Saturday, March 23, 2024 – It can’t be denied that 2024 is shaping up to be another hot year, literally. The World Meteorological Organization reported that while 2023 was the warmest year, there’s a high probability that 2024 will break that year’s record. One of the main factors that contribute to global warming is greenhouse gas emissions, which is done by burning fossil fuels.
What does burning fossil fuel have to do with our daily lives? One word: electricity. Most sources of electricity come from fossil fuels, and that means buildings around the world also contribute to global warming. Large buildings aren't exempted from this, including condominiums.
Unfortunately, people are likely to use electrical appliances, like air conditioners, more frequently than before due to the hot weather, which would also increase emissions. In fact, some of the appliances that have been part of our lives, such as TVs, computers, washing machines, and electric fans, not only greatly contribute to our monthly electric bills, but also consume a lot of electricity.
If the Earth continues to get hotter, can we do something to reduce our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions? Yes! One way we can do this is joining Earth Hour, a movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund annually held worldwide. The main goals of this movement are to spread awareness about climate change and reduce electricity consumption by turning off our lights for an hour every March. While this specific action may seem small, if done by many, the effect would be significant.
Individuals, families, communities, and commercial establishments in the Philippines join Earth Hour every year by turning the lights off for one day in March from 8:30pm - 9:30pm. This year has been particularly remarkable, as there has been an increase in electricity savings of 132.11 megawatts (MW) during the time lights were out according to the Department of Energy. This is impressive because the savings this year is more than double than the energy saved last year at 62.69 MW.
On March 23, 2024, the communities of Empire East also joined Earth Hour by not just turning the lights out, but by having night markets where residents can sell their products while saving electricity. There were various markets held across the company’s diverse projects, including San Lorenzo Place, Pioneer Woodlands, Kasara Urban Resort Residences, and The Cambridge Village.
This event also gave residents the opportunity to discover unique finds in places they didn’t expect. In The Rochester in Pasig City for example, the community turned the basketball court into a vibrant marketplace where residents can offer their products, like clothes.
In Pioneer Woodlands near Boni Station, some of the goods offered were eco-friendly ones like coffee and tea.
In The Sonoma, some of the products offered were very colorful, like toys that parents can buy for their children.
Last but not the least, participating in Earth Hour gave our communities the opportunity to connect. Residents get to hang out with their neighbors while joining in an advocacy that would help the world. They can also share ideas on how to reduce energy costs, which would not just save money, but lessen consumption.
In Empire East, one of our main focuses is sustainable living. Here, we want to show that everyone has an important role in reducing our part in global warming that negatively affects the Earth, which we can do as one community. Not only that, we want to demonstrate that we can also be productive while conserving electricity by supporting neighbors and their businesses. We want to not just build communities, but make them long-lasting ones through projects, events, and other activities that can help everyone navigate the world.
Sources:
https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-home-energy-use
https://solarnrg.ph/blog/appliances-use-most-electricity-philippines/
https://www.vistaresidences.com.ph/blog/earth-hour-2024-how-can-you-contribute
https://www.regalgrid.com/en/magazine/condominium-self-consumption/
Empire East Highland City
The Paddington Place
Mango Tree Residences
Kasara Urban Resort Residences
Covent Garden
The Rochester
Pioneer Woodlands
Little Baguio Terraces
San Lorenzo Place
