McKinney will join cities around the globe celebrating Earth Hour on March 28. The City Council approved a proclamation that announces support for extinguishing all non-essential lighting in city government buildings and public landmarks between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on March 28, 2009, to conserve energy. City Council also urges all McKinney residents and businesses to participate by turning off all non-essential lights during Earth Hour.
“Lighting consumes about 30 percent of energy in commercial buildings and 15 percent in residential homes, and it is a primary source of heat gain and waste heat. Simply turning off the lights for just an hour is a way we can join others around the world to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase awareness about excessive lighting,” said Julie Smith, McKinney Green Programs Manager.
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million people and thousands of businesses turned out their lights for one hour to demonstrate how much energy can be saved by reducing excessive lighting. This year, more than 240 cities, including Dallas and Arlington, in 62 countries will join Earth Hour.
“Energy conservation, like turning off lights, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality. Excessive artificial lighting also blocks our ability to see stars at night and even interferes with bird migration. By taking part in Earth Hour, McKinney is committed to preserving those aspects of our community that make it an attractive and healthy place to live and work,” said Smith.
