The UAE joined the rest of the world for the 10th annual Earth Hour by turning off lights at all landmarks and other famous sites on Saturday as part of a global effort to back action on climate change.

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The event is held annually to encourage individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet.

In recognition of Earth Hour, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its joint venture subsidiaries Nawah Energy Company (Nawah) and Barakah One Company, switched off all non-essential lighting between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm today (March 25) as part of the global initiative to raise awareness of our impact on the planet.

“We are proud to be able to highlight our ongoing commitment to tackle the effects of climate change and environmental consciousness by participating in Earth Hour,” said Enec’s CEO, Mohamed Al Hammadi.

“We have a responsibility to protect our environment, the communities we serve and the world we live in, and ensuring that we operate safely and in a sustainable manner is of paramount importance to all of us here at ENEC and our partners,” he stated.

Enec is committed to operating in a manner respectful of the surroundings of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant throughout all stages of construction and operations, and continues to collaborate with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) in order to implement international best practices, ensuring environmental protection, habitat preservation, and water and energy conservation.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation too participated in the initiative, which was organised by The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

Empower turned off the non-essential lights for one hour in all of its branches and plants. The company also urged its employees and clients to do the same during this international event.

Empower said it will also participate in the Earth Hour Walkathon at Bay Avenue Park in Business Bay.

Moreover, Empower’s employees signed a pledge that they will not only turn the lights off at their homes, but also will not turn any home appliances as well as they will strive to save water and not waste any food.

This initiative comes part of Empower’scorporate social responsibility, said a top official.  

"Energy conservation takes a central part in Empower’s strategy. In all our projects, we always make ensure that our solutions are eco-friendly and conserve energy. We also striveto use the latest technologies which support our collective efforts in this regard," remarked its CEO Ahmad Bin Shafar.

"Empower always organises social events and initiatives targeting its employees, clients and the whole society to reduce energy consumption. A clear example of that is (Saving Starts At 24C) campaign that was held last summer which witnessed tremendous success and won an international award," he added.-TradeArabia News Service