This past Saturday, March 28, the GTAA participated once again in Earth Hour – an event created to reinforce the need for action on global warming and to help generate awareness of the importance of energy reduction. Between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., energy use at Toronto Pearson was reduced by 3.3 megawatt hours, or 10.5 per cent, compared to the same hour on March 21.

As the first North American airport to participate in Earth Hour, the GTAA used lessons that were learned last year to change some standard procedures at the airport which have resulted in an ongoing reduction in power use at the airport.

Through a reduction of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems, lighting in Terminals 1 and 3, and reduced lighting across the airport, the GTAA once again met its power savings goal for Earth Hour.

The GTAA would like to thank partners including Nav Canada, HMS HOST, Paradies Shop, Cart Wheels, HDS Retail, Clear Channel and Nuance Duty Free who all participated to make a difference at Toronto Pearson.

The GTAA is committed to finding solutions aimed at minimizing its environmental impact, and will continue to work to this end.

For additional information about Earth Hour, please visit the official website at www.earthhour.org.