At 8:30 pm on March 26, 2011, the world will turn off its lights for just one hour – Earth Hour. Switching off your lights is just one simple action that you can take to help make a difference and it sends a powerful message that we care about our planet.

Earth Hour started in Australia in 2007 when the residents of Sydney were asked to turn off their lights for one hour - a project aimed at bringing the issue of energy conservation and climate change to the fore.

On March 31, 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour. This massive collective effort reduced Sydney's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour.

Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Coliseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

On Saturday March 27, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday, March 26 at 8.30 pm. This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.

Menkes is excited to be part of such an extraordinary global event to raise awareness and support climate change through energy saving initiatives. Only emergency and essential lighting will remain on at all Menkes managed commercial properties between 8 pm and 9 pm on March 26. We are actively promoting this event to all our tenants and customers and encourage their participation.

Our involvement in this event is part of Menkes’ on-going commitment to protect the environment and to meet and exceed legislated requirements in our commercial properties. Menkes is committed to a green and sustainable future.

For more information go to www.wwf.ca/earthhour