HSBC Malta participated in Earth Hour for the eighth consecutive year, by switching off non critical lighting and air-conditioning leading to an estimated saving of 49kgs of greenhouse gas emissions. This is equivalent to emissions by 37 households.

The Bank joined counterpart offices in 35 countries to switch off their lights to show support for World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour.

The annual campaign led by WWF once again called upon individuals and businesses across the world to switch off their lights for one hour on Saturday, 28th March at 8.30pm local time.

HSBC offices and branches in countries across the globe have been supporting Earth Hour since 2009. Thousands of HSBC employees around the world showed their personal support by participating in local Earth Hour events.

Josef Camilleri, HSBC Malta Head of Sustainability said, “HSBC Malta values this highly symbolic international campaign to raise awareness about energy consumption. We also sold 4,000 candles in aid of WaterAid Ghana project which is part of our larger HSBC Water Programme. Additionally, we encouraged all schools in Malta to hold a lights-out event and were extremely pleased with their strong response in purchasing candles.”

Also complementing the event were dozens of scouts who walked from Tigne Point to St George Square, Valletta where they lit 1,000 candles.

“Managing our own environmental footprint supports business efficiency and is part of our long-term commitment to operating in a sustainable way. Earth Hour reminds us that energy is a valuable resource and it’s important we use it efficiently.” added Mr Camilleri.

HSBC Group is committed to reducing its annual carbon emissions by one tonne per employee, from 3.5 in 2012 to 2.5 by 2020.