Correction: The original publication of this article had an incorrect date for Earth Hour. The correct date is March 23, and is reflected below.
The City of Cupertino proudly joins thousands of cities across the globe by turning off the accent lights of the Don Burnett Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, for Earth Hour. Built in 2009, this landmark bridge is the western gateway to Silicon Valley. On Saturda, it will stand unilluminated as a symbol of Cupertino’s commitment to energy efficiency and resource conservation.
Earth Hour is a global event founded and organized by the World Wildlife Fund to encourage households and businesses to turn of their lights for one hour to raise awareness and promote action to address climate change. “Last year Cupertino saved $100,000 by investing in more efficient street lights and nearly 70,000 kilowatt hours by implementing energy saving practices across our building portfolio,” said Orrin Mahoney, Mayor of Cupertino. “By participating in Earth Hour, we hope that everyone can be reminded of the many opportunities that we all have to save energy and money.”
Cupertino invites its residents and businesses to switch off lights and unplug electronic devices during Earth Hour. Before, after, or during the event, Cupertino residents and businesses seeking to continue saving energy year-round are encouraged to sign up for aGreen@Home House Call for residents, or a GreenBiz site visit for businesses.
These free City programs target the largest sources of energy consumption, lighting and plug load. These account for 45 percent of a home’s total energy use and 75 percent of a business’. On average, participants save $200 per year after hosting a House Call, and $1,000 per year through actions implemented through the GreenBiz Program.
For information on Cupertino’s Green@Home program visit, www.acterra.org/green@home. For information on Cupertino’s GreenBiz program visit, www.cupertino.org/greenbiz. Or design your own Earth Hour action by visiting www.cupertino.org/green.
