Earth Hour 2013 embraced by Busselton

The City of Busselton is at the forefront of global phenomenon Earth Hour’s 2013 campaign for Australians to embrace clean energy.

Mayor Ian Stubbs has joined many other mayors nationally who have elected to be ambassadors to promote the environmental initiative at a local level and encourage community buyin for switching to renewable power sources.

“The City will be doing all it can to visibly lower electricity consumption to support Earth Hour and we’re hoping that businesses and residents do the same,” he said.

An Australia-wide community challenge has been launched by Earth Hour organisers whereby the five municipalities with the most online pledges, according to their size, will receive a free solar power system.

Council has made a long-term commitment to using renewable energy where practical, including installing solar panels at the City administration building, Geographe Leisure Centre, Naturaliste Community Centre and the new Community Resource Centre, while wind turbines are operating foreshore lighting.

The leisure centre is also being prepared for a geothermal heating system.

Mayor Stubbs said making energy efficiency choices was more than about saving money and communities can make a difference.

“We also want to help create a shift in the way everyday people think about energy usage and energy sources,” he said.

Earth Hour takes place on 23 March, with lights out at 8.30pm.