The University of Texas at Austin will mark its fourth year participating in Earth Hour 2013 on Saturday, March 23. In a show of collaboration on global energy and climate change awareness, the university will keep the Tower dark all night in support of the event. Only the clock faces and aircraft warning lights will be illuminated. Facilities managed by the university’s Recreational Sports department (such as Whitaker Fields and Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field), Athletics and the Division of Housing and Food Services will also participate in the lights out effort.
Members of the university community wishing to participate this weekend should to turn off all nonessential office lights to raise awareness and support for energy conservation. Participation at home is also encouraged.
“Turning off the Tower lights one night a year only saves a small amount of energy,” said Jim Walker, director of sustainability. “The real idea is to very visibly demonstrate the university’s commitment to energy conservation. We are focused on efficiency and stewardship of all resources, not only in energy conservation, but also in water conservation, zero waste, and green buildings.”
Since its inception in 2007, Earth Hour’s nonpartisan approach has captured the world’s imagination and become a worldwide phenomenon.
The university’s Earth Hour participation serves as a prelude to the many campus sustainability efforts scheduled through April.
For more information, contact: Rhonda Weldon, University Operations, 512-471-4472.
