Lights Out at Changi Airport for Earth Hour
SINGAPORE, 27 March 2010 – For the second year running, Singapore Changi Airport marked Earth Hour 2010 today as part of its commitment to raise environmental awareness among its stakeholders.
From 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm (local time), decorative lights were switched off and non-critical operational lights were dimmed at the airport. The one-hour effort throughout Changi's terminals resulted in energy savings equivalent to the total amount of electricity consumed by a typical 4-room HDB apartment over almost three months.
The Earth Hour effort at Changi was most visible at Terminal 3, where lights at the Departure Hall and Departure/ Transit Mall were dimmed by 80%. Lights at the terminal's kerbside at the Departure, Arrival and Basement 1 levels were also turned down, while the lights illuminating the 'Changi Airport' sign along Airport Boulevard were switched off.
Trials were conducted beforehand to ensure that the Earth Hour efforts would not affect airport operations. Before and during Earth Hour, the green message was spread to airport staff, passengers and visitors via displays on plasma screens across the main terminals and announcements over the airport's public address system. Earlier in the week, staff of Changi Airport Group (CAG) were also encouraged to pledge their support and participate in the Earth Hour effort in their homes.
Beyond Earth Hour, CAG continues to implement environmentally friendly measures under its 'Changi Goes Green' programme. Various initiatives have been implemented, including dimming lights at airport terminals by as much as 50% during off-peak hours,and installing motion sensors in areas such as toilets and offices to conserve electricity.
Solar photovoltaic panels have also been installed recently on the roof of the Budget Terminal and are generating about 950 kWh of energy a day, resulting in energy savings amounting to some S$60,000 a year.
CAG has also attained the Green Mark for Terminal 3, a reflection of the company's efforts to incorporate best practices in environmental design and construction. It is pursuing Green Mark status for Terminals 1 and 2.
