Cook County officials announced on March 25 that several county buildings will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 26, in observance of Earth Hour. The event is part of a global movement aimed at raising awareness about climate change.
Earth Hour encourages individuals and organizations worldwide to switch off non-essential lighting for one hour as a symbol of commitment to climate action. Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability and Department of Facilities Management are urging residents to participate by turning off their own lights during the designated hour.
Emergency lighting and all lighting necessary for public safety will remain on during this period, but reducing other lighting can help save energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Cook County residents play an important role in reducing our carbon footprint and fighting climate change,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “As the second largest county in the United States, every single step we can take to ensure future generations have a healthy environment to grow up in counts.”
Eleven county buildings will participate in Earth Hour, including the Cook County Building at 118 N. Clark St., Dunne Administration Building, Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (court building only), Domestic Violence Courthouse, courthouses in Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham, Leighton Criminal Court Building, and Criminal Courts Administration Building.
Cook County released its Clean Energy Plan for county-owned facilities in July 2020. The plan aims for a 45% reduction in carbon emissions and use of 100% renewable electricity by 2030, with a goal of making facilities carbon neutral by 2050. Since 2010, the county has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities by 40%. In recognition of these efforts, Cook County received a National Association of Counties Achievement Award for its Clean Energy Plan in 2021.
Earth Hour is organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature. More information about the initiative can be found at www.earthhour.org.
