong.

Safe cooking in social housing

Earlier this year, our members CLASP and Global Action Plan (GAP) launched a pilot program which installed induction stoves and electric ovens in ten social housing units in Manchester. The retrofit was a huge success!

“The gas used to make smells and used to irritate my lungs, and I think with the induction it’s better. I really enjoy it. It’s good and it’s quick and easy,” said Farrah, one of the tenants.

Our chef ambassador Tom Shepherd, of the Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs, also visited the project to give tenants some tips on how to best make use of their induction cooktops.

This work demonstrates a path forward for cities like Manchester to improve the lives of their residents, reduce emissions and save money. You can read GAP’s comprehensive policy pathway for electrification here.

From Sydney to San Francisco, the future is electric

In June, the government of Victoria announced new regulations which will restrict gas in new builds, including new homes and commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals.

In the City of Sydney, our government partners have also taken a big step towards an all-electric future, banning gas appliances from new homes starting in 2026.

“We commend the City of Sydney for its leadership,” Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, a GCC member, said of the regulation. “Electrification of our homes and buildings is one of the most effective ways to cut emissions, improve indoor air quality, and reduce energy bills.”

We are proud of our members and partners who have worked towards these important milestones, which will make buildings safer and more affordable for millions of people.

Further afield, there are major moves towards electrification in the USA, where New York became the first state to require new buildings to go all-electric. Across the country in California, the city of San Francisco is also moving to end the installation of gas appliances in major renovations, building on their existing ban of gas in new builds.

A note from our director

Earlier this year, our former Director, Olivia Coldrey, stepped down due to an unforeseen conflict of interest that arose shortly after she joined. While we were sorry to see her go, we’re grateful she remains a supportive ally and informal advisor to our work.

After working with the GCC for over two years, I was thrilled to take on the role of Director. Before joining the coalition, I worked extensively in strategic communications and advocacy focusing on health, human rights, and sustainability.

I’m particularly excited about the months ahead, which will see us grow our team to almost twice the size; expand our presence and network in the UK, France, and Spain; work with partners in Australia on scalable solutions; and explore new opportunities for engagement in the US.

If we haven’t spoken yet, I look forward to connecting soon. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or a member of the team to hear more about our current priorities—or to share your own news and updates.

Sincerely,

Monica Burns

GCC Director