Earth Hour 2014 - Focus on Business

Every year, hundreds of thousands of businesses, governments and organizations come together to call for action. It is a call to take responsibility for our environmental impact and join a growing international community who are committed to leading global environmental change.

The first Earth Hour event was on March 31, 2007. On that day WWF-Australia inspired people in Sydney to show their support for climate change action. They succeeded in convincing more than 2.2 million individuals and 2,000 businesses to turn out their lights out for one hour in the first Earth Hour event.

Businesses are encouraged to “Be a part of this planetary revolution.” They are further encouraged to engage and inspire employees, customers, suppliers, clients, industry and communities all year round.

Earth Hour affords an opportunity to look at ways to waste less and diminish our ecological footprint in the workplace. In addition to switching off all non-‐essential lights in buildings, facilities and signage from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on Saturday 29 March 2014, businesses are encouraged to make the commitment take action and take better care of the planet in the year ahead.

Businesses located in larger buildings are encouraged to plan ahead with facilities and building managers to manage the logistics of switching off non-‐essential lighting for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is a great opportunity for your organization or business to step forward and be a leader in your community. It does not matter how big your business or organization is, every contribution is valuable and has the power to make a difference. Switch off the lights of your premises and encourage your staff, members and customers to participate in Earth Hour too. Take action and inspire more efforts that go beyond the hour by implementing practices and offering services that facilitate ongoing changes. Join hundreds of thousands of committed businesses around the world in leading global environmental change.

Earth Hour encourages efficiency, waste reduction and a diminished environmental footprint, not only from participating companies but throughout their supply chains.

As explained by Earth Hour, “Sustainable practices aren’t just good for the bottom line. We all have a stake in the future of our planet and must learn to operate in ways that don’t deplete our world’s limited natural resources. Participating in Earth Hour is a great way to show your customers and community that your organization genuinely cares about their future and are showing leadership in finding solutions to our environmental challenges.”

Businesses have been further encouraged to send emails and letters to other businesses, employees, suppliers, commercial and non-commercial customers and governments. For sample letters and emails go to the Earth Day “How-To Guide“. This How-To Guide is designed to help Organizations, Corporates, Educational institutions and Governments take action on and beyond March 29th. This PDF document offers guidance on how to use “your power” to create impact.