This Saturday, Denver International Airport will participate for the first time in observing Earth Hour. The worldwide event encourages people to turn off their lights for an hour in solidarity with the environment.
No need for passengers to panic, though. The runway lights will remain on, and officials assure that airport operations won't be impacted.
The LED illuminated DIA sign along Pena Boulevard will first be turned green from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., symbolizing Denver’s efforts toward being a greener city. That sign, along with the Jeppeson terminal sign will then be turned off entirely from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Also going dark for the hour will be the lights illuminating the infamous blue “Mustang” statue -- although the horse's red eyes will still gleam.
DIA officials say they’re also encouraging employees to turn off non-essential lights during Earth Hour.
In a press release, Kim Day, Manager of Aviation said:
“Denver International Airport has a widespread reputation as a green airport, and we are a leader in working to reduce the environmental impact of our daily operations.”
Day says the airport strives to maintain its green reputation with recycling and sustainability initiatives such as Greenprint Denver. DIA currently recycles or reuses 21 different kinds of materials, including nearly 70 percent of collected de-icing fluids.
More than 7,000 cities and towns in 152 countries are participating in this Saturday’s Earth Hour.
