The Westin Beijing Financial Street will participate in Earth Hour, a global environmental awareness event organized by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), on March 28, 2009, to send a powerful global message about environmental awareness and caring for the planet.  The Westin Beijing Financial Street will observe Earth Hour by turning off its lights and taking other energy-saving measures for one full hour further underscoring Starwood Hotels & Resorts commitment to environmental sustainability.  Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels around the globe. 

“We believe that our support to Earth Hour 2009 is imperative in raising awareness to the global environmental issues affecting our society today.  By working together and implementing the small energy saving measures on a day to day basis we can slow the affect of climate change on our environment.” said Mr. Charlie Dang, Area Managing Director of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Northern China and General Manager of The Westin Beijing Financial Street

The Westin Beijing Financial Street will take several measures such as turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; offering in house guests a discount on food for the night in the restaurants to encourage guests to dine by candlelight; and encouraging the guests and hotel associates to participate Earth Hour through a prominent registration counter at the hotel lobby. 

Additionally, hundreds of Starwood hotels around the world are coordinating supplementary awareness events such as walk-a-thons in their local communities, public candlelight unplugged concerts and receptions for guests featuring signature green cocktails.

Starwood made history in 2006 when it launched Element Hotels, Starwood’s green trailblazer and the first major hotel brand to mandate that all U.S. properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification.  Across its entire portfolio, Starwood is rolling out initiatives that aim to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and enhance indoor environmental quality for Starwood guests and associates alike.

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour began as an awareness effort in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when more than two million homes, businesses, and the city’s largest landmarks shut off their lights for one hour, resulting in a significant energy reduction across the city.  Quickly evolving into a global phenomenon, Earth Hour drew an estimated 50 million people in 35 countries and 370 cities in 2008, and this year one billion homes, businesses and countries are expected to take part.
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