Lights will go out around the world tomorrow, as people participate in Earth Hour, the global event that aims to create awareness about climate change.
While individuals are called upon to turn off their lights from 8.30 to 9.30pm, big businesses are expected to play their part too.
“Today, every Cell C crew member will receive a leaflet with information on global warming and a candle as part of our internal campaign to highlight Earth Hour,” says Cell C spokesperson Karin Fourie.
“Further information about global warming and how people can help combat it has also been posted on our intranet. Supporting SMSes reminding staff to switch off their lights during Earth Hour are also being sent.”
Looking beyond the hour, Fourie explains that the service provider takes matters relating to the environment “very seriously”.
“Various initiatives have been implemented in the areas of energy consumption, water preservation and recycling.”
Intelligent lighting
For Vodacom, this will be the third year of the company's participation in the event. The operator already has intelligent lighting systems in all of its buildings, according to executive head of corporate citizenship for Vodacom, Suraya Hamdulay.
“All of our lights work on sensors and when there is no movement they automatically switch off to save energy,” says Hamdulay.
“We will be switching off all the lights in all of our buildings during Earth Hour, but due to our intelligent lighting system, the effect won't be quite as dramatic as in previous years.”
All lighting on Vodacom's major signage around Johannesburg will also be switched off.
“We know that climate change is a big issue and it is imperative for Vodacom to participate. It is only through collective action - even small actions - that we can bring about change.”
Beyond the hour
MTN will also switch off all non-essential power supplies and lighting at its head office in Johannesburg and all regional offices, giving Earth Hour its “full support”.
“Since the MTN Innovation Centre is the largest corporate building on the West Rand, it is expected that a significant amount of electricity will be saved during Earth Hour 2011,” says MTN.
MTN SA MD Karel Pienaar says: “In addition to 'turning the lights off' in support of Earth Hour 2011, MTN has long-term, sustainable initiatives, such as its tri-generation plant, its off-grid BTS sites around the country and the LEED Greening 14th Avenue project.”
MTN's tri-generation power plant was completed in July 2010 and was built in order to offset carbon emissions. The plant generates a self-sustaining power supply, which generates electricity, produces waste heat, reclaims the waste and, through a re-absorption chiller cycle, generates water for air conditioning.
“We encourage all South Africans to view Earth Hour as a step towards sustaining their energy conservation actions beyond the hour into everyday life,” concludes Pienaar.
Green promises
Dimension Data will also celebrate Earth Hour tomorrow with its entire leadership team who are in SA for their Global Annual Strategy Conference.
“Our operations around the world are carrying out region-specific initiatives. As a group, we've made a request to our employees globally,” says spokesperson Hilary King.
The company is running its first annual internal Earth Hour competition: “What can you do in an hour?”
Employees are encouraged to make a pledge regarding a small change that they can make in an hour to decrease their environmental impact.
Looking beyond the hour, Connie de Lange, Dimension Data's head of sustainability, says: “As a global IT solutions and services company, we recognise that our operations have an impact on the environment. In the interest of our employees, clients, strategic partners and suppliers, we are committed to minimising this impact.”
According to the company, in 2010 over a million kilowatt hours have been saved by managing its facilities at its head office Campus in Bryanston.
Nick Caldwell, Dimension Data's GM of facilities, and also the group's regional carbon manager, explains: “We achieved this by constantly monitoring our air conditioning systems which account for some 50% of our energy consumption.
“We've also had a system in place for some years now that automatically switches off lights when there is no movement in the offices, public areas, and parking garages. In addition, we use energy-efficient bulbs in all our offices,” explains Caldwell.
Within the Altron Group (consisting of Altech, Bytes and Powertech), there is an internal initiative called Envirowatch that educates employees around environmental issues.
“Regarding Earth Hour, we have informed employees about the event and encouraged their participation and have an ongoing campaign to remind them to switch off all non-essential office lights and non-essential equipment when leaving their offices at the end of the day,” says Altron.
In a communication to its employees, Altron also highlighted the fact that Earth Hour 2011 is particularly relevant for SA as the country will host the COP17 climate change conference in Durban, in December.
“The significance is huge: SA will play host to a point in history at which humanity has the opportunity to prevent runaway climate change. We encourage everyone in SA to take a stand against climate change as it affects all of us, our country and our planet.”
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