More in Singapore coming forward earlier to pledge support for Earth Hour 2010

Lynda Hong Channel NewsAsia 15 Mar 10;

SINGAPORE: The campaign to make your stand against climate change returns on March 27. Organisers of Earth Hour say more are coming forward to support the event this year.

With two weeks to go, over 200 companies, schools and organisations have pledged to switch off their lights for an hour.

It is a symbolic act to combat climate change. With more coming forward in support of Earth Hour this year, organisers want to extend the environmental awareness message.

Carine Seror, director, Corporate Responsibility, WWF Singapore, said: "The slogan is "Earth Hour, Every Hour", so we really tried to push them to think - Okay, you've switched off your lights for an hour, that's good, but now, what are you going to do beyond this hour? So I think this is more part of our discussion this year than it was last year."

"That's always a difficult call for them to reduce their carbon emission. WWF has been working on trying to achieve this kind of change with companies for many years. Obviously, it's not with Earth Hour that everything will change and it's going to happen today.

"But yet, because it's building awareness, because you keep reminding people about the issue, then ultimately, they are going to consider it and put it in their agenda."

Putting in more than just their support is 313@Somerset. It is one of two establishments to donate an estimated 1,000 litres of used cooking oil from its eateries.

Some 900 litres of biodiesel will then be converted to power a generator during the main event at Esplanade Park. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions while celebrating Earth Hour.

Allan Lim, CEO, Alpha Biofuels, said: "Basically we are powering the Earth Hour concert itself. So when the event is on, the whole city will be 'lights off', but the concert will be still going on."

The Earth Hour concert will also see several celebrities lending their weight to the campaign. - CNA/vm

More organisations, including RWS, to dim lights for Earth Hour
By Lynda Hong Channel NewsAsia 18 Mar 10;

SINGAPORE: Some buildings and places in Singapore will be reduced to darkness or semi-darkness for an hour on the night of March 27 during Earth Hour.

This year, more organisations are coming on board to take a stand against climate change.

The newly-opened Resorts World Sentosa is one. It will dim or switch off selected non-essential lights.

Another is Changi Airport which will dim operational lights within its terminal buildings and malls.

Last year, Earth Hour's main 'switch-off' event at The Esplanade Park was joined by many landmarks and national monuments in the CBD area which pledged to switch off the lights in their buildings for an hour.

This will be repeated this year. Individuals can also take part.

Go to this website and pledge your support for Earth Hour. - CNA/vm