Candle lit dinner for Earth hour
Published on 26 March 2015
People switching off their lights this weekend for Earth Hour are being encouraged to host a dinner, BBQ or gathering to show their support for local farmers and rural communities being impacted by global warming.
Thousands of Australians will switch off their lights for one hour this Saturday evening at 8:30pm in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions, with Mildura Rural City Council once again planning to turn off non-essential lights throughout the organisation.
Portfolio Councillor for Environmental Sustainability Judi Harris said this was the fifth year Council would participate in Earth Hour, with Council constantly looking at ways to reduce its impact on the environment.
“All non-essential lights at three of Council’s top energy-consuming buildings – the Alfred Deakin Centre, Deakin Avenue Service Centre and Madden Avenue Service Centre will be switched off between 8:30pm and 9:30pm this Saturday 28 March,” Cr Harris said.
“This year Earth Hour is asking people to think about the impact global warming has on our supply of fresh, healthy, homegrown food. Hosting a group of friends for the event is a great way to raise awareness about what we could potentially be losing.”
Council is encouraging local residents and businesses to turn off non-essential electrical appliances in their own buildings in a bid to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emitted through electricity consumption – one of the main energy sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
“As part of its Energy Management Plan 2012- 2017, Council set a target to lower its corporate energy consumption by 30% by 2017 (based on 2005/06 levels) and have already achieved a reduction of over 25%.” she said.
“We are on track to achieve these ambitious goals thanks to a number of practical measures undertaken in recent years such as installing solar hot water systems at pools, community sporting facilities, Council depots and park facilities.”
Council has also conducted energy efficient lighting upgrades in several Council buildings, depots and community facilities and is a major partner in the Lighting the Regions projects, which will see over 4,200 mercury vapour style globes replaced with more energy efficient LED globes.
Solar panels have also been installed at thirteen Council sites including the Madden Ave Offices, The Alfred Deakin Centre, Mildura Arts Centre and Merbein Community Hub. All up the solar panels have a 193kW capacity which can generate enough power to run approximately 36 average-sized homes.
“Staff are required to turn off lights when they leave a room, shut down computers at the end of the day and use resources such as photocopiers and printers only when necessary,” Cr Harris said.
“By reducing our energy usage, we not only help the environment but we also reduce the day to day running costs of our buildings.”
While Council is participating in Earth Hour, the organisation also plans to go beyond the hour to make more sustainable changes for the future. Cr Harris encouraged others to do the same and to visit www.sustainablemildura.com.au for simple ideas and tips on how they can live more sustainably at home.
More information about Earth Hour is also available online at www.earthhour.org.au
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
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e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au