Queenslanders sign up to 'switch off'

As the countdown to Earth Hour begins, Queenslanders are rushing to sign up to switch off.

Nearly 300 Queensland businesses and more than 2,000 people so far have pledged to turn off their lights for an hour in support of the WWF-led event on March 29.

At 8pm Brisbane and South East Queensland will join other world cities in the mass power switch-off to raise awareness about climate change and demonstrate support for greater energy efficiency and conservation.

WWF Queensland Policy Manager Kellie Caught said she was excited by the prospect of so many businesses and individuals pledging their support for the night.

She said the jump in support coincided with Australia's involvement in the Kyoto Protocol coming into force.

“We are seeing a sustainability revolution taking place with companies both large and small beginning to address climate change, and show leadership in dealing with this critical challenge,” Ms Caught said.

Corporate Australia is showing breakthrough commitment to Earth Hour, with more than three quarters of the top 100 ASX listed companies agreeing to switch off their lights and more companies set to join the movement before the March 29 deadline.

WWF CEO Greg Bourne said Earth Hour’s strength relied on individuals taking action.

“The support of each individual within every business in Australia and the combined difference they will make as part of a huge environmental movement is critical," Mr Bourne said.

Earth Hour is just the first step in educating staff about the easy and cost effective ways of embracing green policies in the workplace.

If Australia’s commercial sector turned off lights when buildings were not in use and combined this action with other energy efficient technologies they could reduce lighting emissions by up to 70 per cent, saving around 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.