TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s major convenience store chains will switch off lights for Earth Hour on Saturday evening to promote energy saving and climate awareness, CNA reported Tuesday.
Economic Daily News reported that 7-Eleven will turn off sign lights for two hours, longer than in previous years. The company has also coordinated with stores in the Philippines, bringing the total number of participating outlets to more than 10,000 across both markets.
Uni-President said the joint action is the largest cross-border lights-off event by convenience stores in Asia. Philippine stores alone will include more than 4,500 outlets and are expected to save over 5,200 kWh of electricity, per ETToday.
Other businesses and brands under the group will also join the campaign, along with partner firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. About 540 brands are expected to take part in the energy-saving event.
Familymart said it will turn off store signs for one hour starting at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. The company estimates the move will cut carbon emissions by nearly 2,900 kilograms, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of about 240 trees, per Mirror Media.
OK Mart said it will follow the same one-hour lights-off schedule across all its Taiwan stores. The three major chains aim to raise public awareness of energy saving and climate action through the global event.
Earth Hour is a global event where people and businesses turn off non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness of climate change. It is organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature and held annually to promote energy conservation.
