Manawa Bay, the new premium outlet shopping destination at Auckland Airport, will feature the country’s first totally electric foodcourt with no on-site natural or LPG gas available.
The destination will feature 13 food and beverage operators with electric cooking and heating equipment, aiming to reduce waste energy released into the atmosphere.
Auckland Airport said 65 per cent of the energy consumed by gas is squandered and goes into the atmosphere rather than being used to heat food. Using radiant heat devices instead reduces energy loss by 35 per cent, while induction cooking equipment reduces energy loss by 15 per cent.
“Reticulated gas in commercial environments is currently the norm in New Zealand, and while electric cooking certainly isn’t new, having an entire dining area at a shopping centre powered solely by electricity is,” said Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui.
“Mānawa Bay’s zero gas policy aligns well with the Climate Change Commission’s draft advice to the government two weeks ago, which recommends new commercial developments are prohibited from connecting to fossil gas.”
According to Auckland Airport, the electric kitchens will save up to 37 per cent more energy than a normal gas-powered food and beverage area. As a result, noisy ventilation systems in worksite kitchens are projected to be decreased, and electric kitchens will save space when compared to gas equipment, which is often larger.
In addition, nearly 75 per cent of appliances in typical commercial kitchens are currently gas, and in the long run, electric kitchens are expected to be less expensive to operate. Reduced energy use on-site reduces demand on the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
A $200 million-plus premium outlet shopping centre, Manawa Bay, will house 100 stores selling sought-after fashion, athleisure, lifestyle, and homeware brands when it opens next year. The dining precinct will be positioned in the heart of the centre, linking to an alfresco space overlooking a children’s play area and with a focus on inside and outdoor movement.
