Ayala launches ecological programs

AYALA Center Cebu yesterday launched its environment-friendly initiatives as part of the global Earth Hour 2010 celebration.

The activities include a Go Green forum, which it is holding with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) Cebu chapter on March 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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Officials said the forum is meant to encourage PRA members to adopt environment-friendly practices, starting with its Every Bag Counts project, the campaign to encourage consumers to use reusable cloth bags instead of plastic shopping bags.

Scheduled to speak during the forum are Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, Ms. Pacita Juan of Echostore, engineer Elson Homes of Cebu Holdings Inc. and Reese Fernandez of Rags2Riches Inc.

From March 23 to 28, Ayala will be holding a Go Green exhibit at the second level of Active Zone. The exhibit will showcase eco-friendly products from eight PRA-Cebu members.

Company officials said the forum and exhibit are part of its Ayala Malls Greenology awareness campaign.

On March 27, Ayala Center Cebu will switch off 70 percent of its lights and its elevators and escalators from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as part of the Earth Hour campaign to save electricity. The mall’s goal this year is to save 3000 kW of electricity.

The ceremonial turning off of the lights will be done at The Terraces right after the Side A show.It will be led by Cebu Holdings Inc. executives and members and officials of PRA Cebu.

Cebu Holdings Inc. sustainability officer Elson Homez said that although they did not require participation by its merchants, it was able to save about 2,000 kW of electricity in last year’s Earth Hour.

Ayala Center Cebu officials said they are encouraging other individuals and businesses to show their support to the global campaign. Those who want to join can register in the Earth Hour site at www.earthhour.org or through the registration kiosk located at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu. (RBF)