Burlington Named Earth Hour City Challenge Finalist by World Wildlife Fund

Burlington, VT – Burlington has been named one of three finalists in the Earth Hour City Challenge by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), based on Burlington Electric Department’s 100 percent renewably-sourced generation accomplishment, and will compete for the title of US Earth Hour City Capital this spring. Evanston, IL and Boulder, CO also were named as finalists. The Challenge, which spans one year and encourages cities to promote renewable energy and prepare for climate change, grew out of Earth Hour, the WWF’s global lights-out display to raise awareness around protecting our planet. Earth Hour will take place this year on Saturday, March 19 from 8:30-9:30pm, and Burlingtonians are encouraged to turn off their lights to symbolize their commitment toward addressing climate change.

“The City of Burlington is honored to receive such significant recognition from the World Wildlife Fund’s global environmental movement, Earth Hour, and we’ll be doing all we can to earn the title of ‘US Earth Hour City Capital’” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “I encourage our community to send a message about the importance of being good stewards of our environment by turning off their lights next Saturday evening.”

“Our team at Burlington Electric is proud of our 100 percent renewable generation accomplishment and will continue to lead through energy innovation,” said Neale Lunderville, General Manager at Burlington Electric Department. “We’ll keep working aggressively to reduce demand, realize efficiency gains, and expand renewable generation.”

While around the world on March 19, the lights of iconic sites like The Empire State Building and the Space Needle will be turned off, in Burlington, homeowners, renters, and business are encouraged to join City Hall, the Church Street Marketplace, and the Unitarian Universalist Church (UU) in turning off non-essential lights between 8:30 and 9:30pm. Unique to Burlington’s celebration will be star and planet gazing on the UU lawn, sponsored by the Vermont Astronomical Society.

Beginning the week of April 25 and continuing through mid-June, the WWF will launch a social media campaign designed to engage citizens to vote and express support for their favorite city among the Earth Hour City Challenge finalists.

*Please see WWF news release here.