KUALA LUMPUR (March 6): Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib has pledged to cycle to work if 50 buildings in the capital city turn off their lights for Earth Hour.

Speaking at the launching and press conference of Earth Hour in Megapuri Hall of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Tower, quipping "I will if you will" Phesal said KL City Hall is committed in turning Kuala Lumpur into an eco-friendly city by promoting various activities that contribute to a green environment.

"This is one of the commitments of DBKL together with WWF to organise this event and raise awareness to all parties in our effort to overcome global warming and effects of it through participation from all.

"I can promise WWF that Earth Hour will be turn into one of the signature and voluntary event organised by Kuala Lumpur in years to come," said Phesal at a press conference following the launching of the Earth Hour in DBKL.

Earth Hour is an annual movement by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) towards sustainable consumption. It encourages households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change. Cities all over the world have pledged to go dark for one hour on March 23.

This year, the colourful lights of KL will hopefully be turned off for an hour from 8.30pm, with about 20 buildings having so far accepted the challenge from the mayor.

Looking forward for what is best for Kuala Lumpur, Phesal explained that measures are being taken to ensure that KL will be cared for in the long run through plans of prioritising LED lights, proposal on light savings and night façade.

"Currently, all the new buildings are open to new proposals that ask them to prioritise LED lights and we have also completed a lighting master plan for Kuala Lumpur.

"Existing roads and lights will be looked back if there is a need for change to LED that will not be too costly. LED can save a lot energy and cost (long term)," said Phesal.

Present also was WWF conservation director Dr Sundari Ramakrishna and Philips Lighting Malaysia general manager Vennila Rajamanickam. Sundari explained that the Earth Hour movement that has been going on for five years has seen improvements in people's lifestyles.

"More people are changing their lifestyles and therefore have gone beyond that one hour.

"We are not only seeing green growth but also economic growth. Earth Hour makes you aware about how you consume energy, reduce waste.

"It is not just about that one day but it is about the generation to come," said Sundari.

For those who want to take up the mayor's challenge and see him cycle about 10km to work can participate in the movement by turning off all lights for one hour on March 23 at 8.30pm.

Better yet, start your own challenge and post it on Earth Hour YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/earthhour.