Senedd to go dark in support of Earth Hour

28 March 2014

The National Assembly for Wales will support the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour on Saturday (29 March) by switching off all the lights in the Senedd between 20.30 and 21.30.

Every year WWF organises Earth Hour to focus the world’s attention on energy use by encouraging individuals and organisations to turn off all lights for one hour.

“The National Assembly for Wales is committed to a greener and more environmentally-friendly Wales and wider world,” said Peter Black AM, National Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for the Assembly Estate and Sustainability.

“That’s why the environment was placed at the heart of the design of the Senedd with many innovative green features forming a central part of the building.

“So we are happy to support WWF’s Earth Hour event and I would urge everyone across Wales to demonstrate their support, if they are able to, by joining us in switching their lights off on Saturday night.”

The National Assembly for Wales has supported WWF’s Earth Hour for the past three years.

As well as using a biomass boiler, the Senedd has a geothermal heat pump and the design features, such as the wind cowl and funnel, allow for the more efficient use of energy as they utilise natural heat and light.

The Assembly has reduced its carbon footprint by 35% since 2008.

“I am proud that the National Assembly for Wales is supporting WWF’s Earth Hour campaign,” said Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM.

“We are rightly proud of our green credentials at the National Assembly but there is still a lot more work to be done on this front and we will continue to look for ways to save energy.”