University to switch off in aid of Earth Hour

The University of St Andrews will switch its lights off this weekend to raise awareness into the impact of climate change.

The University will join millions of people around the world by turning off lights in two of its most recognisable buildings in aid of Earth Hour.  For one hour on Saturday night, the floodlights at St Salvator’s Chapel and Tower and those at the landmark Gateway building will be switched off.

The two buildings were selected to represent the ancient heart of the University as well as its modern counterpart – they will join several iconic Scottish buildings and structures turning their lights off tomorrow, including Edinburgh Castle, the Forth Rail Bridge and the Scottish Parliament building.

During Earth Hour 2008, some 50 million people in more than 370 cities and towns across the world switched off their lights.  This year it is expected that 500 landmarks, in over 2000 cities and towns, in more than 80 countries around the world, will participate.  Worldwide landmarks to be plunged into darkness include Nelson¿s Column, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Table Mountain in Cape Town and Sydney Opera House.

Roddy Yarr, Environment and Energy Manager at the University, said,

“The WWF’s Earth Hour gives us a chance to show that we understand the impact that we all have on climate change.  Simply switching lights off is actually one of the easiest ways to save energy and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. This simple action helps confirm that we at the University are committed to reducing our impact on climate change”.

To find out more about Earth Hour, visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

RODDY YARR IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW ON 01334 463995, EMAIL [email protected]

NOTE TO PICTURE EDITORS:

IMAGES OF THE BUILDINGS AS THEY WOULD NORMALLY APPEAR ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE – CONTACTS BELOW.

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Press Officer on 01334 467227 / 462529, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected]

Ref:  Switch off 270309
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