PHILIPPINES, 26 February 2024 – Epson has been confirmed as the first-ever international corporate partner of Earth Hour. Known for its “lights off” moment, Earth Hour is a worldwide environmental movement that aims to raise awareness on nature loss and the climate crisis. By becoming the international corporate partner of Earth Hour 2024, which will be taking place this year at 8:30 PM local time on March 23 around the world, Epson aims to inspire millions of people to join the movement and take energy-saving action for the benefit of the planet.
Earth Hour was started by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) in 2007 as an event to show collective support for the planet through the symbolic action of people turning off their lights for an hour around the world at the end of March every year. Since then, it has grown to become the world’s largest grassroots environmental movement inspiring people in more than 190 countries and territories to take energy-saving actions. In 2023, Earth Hour achieved more than 410,000 hours pledged on its “Hour Bank,” an online counter of positive actions for our planet.
Jointly encouraging people to contribute to the global Hour Bank for Earth Hour 2024, Epson and Earth Hour have made simple energy-saving actions easily accessible on both Epson and Earth Hour websites, available in over 26 languages, throughout their respective countries and regions. To effect the change within corporate businesses as well, Epson is activating its global network of sales companies to help raise awareness of simple energy-saving actions.
Epson has committed to becoming carbon negative and eliminating the use of non-renewable underground resources in its Environmental Vision 2050. To these ends, the company is undertaking a series of initiatives, including transitioning to 100% renewable electricity at all Group sites worldwide since the end of 2023. Epson is also dedicated to creating products and services that consume less electricity and reduce the environmental burden.
Epson global president Yasunori Ogawa said, “Epson is proud to be the first International Corporate Partner for Earth Hour. Since our founding, we have had a strong commitment to coexisting with the community and to ongoing activities aimed at preserving the natural environment. While fulfilling our mission as a company, we also believe in the importance of everyone joining to take action. Even small actions can make a big difference if enough people participate. Through this partnership, we hope to expand understanding and empathy for environmental activities and provide an opportunity for as many people as possible to act.”
“Guided by Epson’s renewed global aspirations, we have since put sustainability at the core of our business roadmap to achieve our own sustainability goals here in Southeast Asia. At Epson, this means sustainability must start from the basics such as reducing electricity usage. When we incorporate energy efficient practices throughout our processes, we can make a tangible industry impact. Our partnership with Earth Hour underscores our responsibility to leverage technology for societal good, benefiting livelihoods and protecting the environment,” shared Siew Jin Kiat, Regional Managing Director, Epson Southeast Asia.
“Our partnership with Epson exemplifies a collaborative approach when it comes to this year’s Earth Hour,” says Yves Calmette, Senior Director, Brand and Network Communications, for Earth Hour International. “Together we can unleash the power of collective action – but we need everyone’s involvement to make it the Biggest Hour for Earth yet. We want Earth Hour to be a moment of celebration for our one shared home – our planet. Earth Hour isn’t just about acknowledging the problem, it’s about celebrating the solutions. It is our beacon of hope, so that we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for all,” adds Calmette.
Epson and Earth Hour encourage everyone to take simple actions to save energy every day. Join us on 23 March, 8:30 PM to give an hour for Earth – saving energy, it’s just a simple switch!