UQ switches on to Earth Hour 2010

The University of Queensland will switch on to Earth Hour by switching off on Saturday, March 27.

This is the third consecutive year the University has participated in the worldwide effort to reduce energy consumption.

Between 8.30pm and 9.30pm all non-essential lighting will be switched off at the St Lucia, Ipswich, Gatton and Herston campuses, as well as the Indooroopilly Mine, Customs House and the Moreton Bay Research Station.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said UQ was enthusiastic about being a part of the campaign, which last year resulted in considerable energy savings.

"In 2009, UQ achieved a 6.5 percent energy reduction during Earth Hour, with an estimated total saving of 730 kilograms of carbon dioxide," Professor Greenfield said.

"I would encourage staff and students to take measures to reduce their carbon footprint, not just during Earth Hour, but as a matter of course.

"Earth Hour is indicative of UQ's ongoing commitment to energy conservation and greenhouse gas mitigation."

During the event, UQ's occupational health and safety guidelines will be observed, and emergency lighting and University security systems will operate normally.

This year Earth Hour also marks the launch of another UQ energy saving initiative.

As part of this initiative, from March 27 onward, security officers will switch off unnecessary lighting during their nightly checks of buildings at the St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton campuses.

Head of Security Warren Collyer said the benefits of the program were two-fold.

"The hope is that this program results in considerable savings in power, which will have both an environmental and cost benefit," Mr Collyer said.

"The extra security presence on campus at night will also increase safety of UQ students and staff here after hours."

Mr Collyer said security officers would be switching off non-essential lights only, and would not interfere with lighting in areas where research was being conducted.

Anyone wishing to register to be involved in Earth Hour can find details at earthhour.org.au.

Media: Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (07 3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)