Ayala properties join Earth Hour switch-off tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Premier developer Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) and subsidiary Cebu Property Ventures and development Corporation (CPVDC) join the rest of the global community for the Earth Hour switch-off tonight.

Earth Hour is a global sustainability movement which aims to raise awareness on energy conservation and other efforts to help save the environment. Initiated in Sydney, Australia in 2007, individuals and businesses are encouraged to turn their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change.

CHI and CPVDC companies own and operate the two major business and commercial hubs in the city – Cebu Business Park and Asiatown I.T. Park.

For the hour-long switch-off of selected lighting and electrical equipment, an estimated 3,876.11 kilowatt hours will be saved. This is inclusive of Cebu Business Park, Asiatown I.T. Park and CHI-managed properties including Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Holdings Center, Ayala Life FGU Center, City Sports Club Cebu, Park Towers 1 & 2, Amara, Garden Ridge Village, eOffice, eBloc Tower and The Walk.

This translates to an estimated equivalent CO2 emission reduction of 743.83 kilograms.

CHI has also encouraged employees and neighboring communities to participate and turn off lights and appliances in their homes for at least an hour.

At Ayala Center Cebu winners for the week-long online Earth Hour initiative, will be announced. On Ayala Center Cebu’s Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu), customers were invited to post or upload their commitments of small acts to help mother Earth by answering the question, “How will you go beyond the hour to help the Earth?” The top five mall merchants with the best and most relevant environmentally-friendly efforts will also be recognized during the Earth Hour party.

At the Activity Area, a glow-in-the-dark wall dubbed, “Pledge to Go Beyond the Hour” has been set up. Customers can sign the wall as a pledge of support to this global initiative.

Leading to tonight’s switch-off countdown at 8:30 in the evening, local band Jed & Christian will be entertaining the crowd. For the duration of the one-hour switch-off, guests will be entertained by fire dancers, percussionists and a capoiera demonstration. All these are aimed at encouraging everyone to take positive actions for the environment and to celebrate their commitment to the planet.

The active participation and promotion of the Earth Hour campaign is part of CHI and CPVDC’s continued commitment to sustainability. (FREEMAN)