Chipotle Will Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Switching to Electric Grills

Chipotle Mexican Grill supports environmental sustainability. So, they will be switching to electric grills moving forward, especially with their upcoming new branches, according to a report.

Chipotle Is Switching From Gas to Electric Grills

Chipotle plans to open up more branches in at least 100 new locations, and the new stores will "utilize all-electric equipment," the company said in a press release.

By purchasing certified renewable energy credits, the company has launched a new, all-electric restaurant design that uses 100% renewable energy from solar and wind power. It also seeks to maximize energy efficiency in its equipment and systems.

Chipotle's responsible restaurant design concept includes the following features:

Rooftop solar panels
All-electric equipment
Heat pump water heaters
Smaller electric cookline and better exhaust hoods
Energy management systems (have already been deployed in most of the existing branches)
Biodegradable service ware for cutlery, straws, bowls, cups, and lids
Cactus leather chairs
Artworks from recycled rice husks
Electric vehicle charging stations at select locations

It has already opened restaurants with the said features in Gloucester, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida, and will open a third location in Castle Rock, Colorado, later this summer.

According to Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Chipotle, they hold themselves accountable to reduce the environmental impact of their restaurants, given their aggressive development goal in North America. They plan to incorporate the new concept design in their new restaurants.

The design of the new restaurants supports Chipotle's effort to cut direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline.

ALSO READ: Environmental Protection Agency Has New Standards That Will Boost Electric Vehicles Sales, Phase Out Gas-Powered Cars

How Bad Are Gas Stoves to the Environment

Natural gas stoves have the potential to produce formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other airborne contaminants that are dangerous to both people and animals. Cooking with a wood stove or fireplace can produce significant amounts of indoor air pollution, according to California Air Resources Board.

An article from New York Times echoed the same sentiment about gas stoves' contribution to climate change. It also suggests switching to electric stoves.

Switching to an electric (including induction) stove when a gas stove fails, or remodeling is a more environmental-friendly course of action. Over the next few decades, society must stop burning natural gas and other fossil fuels to stop climate change.

Moving forward, appliance conversion from gas to electric power should be a simple aspect. Electric stoves, clothes dryers, and heaters are now widely available and reasonably priced, and they continue to improve.

In a previous report from Science Times, gas stoves pose health risks. It can cause kids to develop asthma and put adults at risk of cancer because they release the same particles belched out by trucks and cars.

So, if you are replacing your stove, it's best to avoid gas and switch to an electric or induction stovetop. Also, ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated because cooking can pose long-term health risks with poor ventilation, regardless of whether you are using gas, traditional electric, or induction heating elements.