Bangalore: In keeping up with its commitment to a better and safer environment, Canon, a world leader in digital imaging, will be observing the Earth Hour from 08.30 – 09.30 PM on 29th March, 2014, Saturday.

As a part of this activity, all lights at Canon’s offices and Canon Neon signage at international airports in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore will be switched off during this time. Apart from this, employees of the company have pledged to observe the Earth Hour at their respective residences.

Earth Hour is the largest worldwide movement in the fight against climate change and is promoted by WWF, the global organization for conservation. The event is an open invitation to reflect on the health of our planet and to promote further efforts that will help reduce our impact on the environment. It is that one crucial hour uniting the world and building synergies through the collective action of switching off non-essential lights in celebration of life and our planet.

Elucidating his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Kazutada Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon India, said, “At Canon India, we are delighted to continue our journey in the eco-friendly revolution by extending our support to the WWF for Earth Hour. A global event of this stature is the perfect place for Canon to encourage people and get them thinking about the impact of energy use on a worldwide scale, a cause that Canon has always believed in.”

Canon India has been undertaking several activities to promote the Earth Hour within the organisation like inviting employee’s kids to their Noida facility to educate them about renewable energy. Canon also has an online campaign called ‘Light Off’ where participants can submit their pictures clicked during the Earth hour. These pictures will be uploaded by Canon on their India Facebook page.

“We have always encouraged our employees to volunteer time for CSR causes. The more support we get, the stronger voice we present for concern on our environment. Doing several small, environmental-friendly actions every day not only saves the environment, but also helps protect species and their habitats and peoples’ livelihoods in other parts of the world. Such small steps can make a positive difference. Canon India believes in acting now and getting more people acting too.” he added.

Talking about the participation of Canon in the campaign Dr. Alok Bharadwaj, Executive Vice President, Canon India said, “In keeping with its global philosophy of kyosei, which means living and working together for the common good, Canon India pursues environmental sustainability and works towards building a greener society. Canon understands that society requires to urgently address environmental issues and before we expect anything from others we must begin the same from our end. Participating in the Earth hour is an attempt by the company to be part of this global campaign to better the environment and preserve our resources. As a part of this activity, all lights at Canon’s offices and Canon Neon signage at international airports in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore will be switched off during this time.”

During last year’s observation of the Earth Hour, Canon’s Neon and Outdoor signage were switched off. Mailers were sent throughout the month to encourage participation by Canon’s employees and partners. Approximately 30,000 people including CIPL employees, dealers, vendors and customers at CIS stores, QRC and website viewers were influenced. Pledge Cards and Earth Hour Ballet Boxes were placed at Canon Image Square shops and Master Service Centres for customers to sign up for Earth Hour.

This year too, Canon India aims to enhance the participation since Earth Hour is not just about saving energy for that one hour, but it symbolizes the first step in the direction of adopting environment friendly activities into everyday life, which will lead the way towards a cleaner environment and a sustainable lifestyle.