Park District Helps Chicago ‘Flip the Switch’ during Earth Hour
Release Date: 02/27/09
For one hour on March 28 at 8:30pm, the Chicago Park District along with the City of Chicago, area businesses and residents will participate in a global event, Earth Hour, which draws attention to climate change by doing the simple act of safely turning out lights.
During the Earth Hour event, the Chicago Park District has committed to turning off all field house lights and architectural lighting that includes Buckingham Fountain, various monuments throughout the Park District and Waveland Clock Tower.All security lights will remain illuminated for the safety of our residents and park patrons.
“The Park District is encouraging all of our staff and park patrons to participate in this global event that helps raise awareness about climate change,” said Timothy J. Mitchell, Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO.“Our commitment to the environment extends beyond this singular event.We are continuously striving to operate with a higher level of energy efficiency year after year by implementing new practices that would help protect our environment.”
In 2008, the Chicago Park District committed to decreasing energy usage by 10% across the more than 7600 acres of land it owns and operates.30% of the District’s electrical energy is being supplied from a renewable energy source through a new contract with the State of Illinois and the energy supplier; Integrys Energy Services, who has agreed to provide 10% of the renewable energy at the same fixed price rate of standard electricity.
With close to 300 field houses ranging in size from 800 – 8000 square feet and some dating back to the 1890s, the Park District is working to renovate the thermal shell of inefficient buildings, install new high efficient equipment and control systems and retrofit the lighting systems.Additionally, systematic replacement of incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs began in 2005 and continues today.
To register for Earth Hour or for more ideas about how to celebrate Earth Hour in Chicago, visit http://www.earthhourus.org/chicago/chicago.php.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529