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Earth Hour 2019

Published: 27/03/2019

On Saturday 30 March at 8.30pm, Flintshire County Council will be turning off non-essential lights in Council offices for one hour to celebrate World Wide Fund for Nature’s Earth Hour - a global movement to protect our planet.

Last year around 10 million took part in the UK alone. Big impacts start with small steps and we all have the power to make a difference. This year, individuals, businesses and communities are being asked to use their voice to pledge to change one thing in their everyday lives that will help protect our planet. Pledges could include using less single use plastics, walking to work, eating less meat and taking part in local nature conservation projects.

Flintshire County Council is also taking action, last year we generated 4.5 million kWh of electricity from renewable and low carbon sources such as solar PV and wind. This is equivalent to the electricity used in around 1500 homes each year.

But we want to do more, by installing more renewable energy and promoting and enabling green transport and active travel. We are also reviewing our natural connections and undertaking tree planting across the county which will be essential to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The Council has also been working in partnership with Plas Derw Trust to design and pilot the Flintshire Eco Champions programme across a number of schools. This has focused on sustainability including the impacts climate change, enhancing biodiversity, reducing waste, saving energy and how pupils and schools can take action.

Flintshire County Council’s Leader, Councillor Aaron Shotton, said:

“Flintshire County Council will be once again taking part in this global event. We have already taken numerous steps to reduce our own carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency and installing renewable heating and electricity generation systems on our own buildings and housing. This has led to a 37% decrease in carbon emissions in our non-domestic buildings such as schools and offices. In 2017-18 the Council generated 4.5 MW of low carbon and renewable electricity, approximately 5% of the Council’s electricity usage. This is equivalent to the power used in around 1500 homes and has saved an estimated 2000 tonnes of carbon.”

We are encouraging everyone to take part in Earth Hour. Show your support for a better world!

For more information and to make a pledge please visit wwf.org.uk/wales/earthhour.