The University of Western Sydney is once again proud to announce its participation in Earth Hour - a grassroots initiative that encourages households and businesses to change their behaviour to reduce their environmental footprint.

This year's campaign is being held on Saturday the 27th of March, when individuals and organisations across the world will switch off non essential electrical devices and lighting for one hour.

UWS will join thousands of other organisations and households in Australia by turning off non essential lighting across its campuses, and reminding staff and students to switch off machines and unplug appliances at the power point at the end of the day.

The University recently announced a research partnership with WWF-Australia to investigate the secrets of Earth Hour's success and monitor the effect on people's long term behaviour.

UWS Vice Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid, says she is delighted that UWS continues to take a leading role in sustainability initiatives and research.

"UWS has been an active participant in Earth Hour over the past three years, and once again we are encouraging households and businesses across the Greater Western Sydney region to take part," Professor Reid says.

"Earth Hour is a leading global event that encourages people to change their behaviour for the good of the environment, and it's only fitting that UWS is expanding its role to support Earth Hour and help to bring about meaningful and lasting change in people's attitudes."

The University is proud to lead the way in groundbreaking climate change and renewable energy research. A unique $40 million dollar facility at the Hawkesbury campus will study the impact of climate change and elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations on entire eco-systems. Clean renewable solar energy is also being tested for its potential to supply energy and clean drinking water.

From its humble beginnings in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become a global event involving millions of people in over a thousand towns and cities.

This year's event is asking people to measure their environmental footprint using the WWF - Australia ecological footprint calculator, which allows users to better target areas where they can reduce their energy use.

The University already takes responsible, practical steps to conserve energy and water, including planting trees to soak up greenhouse gases, and recycling ink and toner cartridges and mobile phones.

Added to this, the University saves the equivalent of approximately 3744 trees every year by recycling on average 156 tonnes of paper and 132 tonnes of cardboard.

Water tanks are used at UWS campuses to collect storm water run-off, and the University is encouraging telephone and video conferencing for meetings, and trialling hybrid fleet vehicles for travel between campuses.

New campus buildings are designed with environmental sustainable features and existing buildings are being adapted to incorporate environmentally-friendly components.

UWS also hosted the country's first national youth climate summit last year, Powershift 2009, which further demonstrates the University's commitment to leading the public debate on issues surrounding environmental sustainability.