Halton Hills Successfully Celebrates Earth HourTM

For the sixth year in a row, the Town, our residents, businesses, schools and other organizations collaborated to celebrate the global Earth Hour event, focusing on energy conservation and fighting climate change. Together, we have demonstrated our commitment to energy conservation and to promoting awareness about climate change. Every year, Earth Hour is a practical action that all of us can take in support of a more sustainable future and higher quality of life. Once again, I am proud of our community’s achievements and our 5.23% energy reduction.

The objective of Earth Hour is to bring awareness to climate change and the need to protect the environment. Earth Hour is no longer just about turning the lights off for an hour. Instead, it is an opportunity to promote year-round conservation, and the importance of taking long-lasting steps that benefit the health of our planet.

In 2013, with the growing support of numerous local businesses, schools, residents, organizations, and Town and Halton Hills Hydro staff, during Earth Hour, energy consumption decreased by 5.23% or 3,157 kWh. This is enough electricity to power approximately 2,840 homes for an hour! Since first participating in Earth Hour in 2008, the community has saved enough electricity to power about 20,040 average homes for one hour! The 5.23% reduction for Earth Hour 2013 is an important increase over the 3.9% reduction achieved in 2012.

Throughout Halton Hills, Earth Hour participants included students from local schools (e.g. St. Joseph School, Robert Little School and Gardiner Public School), residents, businesses and organizations. Many of these shared how they will celebrate Earth Hour by writing down their suggestions on posters of stars. For a limited time, these posters will be on display at Town Hall. Many businesses throughout Town supported Earth Hour and displayed Earth Hour posters.

In addition, about 200 residents enjoyed a very successful family star gazing presentation on March 23, 2013, and explored the night sky through high powered telescopes. Special thanks to everyone involved in the success of this event, including Halton Hills Hydro, Saputo and Gardiner Public School.

According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), across Ontario, Earth Hour translated into a 2.7% or 448 megawatts electricity reduction, more than the average peak energy needs of a city the size of Burlington.

According to an Earth Hour media release, Earth Hour 2013 was celebrated in over 7,000 cities, towns and municipalities around the world. Over 150 countries and territories participated.

Earth Hour is a worldwide event, but it alone will not reverse climate change. Therefore, this year, take steps to go beyond the hour, by embracing a green lifestyle throughout the year. For useful conservation tips, visit: www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability and www.haltonhillshydro.com

Additional information on the Town’s sustainability initiatives is available via:

• Website: www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability

• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineHH or @ImagineHH

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineHaltonHills