Vietnam responds to Earth Hour

      Major cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Hue, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau turned off lighting equipment from 20.30-21.30 on March 28 in response to Earth Hour launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
In Hanoi, hundreds of local residents, mostly young people and volunteer students, converged on August Square in front of the Opera House to join the Earth Hour programme which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, representatives of ministries and the Hanoi administration.
At 20.30 all the lights were turned off at the Opera House and public buildings nearby such as the Tortoise Tower, The Huc bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Ly Thai To garden, Hilton Opera hotel and the headquarters of the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee.
At August Square, Government leaders and spectators enjoyed a special music performance by candle light. According to a representative from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam aims to reduce its demand for energy use by 5-8 percent by 2015.
In HCM City, nearly 50 hotels and big buildings such as Continental, Majestic, New World, Sheraton, Caravel, Oscar and Bong Sen switched off their lights, starting at 20.30. The lighting system on major streets and at entertainment centres and shopping malls were all turned off.
Elsewhere, hotels and big restaurants in Nha Trang and Vung Tau used candles and kerosene lamps in response to the campaign.
According to the National Load Dispatch Centre, Vietnam saved 140,000kWh during Earth Hour.
This was the first time Vietnam has taken part in the campaign.