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27 March 2008

Westpac buildings go dark to shine light on climate change

Westpac is switching off the lights at all of its corporate sites across Australia this Saturday as part of its commitment to Earth Hour.

Westpac's Head of Group Sustainability, Graham Paterson, said the bank was also encouraging customers, employees and suppliers to take part in the global climate change movement by switching off the lights at their home or work on the night.

"Earth Hour is now a global event, but the idea was born here in Australia. As Australia's First Bank and a global leader in sustainability, Westpac will be playing an active role in spreading the Earth Hour message and doing our bit to participate," Mr Paterson said.

"We believe in taking responsibility for our environmental footprint and Earth Hour presents an opportunity for us to raise awareness among our employees, customers and suppliers of the role every individual and business can play in reducing our impact on the environment."

Mr Paterson said Westpac had shown its commitment to the environment by reducing its own direct emissions by almost 40% over the last decade.

"Earth Hour is about more than just switching off the lights; it's a chance for everyone to demonstrate their commitment to tackling climate change," he added.

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, all Westpac-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.
• Westpac is helping to promote Earth Hour by displaying Earth Hour postcards in its branches nationwide and promoting the event on its website.
• Westpac's Generation W Volunteer bus will be distributing Earth Hour material during March.