Earth Hour 2015: Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George Go Dark to Give Planet a Brighter Future

Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George at Syntagma Square in central Athens.

Photo © King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel

By spending an hour in the dark this Saturday, March 28, the Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George in central Athens will join millions around the world to send a powerful message about a brighter future for the planet.

The two hotels will turn off their lights for the seventh year in observance of Earth Hour, the global environmental awareness event created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

During Earth Hour, iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas remain with their lights switched off. People across the world will turn off their lights and come together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – the planet.

“It is our duty to spread the message that planet Earth is our home and that we should all join our forces to protect it”, an announcement from the hotels’ management said.

“Symbolic campaigns are powerful, as they cultivate social consciousness and build smalls groups at first, but the pyramid keeps growing and awareness is raised.”

Hotel Grande Bretagne (view from GB Roof Garden).

To underscore parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s dedication to environmental sustainability, Hotel Grande Bretagne & King George will also share other energy-saving measures during Earth Hour, March 28 at 8:30 pm local time.

These measures include turning off exterior lighting; dimming interior lighting in all public and banqueting areas plus food & beverage outlets offering guests the opportunity to dine by candlelight while ensuring of course that the safety of its guests and associates is not jeopardized in any way. Guests will be advised of the actions being taken by the hotel with messages on their in-room TV screens and will also have the opportunity to participate, either by switching off or dimming their own in-room lights. The hotel management will also encourage its associates to support Earth Hour in their own homes.