Some of the City of London Corporation’s most iconic landmarks will turn off their lights this Saturday 23 March 2024 in support of Earth Hour – a worldwide environmental movement started in 2007 and organised by the World Wildlife Fund. 

The Barbican Arts Centre, the Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court), the City Corporation’s Guildhall headquarters, and the Mansion House will take part from 8:30-9:30pm. Tower Bridge, which is managed by the City Bridge Foundation, of which the City Corporation is sole trustee, will join them.

Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Port Health & Environmental Services Committee, Mary Durcan, said:

“We are proud to support Earth Hour again this year. Switching off some of the Square Mile’s most famous structures – even for just an hour – helps raise awareness of energy consumption, its impact on the environment and the very real issues facing our planet.

“The City Corporation can lead the way when it comes to climate change. We’ve recently been recognised as an ‘A-List climate action leader’ by the Carbon Disclosure Project and have been using 100% renewable electricity since 2018.

“We’ve also slashed our net carbon emissions by 66% since 2018/19, leaving us on track to hit our target of achieving net-zero in our own operations by 2027.”

The City Corporation’s ambitious Climate Action Strategy also commits the organisation to supporting the achievement of net zero for the whole Square Mile by 2040.

In addition, the organisation owns and manages over 11,000 acres of open space across London and southeast England. These sites capture over 16,000 tonnes of carbon every year, which is equivalent to 70% of the City Corporation’s annual carbon footprint within its own operations.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Earth Hour began as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007 to raise awareness for energy consumption and effects on the environment. For more information, visit www.wwf.org.uk/earth-hour.

In 2023, the City of London was listed among an elite group of cities by Carbon Disclosure Project for receiving a top score on its climate action measures. www.news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-hailed-as-a-list-climate-action-leader-by-global-environment-charity.

For the 2023 progress report on the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, please visit www.news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-on-track-to-hit-net-zero-by-2027.