Bahrain's Iconic Landmark joins World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative for the second time, to help combat global climate change

Manama, Bahrain. 28 March 2010: The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), Bahrain's iconic landmark reiterated its commitment to protecting the environment by turning off all external lighting for one hour from 8:30pm to 9:30pm local time on Saturday, 27 March in support of WWF's 'Earth Hour' 2010 campaign. The global initiative, which is supported by the United Nations reached out to hundreds of millions of individuals, businesses and government officials in 4,000 cities across 125 countries.

Mr. Bob Addison, Country Manager of DTZ (BWTC's Managing and Leasing Agents) commented: "We are delighted to have participated in the 'Earth Hour' initiative for the second time this year. BWTC is the world's first development to incorporate wind turbines, the use of which is forecast to eliminate around 55,000 cubic kgC of carbon emissions from the development every year. Earth Hour is aligned with our objective of promoting Bahrain's efforts in sustainability to local, regional and international audiences.  The structure of BWTC itself is testament to its underlying commitment to the environment and sustainability. By this participation we are shaping the Kingdom for years to come, and we must make every effort to leave as minimal a footprint as possible on the environment for future generations."

BWTC joined a comprehensive list of the world's great man-made marvels and natural wonders, which included the Eiffel Tower, Brandenburg Gate, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Empire State Building, London Eye, Table Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue, Sydney Opera House and the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which plunged into darkness for Earth Hour contributing to a historic moment in the climate landscape.

With almost five million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries and territories, WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message rapidly grew into a global sustainability movement, with some 50 million people switching off their lights. The online results of 2009 election, 'VOTE EARTH', were presented to the world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference which was held in Copenhagen, Denmark end of last year.

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About Bahrain World Trade Center
Situated on the Manama waterfront and in the heart of the region's leading financial and business hub, the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) project comprises the two 50-storey sail shaped twin office towers, the five-star Sheraton Hotel as well as MODA Mall, Bahrain's only ultra high-end shopping destination, featuring some 160 luxury retail outlets as well as a host of modern cafes and exciting fine dining eateries. 

The BWTC provides leading regional and international organizations with a world-class business address. The buildings are highly advanced in design and operation and are the Kingdom's first intelligent offices, employing the latest SMART systems capable of delivering unsurpassed security and maximum competitive advantages and efficiency in office management. In addition, they are the first of their kind in the world, using wind energy to provide 11 - 15% of the electricity needs of the office towers.

Other benefits enjoyed by local and international businesses occupying space at the development is membership to the World Trade Center's Association (WTCA). Locating at the BWTC offers an exceptional opportunity for connectivity with the global business community. With more than 300 centers in 100 countries, WTCA has a membership of approximately 750,000 commercial enterprises worldwide.

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 27, 2010 at 8:30 PM to show their support for action on climate change. The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. In 2008, more than 50 million people around the globe participated. In 2009, participation swelled to hundreds of millions as 4159 cities, towns and municipalities in 88 countries and many of the world's best known landmarks participated.

About WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

For further information on BWTC please contact:
Neena Punnen
Hill and Knowlton
Tel: +97317539514
Email: neena.punnen@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2010