Parliament turns lights out for Earth Hour
27 March 2015 (updated on 27 March 2015)
The Houses of Parliament are again participating in WWF’s Earth Hour campaign by turning out all non-essential lights in the Palace of Westminster.
On Saturday 28 March 2015 at 8.30pm the Palace, including the iconic Big Ben clockface, will go dark to raise awareness about climate change.
Participation in Earth Hour is just one of a number of actions Parliament is using to monitor and decrease its impact on the environment.
Since 2008/09, the carbon footprint of Parliament has been reduced by 17.4 per cent thanks to efforts to drive down energy consumption.
The House of Commons and the House of Lords continuously seek to improve sustainability of the Parliamentary Estate through modifications to buildings and systems as well as behavioural change.
Rt. Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons said:
"We are proud to take part once again in this impressive and important initiative. By switching out the lights at the Palace of Westminster, we will help illuminate the dangers facing our planet, and encourage people around the world to consider their impact on the environment."
Rt. Hon Baroness D’Souza, Lord Speaker, said:
"Taking steps towards saving energy is something we can all do every day, and Parliament is working to reduce our energy usage through initiatives such as ensuring computer monitors are turned off at night, to switching off the lights in empty rooms. I am really pleased that once again Parliament is supporting Earth Hour and reaffirming our commitment to the reduction of our energy consumption."