We’ve asked to hear what you’re doing for Earth Hour – here are some of the great submissions that we’ve received so far!
Businesses
AstraZeneca Canada
On a daily basis, AstraZeneca Canada regularly reduces non-essential lighting levels in the building. For Earth Hour, they will be turning off all exterior lighting, including parking lot lights and signage. AstraZeneca Canada will also use a program called "To Conserve and Protect," where security officers monitor the building for electronic equipment that has been left on. Additionally, all staff will be reminded of Earth Hour and what they can do to participate outside of the office. AstraZeneca also hopes that a new automated lighting system upgrade will have been completed by Earth Hour. It has been estimated that it will help them save 150,000 kWh annually.
While still providing all essential services safely, the GTAA is still taking steps to recognize Earth Hour. So far, they have committed to reducing HVAC operations and lighting levels in Terminal 1 and 3 and reducing HVAC in some parking garages. They will also be turning the lights off in the GTAA administration buildings and will be working with the rest of the airport community (retailers, airlines, etc.) to find ways to reduce as much consumption as possible while maintaining safe operations.
GWL Realty Advisors
GWL Realty Advisors is proud to support Earth Hour 2010 in their office properties coast to coast. They plan to shut off of all non-essential lights and electricity for Earth Hour. Earth Hour support is one of many initiatives included in GWLRA’s corporate social responsibility approach.
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport
They will be turning off all non-essential lighting between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. During the hour, all meals in the dining room will be served by candlelight and complimentary light beverages and snacks will be served around the fireplace. There will be posters at the front desk advertising Earth Hour and front desk staff will be educating customers upon check-in about Earth Hour in hopes that they too will participate.
International Centre
All clients that will be onsite at the International Centre on March 27th have committed to the reduction or elimination of light use between the hours of 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. In the common areas between Halls, in the International Centre offices and in the Conference Centre, all lights (except for emergency lighting) will be turned off for the duration of Earth Hour.
The International Centre Human Resources Department is sending home a communiqué to all staff advising them of the importance of Earth Hour and encouraging them to turn off their lights and share their ideas with other staff members.
Morguard
Morguard and its employees will be taking part in Earth Hour by turning off all lit signage and non-essential lighting for the hour in its properties across the country. Morguard looks to engage their tenants nationally on Earth Hour and has provided information to tenants on how they can take part both at work and in their homes.
Earth Hour is not just about one hour, but also the dialogue, and Morguard understands the importance of operating in an energy efficient way year-round. Morguard has sustainability initiatives implemented throughout their portfolio ranging from waste reduction and water conservation, to charity programs and good governance, all to do their part to contribute to a sustainable environment and society.
Pratt & Whitney Canada
The Mississauga facility of P&WC will be shutting down all non-critical lights and equipment in our 600-employee facility this year for Earth Hour. In addition, we are encouraging our employees to do the same at home and to take every opportunity to reduce their energy consumption throughout the year. The facility is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, and over the past years, has significantly reduced its green house gas emissions as well as its energy and water consumption. We implemented an efficient waste management system, including on-site organic waste composting. These changes helped us win a bronze medal in the business category of the 2009 Ontario Recycling Council of Ontario Award for our waste minimization initiatives.
Sandalwood Suites Hotel Toronto Airport
The Sandalwood Suites Hotel Toronto Airport will be participating in Earth Hour for its third time this year. They will be turning off all non-essential lighting and reducing HVAC operations in areas not in use such as meeting and conference rooms. There will be posters at the front desk advertising Earth Hour and front desk staff will be educating customers upon check-in about Earth Hour in hopes that they too will participate. In past years they have found that most guests are very interested and generally receive the idea well.
Earth Hour is so important to hotel staff, that this hotel has also challenged the other Silver Birch Hotels and Resorts across the country to participate in Earth Hour as well.