Penrith City Council switches off lights in support of Earth Hour

Penrith City Council is supporting Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lighting at its facilities across the LGA and is also encouraging their community to join them in taking part in the global movement on Saturday, 26th March 2022 between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. 

Earth Hour is a sustainability initiative in which every year hundreds of millions of people around the world in more than 7,000 cities in over 190 countries take part by switching off for 60 minutes as a symbolic gesture of solidarity to show they care about our planet's future.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said Earth Hour is an opportunity for residents to consider how they can make simple changes that will lead to a better future for our City and the generations to come noting “the theme for Earth Hour this year is ‘Shape Our Future’ which is a great reminder that the future is in our hands and it’s important we strive towards being a City of sustainability champions.

“So why not join us and turn your lights off at home or at work during Earth Hour and embrace the chance to think about what else you can do to help the environment – whether that’s deciding to swap your electricity for solar power or simply choosing to ride a bike to work instead of driving.

“Council is a leader in sustainability and is committed to playing our part by growing our environmental initiatives, reducing our emissions and encouraging our community to do the same.”

In addition to switching off for Earth Hour each year, Council reflects on its sustainable practices which include: 

• The use of an Electric Vehicle - Council’s EV was first launched for Earth Hour in 2019 and will turn three this year. The Renault Kangoo has covered 44,535km while being recharged using 100% Greenpower with a recharging cost of only $911 (as of 1st Feb 2022). It does not create any greenhouse gas emissions while being driven and is recharged only by renewable energy.

• Solar panels - Council continues to install rooftop solar systems at our facilities to generate renewable energy. In 2020-21 Council generated 1,402GJ of electricity from the solar systems at 39 sites across the LGA. 

• Lighting – Council has an ongoing program of upgrades installing LED lighting at facilities across the City to reduce energy consumption and cut costs that can go towards other much-needed resources.

To find out more visit earthhour.org.au 

Learn more about Council’s sustainable initiatives and goals at penrith.city/sustainability.