It’s lights out at the Sheraton

On the 26 March 2011 at approximately 20:30 the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel will be leaving guests in the dark, literally, but all for a good cause. This hotel will turn off its lights in observance of Earth Hour, a worldwide event organized by the World Wildlife Fund to send a powerful global message about environmental awareness and caring for the planet.

As global climate change continues to emerge as one of the greatest challenges for modern society it has become clear that businesses need to adjust their everyday operations to ensure that new ‚green‚ ways of thinking become more of a priority, making Earth Hour only the first step that should be taken by all businesses as well as homes. It was therefore astonishing to find that, on Saturday, 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour to date. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common ‚ our planet. And for the third year, the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel is proud to say that we are part of this ‚green‚ initiative not only by switching off our lights on this specific day but also by carrying this initiative through in our daily run of business.

‚Earth Hour gives the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel the opportunity to take part in the biggest ever global event in the fight against climate change, and to demonstrate to our associates, guests and suppliers just how important simple actions can be towards saving energy and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions‚ , said Mr Joerg U. Limper, General Manager of the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel. ‚Earth Hour symbolizes that working together each of us at the hotel can make an impactful difference on the health of our planet.‚

To ensure that the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel’s support towards Earth Hour 2011 is successful and a safe experience for our guests this 5-star hotel will be sharing energy-saving measures during this 1 hour period which will include the turning off of exterior signage lighting and dimming or turning off all non-essential interior lighting. Candlelight will be used in appropriate public areas under strict supervision of our qualified associates and security.

To furthermore show our commitment to this worthy initiative, the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel will have a candlelit check in between 20:30 and 21:30 which will be as efficient and quick as any other day. We are also inviting all our guests to a candlelit braai on the Union Terrace in support of Earth Hour where they can enjoy a complementary ‚green‚ cocktail with their meal. Our world class chefs will put their renowned talents to work to prepare a feast without using any form of electricity. From Carpaccio of springbok with parmesan shavings and passion fruit dressing to marinated lamb on the spit and chicken korma, guests will be able to experience Earth Hour at its finest. And, what is a candlelit braai without heavenly desserts? A specially prepared selection of puddings including chocolate mousse, sticky toffee pudding with cr√®me anglaise and chocolate brownies with berry compote will ensure that this year’s Earth Hour is even more memorable than the last. (Please click on the link to view the entire Earth Hour 2011 Buffet Menu: Menu)

Reserve your seat at the Earth Hour 2011 Braai for the 26th of March 2011 at 18:30 today for only R220 per person by contacting our Banqueting Call Center on 012 429 9999, e-mail function.01136@sheraton.com or visit our website on www.sheratonpretoria.com.

The Sheraton Pretoria Hotel is inviting everyone to follow our Earth Hour 2011 initiative on the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel’s Facebook Fan Page and on Twitter. We also encourage everyone to join in the Earth Hour 2011 by switching off lights for an hour on the 26th of March 2011 and to experience the difference that you can make. Because turning off the lights is always better when shared. Visit www.earthhour.org and show the world what can be done.