Lights out at Westpac to shine light on climate change
26 March, 2009
Westpac will turn off the lights at all of its corporate sites across Australia this Saturday as part of its commitment to Earth Hour.
Westpac General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Sally Herman, said Westpac was encouraging its customers, suppliers and employees to get involved.
"Earth Hour presents an opportunity for everyone to consider their impact on the environment and to commit to take action to further reduce their carbon footprint," Ms Herman said.
"At Westpac we have been tackling environmental issues for more than 15 years, reducing our impact on the environment, and contributing to the awareness and understanding of climate change."
As part of its five-year climate change strategy, Westpac has committed to an aggressive overall emissions reduction target of 30% by 2013. Westpac will also continue to develop products and services to help customers reduce their own carbon footprint.
"We are encouraging our employees to participate in Earth Hour at work and at home, by switching off lights and all non-essential electrical items, such as computers, photocopiers and printers," Ms Herman concluded.
Earth Hour begins at 8.30pm local time, Saturday, 28 March 2009.
How Westpac is supporting Earth Hour
- Westpac will turn off the on-floor lights and sky signage in all its corporate offices across Australia for Earth Hour
- In Sydney, Westpac's two main buildings (Westpac Place and 60 Martin Place), will be completely dark, apart from essential security lighting
- At all other corporate offices, including Westpac Business Banking Centres, all occupied floor lights will be turned off. As a tenant at various sites, Westpac is also working with the relevant building owners to encourage full participation in Earth Hour.
- All Westpac sky signs will be turned off, including the iconic 'barometer' on the top of Westpac Place in Sydney
- Westpac will maintain all essential security lighting, (including ATMs) to ensure employee and customer safety
- All Westpac branches already turn off non-essential lights every night
- Westpac has also encouraged employees, suppliers and customers to get involved, turn their lights off on the night, and take action on climate change
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Westpac is helping to promote Earth Hour by displaying Earth Hour posters postcards in its branches nationwide and promoting the event on its website.
