Staff at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will again take part in the global movement to conserve energy and help protect the planet by switching off lights for Earth Hour this year.

All non-essential lights and electronic equipment will be turned off at DIAC’s Belconnen headquarters and offices across Australia at 8.30pm on March 28.

DIAC’s efforts will truly be global with Australia’s immigration posts across the world also urged to join the hour of darkness to help the environment.

“Earth Hour is about taking simple steps every day that collectively reduce carbon emissions,” a DIAC spokesman said.

It is the second year the Department has taken part in the initiative and follows the Department’s recent participation in Business Clean-Up Day, which was undertaken as part of Clean Up Australia Day.

“We have a strong environmental focus here at the Department and our participation in Earth Hour demonstrates our on-going commitment to environmental sustainability,” the spokesman said.

DIAC staff are being encouraged to support Earth Hour at home too and enlist the support of family and friends.

“Just by taking the simple step of turning off the lights we can make a big change in people’s awareness about environmental issues and contribute to saving the planet,” the spokesman said.

It is hoped one billion people around the globe will vote to save the earth by switching lights off for Earth Hour.

Media enquiries: DIAC National Communications (02) 6264 2244