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Vote 1 planet Earth

25 March 2009

Monash is participating in Earth Hour 2009 during the global Earth Hour this Saturday 28 March from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

The Caulfield campus will host the event that will feature an outdoor festival of live music, jugglers, guest speakers and workshops. Participants will also be able to "cast their vote" for the planet.

The event, open to all staff and students, will commence at 7pm with an African drumming group. At 8.30 pm the campus will be plunged into darkness and gypsy tango and funk band Barons of Tang will entertain the crowd. To register for the event visit the Sustainability Month website.

The University also hopes to build on last year's success during Monash Earth Hour on Monday 30 March between 12 and 1 pm.

In 2008 more than 1000 people registered to take part.

Staff and students can participate by switching off all non-essential lighting, computers, equipment and appliances provided it does not compromise core business activities and safety.

Paul Barton from the Office of Environmental Sustainability said Monash was committed to a target of a 20 per cent reduction (from 2005 levels per student) in energy consumption across all Australian campuses by 2010.

"The University's participation in Earth Hour is just one of the many initiatives currently underway to raise awareness of sustainability issues and to help reduce our carbon footprint," Mr Barton said.

"I hope all Monash staff and students will take part in this important event."

Earth Hour is just one of the many events held as part of Sustainability Month. Staff and students are invited to the upcoming public lecture 'Greener cities by design - sustainable urban development' at the State Library of Victoria at 6pm on Wednesday 1 April.