Nedbank encourages support of WWF Earth Hour 2010 - for the sake of a brighter future

Nedbank encourages support of WWF Earth Hour 2010 - for the sake of a brighter future

 

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest dangers currently facing our planet, but unlike other natural disasters, it is a threat that can be contained, if the world is willing to work together to address the actions that caused it in the first place.

 

That’s according to South African’s ‘green’ bank, the Nedbank Group, who recently become the first South African financial services institution to commit to achieving carbon neutrality across its operations, and to reinforce their commitment against climate change,  are sponsoring WWF Earth Hour 2010. Nedbank have pledged to participate in this significant event by switching off the  lights in at least 30 Nedbank Campus sites and a number of regional offices and branches across the country between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday 27 March. And South Africa’s green bank has called on all other businesses, communities and individuals to do the same - for the sake of the planet and the future of all those who call it home.

 

According to Brigitte Burnett, Head: Nedbank-Sustainability, it is imperative that individuals and businesses don’t underestimate the power that Earth Hour affords them to drive the change needed to save our planet from a potentially devastating threat. ‘Earth Hour is about far more than a novel way to spend 60 minutes in the dark,’ she points out, ‘it’s a truly global call to action, and an opportunity for the world to put aside its differences for an hour, stand together on an issue that affects us all equally, and take responsibility for our future.’

According to Burnett, Nedbank’s support of, and involvement in, Earth Hour is the result of their commitment to the environment, their successful 20 year partnership with WWF and the recognition of the potential the initiative offers to create real and lasting change by raising awareness of global warming and encouraging behavioural change among companies and individuals, and sending a clear message to the world’s leaders that the people of this planet demand action on climate change.

 

Since 2006, Nedbank has an internal programme in all its major facilities to reduce carbon emissions, electricity, water and paper usage and to increase recycling of all water.

 

To take up the challenge and be a part of the global phenomenon that is Earth Hour, pledge your support by visiting www.earthour.org.za or SMS EH2010 and your name to 34017 (SMSs cost R2), then switch off your lights between 8.30 and 9.30pm on 27 March.

 

Ends.

 

For more information:

 

Elizabeth Florencio

Tel:       011 295 7260

Cell:      083636 7002

 

Zubeir Shah

Associate Director

Fleishman Hillard

Tel:       011 548 2053

Cell:      072 439 2035